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Introduction
by Richard A. Feely, DO
Five element acupuncture has been part of Chinese medicine since the 10th century BC. The concepts first appeared in several books on philosophy such as Shu Ching and the Li Chi and the Guan Dzu. The first medical writings were found in 200 BC by the Nei Chin Su Wen. It was later discussed by Shu Nan Ching. Five element concepts are not only of medical theory but an integral aspect of all Chinese cosmetology and philosophy.
The five element system divides the healing experience into five distinct groupings called elements. The five elements include wood, which relates to the liver and gall bladder; fire, which relates to the heart, small intestine, triple heater, and master of the heart/pericardium; earth, which relates to the spleen and stomach; metal which relates to the lung and colon; water, which relates to the kidney and bladder.
The levels of function range from biochemical processes to the function of the organism as a whole. This includes behavior, psychological state, relationships, career choices, and the like. The diagnosis of the five elements in a clinical setting is done through the use of a system of correspondences. Each element has a series of correspondence involving the macrocosm, the season, the time of day, the climatic condition, the microcosm, the taste in food, the emotional state, their color, body odor, body orifice, sense organ, body tissue, and the corresponding organ system.
The Nei Chin Su Wen describes the macro to microcosm of the wood element as such,
The east creates the wind, the wind creates the wood, the wood creates the sour flavor, the sour flavor strengthens the liver, the liver nourishes the muscles, the liver governs the eyes, they eyes see the darkness and the mystery of heaven and they discover the tao, the right way among mankind.
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