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Basics of Shiatsu

Five Element Theory of Shiatsu

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The Five Element Theory

The five element (or five phase theory) is used by many shiatsu practitioners as a diagnostic tool to understand their clients physically, psychologically and spiritually.

According to Five Element Theory, Ki which animates the universe can be subdivided into five different but interconnected phases : Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. As symbols of nature, they relate to the energitic quality of such things as the seasons, colours, flavours and emotions. Each element is associated with two meridians that are yin/yang partners. The element follow the natural cycles of nature and each element is associated with a different time of day. For example : the fire element relates to the energy of middle of the day when the sun is at its peak.

(I) The Wood Element
The liver and gall bladder meridians are governed by the Wood element and is associated with initiating action and the energy of the morning. It gives the ability to plan, control and assert oneself. The emotion associated with it is anger. And the color associated with it is Green.

(II) The Fire Element
The fire element governs two meridian pairs : the heart and small intestine meridian, and the heart protector and the triple heater. This element is associated with the middle of the day when energy is at its peak. It represents our self-identity and celebration. The emotions associated with it are Joy and Love. The color associated with it is Red.

(III) The Earth Element
The spleen and stomach meridians are governed by the Earth element, which is associated with the late afternoon and a waning in activity. It relates to our ability to concentrate and analyse. The emotion associated with it is pensiveness. The color associated with it is Yellow.

(IV) The Metal Element
The lung and large intestine meridians are governed by the Metal element, which is associated with evening and a balance between activity and rest. It enables us to know our boundaries and when it is appropriate to take in and let go. The emotion associated with it is grief. The color associated with it is White.

(V) The Water Element
The kidney and bladder meridians are governed by the Water element, which is associated with night-time and rest. It provides us with the instinct for survival and procreation. The emotion associated with it is fear but this element is also the source of courage and endurance. The color associated with it is Black

Each person's physical and mental constitution can be described as a balance of the elements in which one or more may naturally dominate. The proportion of the elements in a person determines his or her temperament. Oriental medicine considers the ideal condition as one in which all the five elements are in balance or in harmony. Wood is said to be the mother of fire and the son of water. (Water allows wood to grow, wood provides fuel for the fire). Using these relationships one can describe all possible yin-yang imbalances within the body. The thrust of five element diagnosis is to isolate and treat the imbalanced element, because an imbalanced element is like a weak link in your energetic chain that can undermine the strength of your mind, body and spirit.

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