In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is about much more than just treating symptoms, it’s about living in balance with the natural world. One of the most beautiful and unique aspects of TCM is the idea that the human body is a microcosm of the universe. This means the same rhythms and patterns that govern the stars, planets, and seasons also influence our physical and emotional health.
This idea helps explain why you might feel tired in winter, more active in spring, or notice changes in your mood or cycle with the moon. Chinese Medicine recognises that everything is connected and our health is influenced by the world around us, including the movement of planets and the balance of natural elements.
What Are the Five Elements?
In TCM, there are Five Elements that represent different types of energy in nature and in your body:
- Wood – Growth, movement, and flexibility
- Fire – Heat, passion, and activity
- Earth – Stability, nourishment, and support
- Metal – Structure, boundaries, and letting go
- Water – Stillness, rest, and deep energy
These elements also match with five major organs in the body:
- Liver (Wood): Regulates the flow of energy and emotions
- Heart (Fire): Governs blood circulation and houses the spirit/consciousness
- Spleen (Earth): Transforms food into energy and supports digestion
- Lungs (Metal): Controls breathing and immune defence
- Kidneys (Water): Stores vital energy and supports growth, reproduction, and aging
The Planets and Your Health
Each of the Five Elements is also linked to one of the five major planets:
- Jupiter → Wood
- Mars → Fire
- Saturn → Earth
- Venus → Metal
- Mercury → Water
These planets are believed to affect the Earth’s climate and, in turn, your health. For example, weather changes or full moons can impact your energy, emotions, and even your menstrual cycle. It’s all part of the bigger picture – your body moving with nature.
Why This Matters for Your Health
When the elements and organs are balanced, you feel well. But when something is out of balance—due to stress, poor diet, emotional strain, or seasonal changes—you might feel tired, emotional, or unwell. For example:
- Feeling stuck or frustrated may point to a Liver (Wood) imbalance
- Trouble sleeping or anxiety might mean your Heart (Fire) needs support
- Bloating and low energy can signal a Spleen (Earth) issue
- Frequent colds or skin problems may relate to the Lungs (Metal)
- Low libido, fertility issues, or fatigue could be a Kidney (Water) imbalance
Living in Harmony with Nature
Chinese Medicine teaches that we are meant to live in rhythm with the seasons, the cycles of the moon, and the energies of the Earth. For example:
- Spring is the season of the Liver and Wood – it’s a time of growth and movement.
- Summer belongs to the Heart and Fire – associated with heat, activity, and connection.
- Late Summer is linked to the Spleen and Earth – a time for grounding and nourishment.
- Autumn is the season of the Lungs and Metal – focused on release and reflection.
- Winter connects to the Kidneys and Water – a time for rest and restoration.
When we align our lifestyle with these rhythms through diet, rest, movement, and treatment, we support our body’s natural healing ability.
How We Can Help
At NATURE HEALS, we use tools like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle advice to bring your body back into balance. We also use tongue and pulse diagnosis to get a deeper understanding of your body’s condition. It’s a powerful way to sense what’s going on inside before serious symptoms show up.
You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. Chinese Medicine offers a gentle, natural way to reconnect with your body and the world around you. Book a session at NATURE HEALS and let’s bring your body back into balance.