Principals of the five elementsFrom talk by Terry Dart, guest speaker at NatureHealth Based on observations of the natural world, ancient Chinese people recognised continuous patterns of transformation and change in the universe. Initially, these observations were interpreted using yin yang. These interpretations were expanded using a new theory called the five elements. These elements are:
Ancient Chinese medical philosophers integrated the yin yang and five elements theories into their medical practices as early as 475BC. Today we refer to this medical system as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The five elements and their relationships with nature and the body The five elements correspond to different aspects of the natural world and the body.
Emotions also affect the organs
Too much or too little emotion can have a detrimental effect on the organs. Terry used the example of someone who is overweight. ‘It is not about the food you eat. It is all about what is going on in the head. When you think the right thoughts and you breathe right, you will then be able to metabolise your food correctly so you don’t put on weight.’ He added: ‘Happiness is the key to health, whilst eating good food and thinking good thoughts.’ What can you do?
Terry said with the Chinese philosophy of the five elements, health is the fountain of youth . This is not about living in the Western system, where we are ‘conditioned to be stupid. It’s about being a warrior.’ Terry used the example of someone who gets angry.
The lesson here is to keep calm and not to be too emotional. Another example Terry used was someone living in grief.
By repeating old patterns it creates diseases. The Aboriginal people went “walk about” for health reasons. We should do the same.
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The above table illustrates the organised relationship between the elements, nature and the body. Working within this system of thought, everything has a correlation in nature.
We are all connected. We are one.
To learn more join Margie for Qigong in the park or attend the next Basic Qigong workshop.