Five element theory

Understanding Your Inner Seasons

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water offer a beautiful way to understand the natural rhythms within us. Just like the changing seasons outside, our bodies move through cycles of growth, rest, renewal and transformation. When we tune into these rhythms, we get to understand ourselves on a much deeper, more compassionate level.

Each element is linked to an organ system, a personality quality, and a way of moving through the world. When one feels out of balance, we often feel it emotionally and physically, and when they’re in harmony, everything flows with more ease.

Wood - Liver & Gallbladder

Wood energy is all about movement, direction and growth. It’s the part of us that sees possibility and takes action. When Wood is balanced, we feel clear, capable and flexible - mentally and physically. We can stretch, grow and adapt. When Wood is unbalanced, we may feel irritable, stuck, easily frustrated, tense in the body (especially the neck and shoulders), or experience headaches, PMS, or digestive discomfort. Decision-making may feel harder, and the world can feel like it’s pushing back against you.

Fire - Heart & Small Intestine

Fire represents joy, excitement and connection. It’s our inner spark, the warmth you feel when you laugh, love, or feel deeply present. Balanced Fire brings vitality, emotional warmth and a sense of being able to both give and receive connection. When Fire is unbalanced, we may feel scattered, anxious, restless, or overheated - physically or emotionally. Sleep can become disrupted, the mind can race, or we may feel either overly excited or flat and disconnected. 

Earth - Spleen & Stomach

Earth is the centre, the place of nourishment, stability and care. It supports our digestion, our ability to feel grounded, and our capacity to give to others without losing ourselves. When Earth is steady, we feel held from the inside out. When Earth is unbalanced, we may feel tired, ungrounded, worried, or heavy - mentally or physically. Bloating, loose stools, poor appetite or sugar cravings may show up. Overthinking, people-pleasing or feeling responsible for everyone else’s needs are common signs too.

Metal - Lung & Large Intestine

Metal helps us let go, reflect and create space for renewal. It’s the energy of breathing out, clearing clutter (emotionally and physically), and recognising what truly matters. Balanced Metal allows us to release with grace and invite in what’s next. When Metal is unbalanced, we may find it hard to release - old emotions, grief, clutter, or habits. Breathing may feel shallow, immunity may dip, or skin and bowel changes may appear. You might feel stuck in sadness, perfectionism, or a sense of not feeling good enough.

Water - Kidney & Bladder

Water invites rest, wisdom and inner strength. It’s our deep reserves, the part of us that whispers, ‘slow down, you’re safe’. When Water is nourished, we feel resilient, calm and anchored in ourselves, even during challenging times. When Water is unbalanced, we may feel exhausted, overwhelmed, fearful, or depleted. Sleep may suffer, the lower back or knees may feel weak or sore, or you might notice hormonal changes. Motivation can drop, and life may feel more like survival than flow.

The Five Elements remind us that we are not separate from the natural world - we are nature. When these elements are in harmony, body and mind move with more ease, just like the changing seasons. When we learn to listen to these inner rhythms, life stops feeling like something we need to push through… and starts feeling like something we can flow with 🫶🏼