Chinese Philosophy

What is the Earth Element?

In Chinese Philosophy there is the theory of the Five Elements (or Five Phases; wu xing, 五 行): Wood, Fire, Earth (as in soil), Metal, and Water. This is a theory based on observation of natural phenomena to explain the inter-relationships and interactions we see in the world around us. [see blog post on fengshui] It is incorporated into Chinese Medicine as a means of understanding, diagnosing, and treating illnesses too. There is even a school of acupuncture centered around it called (no surprise) Five Elements acupuncture. The Earth element is the topic today; specifically, as it relates to the current season – Late Summer – and to its associated organs and symptoms.

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