The 5 Elements Flashcards
Characteristics of Wood (personal)
- dominant
- aggressive
- competitive
- confident
- fearless
- adaptive
- intolerant
Characteristics of Wood (physical)
- thin body; either tall or short
- big eyes
- wiry pulse
- great but variable performance
- hooves and tendons strong and healthy
- runs like the wind, quick and nimble
- good type for racetrack
Characteristics of Wood (when unbalanced)
- aggression
- irritability/anger (may bite/kick/strike)
- stressed by changing conditions
- hoof, ligament, and tendon problems
- liver or gallbladder problems
- eye problems
- seizure (internal wind)
- allergy (external wind)
- hypertension
- stroke
- neurosis
Characteristics of Fire (personal)
- easily excited
- extroverted
- friendly and playful
- sensitive
- difficult to calm down
- noisy and talkative
- enjoy attention and physical contact
Characteristics of Fire (physical)
- strong body
- small head
- small but bright, shining eyes
- red face (human)
- prominent blood vessels
- fast or full pulse
- runs very fast, but easily fatigued
- good for short-distance racing
Characteristics of Fire (when unbalanced)
- hyperactive
- high strung
- insanity/separation anxiety/restlessness
- cardiovascular diseases
- ulcers on the tongue
- arteriosclerosis or chest pain
- stroke
- sudden death
Characteristics of Earth (personal)
- laid back
- easy going
- friendly
- sweet
- slow moving
- easily satisfied
- humble and kind
- tolerant
Characteristics of Earth(physical)
- short but sturdy body
- prominent musculature
- big head
- brown hair-coat on head (yellow face in humans)
- thick lips and big nose
- slow pulse
Characteristics of Earth (when unbalanced)
- excessive worry
- obesity
- muscle atrophy
- weakness of limbs
- anorexia
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain or colic
- constipation
- gum or lip problems
- edema
- chronic hemorrhage
- rectal or uterine prolapse
Characteristics of Metal (personal)
- aloof
- independent
- ordered, organized
- quiet
- confident and consistent
Characteristics of Metal (physical)
- broad forehead
- big and wide nose
- broad chest
- good hair coat
Characteristics of Metal (when unbalanced)
- excessive sadness or grief
- nasal congestion and discharge
- upper airway infections
- couch, heaves, asthma, and other long diseases
- constipation
Characteristics of Water (personal)
- quiet
- timid
- introverted, shy
- solitary
- hesitant
- fearful
- observant
Characteristics of Water (physical)
- thin, middle sized body
- black hair on head
- deep, big eyes and big ears
- cold intolerance, prefers warm locations
-deep pulse
Characteristics of Water (when unbalanced)
- total withdrawal
- fear
- kidney or bladder problems (UTIs)
- arthritis and disc disease
- premature aging
- infertility
- back pain
What is the Sheng Cycle?
The inter-promoting/parent-child cycle in which one element nourishes/promotes the following element
Fire
/ \
Wood Earth
\ /
Water < Metal
What is the Ke Cycle?
The inter-inhibiting or control cycle between the elements in which the grandparent element inhibits or controls the activity of the grandchild element.
Which element is the mother of Metal?
Earth
What element is the child of Water?
Wood
Who is the grandparent of Earth?
Wood
Who is the grandchild of Fire?
Metal
What is the order of the Sheng (promoting) cycle?
Wood > fire > earth > metal > water
What is the Cheng cycle?
The over-acting relationship where the grandparent exceeds the normal control and restrains the grandchild
What is the Wu cycle?
The inter-insulting cycle where the grandparent element is weak and cannot exert normal control over the grandchild leading to a reversed flow where the grandchild restrains the grandparent.
How can a child element affect the mother element?
If a child element has a deficiency it may lead to a deficiency in the mother element because the child is pulling away energy
How can a mother element affect the child element?
The mother element is ailing and instead of supporting and nourishing the child element it transmits problems or deficiency to the child element.
What is the order for the Cheng (over-control) cycle? (Begin with wood)
Wood > Earth > Water > Fire > Metal
The spring season belongs to which element?
Wood
The damp climate belongs to which element?
Earth
The color red belongs to which element?
Fire
Feelings of fear belong to which element?
Water
The direction of west belongs to which element?
Metal
The nose belongs to which element?
Metal
The bladder belongs to which element?
Water
Saliva belongs to which element?
Earth
Which element is the mind associated with?
Fire
What is the element of digestive function?
Earth
A dog has a history of chronic ocular discharge and a hyperactive personality. According to the five elements theory, which organ is most important?
Liver
According to the five elements, which organ should be tonified (reinforced when the lung is deficient?
Spleen
According to the five elements which organ should be cleared/sedated when the heart is in excess?
Spleen
A horse that runs to greet you at the fence, bubbles in play, dances around, spirited and friendly is what element?
Fire
A horse that does not pay much attention to you when you come to the fence but just continues grazing is what element?
Metal
A dog that acts timid and shy and runs from you when you approach is what element?
Water
