The Five Elements of
Chinese Philosophy
In Chinese medicine, there is a continuing evolution of how to look at the human body in relationship to nature. This way is the middle path called the “tao”. The next division is yin and yang, the philosophy of two aspects, day and night, always evolving into each other. One always contains a part of the other, hence the yin and yang symbol.
The five elements in Chinese philosophy is based upon the idea that all phenomena in the universe can be associated with 5 aspects of nature: water, metal, wood, fire, and earth. Each of these elements corresponds to parts of the body, sounds, emotions, and tastes. This philosophy of associations is used as the basis of Chinese diagnostic and treatment modalities.
The five elements in Chinese philosophy is based upon the idea that all phenomena in the universe can be associated with 5 aspects of nature: water, metal, wood, fire, and earth. Each of these elements corresponds to parts of the body, sounds, emotions, and tastes. This philosophy of associations is used as the basis of Chinese diagnostic and treatment modalities.
