The 5 elements

Every aspect of existence goes through this cycle.

Winter

The Water Element:

  • Bladder & kidneys. Structure & stability of our bodies.

  • Spine, nervous system & sense of identity.

  • Endocrine & reproductive system are governed in winter.

  • Slow long cooking, stews, casseroles, soups.

  • Adzuki beans build the kidneys.

  • Foods: any slow growing vegetables growing down like carrots, swede, pumpkin, sweet potato.

Early Summer

Fire Element:

  • Heart, small intestines, heart constrictor & triple heater.

  • Abundant energy, power, strength & destruction, joy, creation.

  • Bitter sweet.

  • Steam or lightly boil mature, ripe vegies.

  • Millet, corn & flour products.

Late Summer

Earth Element:

  • Stomach, spleen & pancreatic functions.

  • Nourished & satisfied.

  • Sweet taste.

Autumn

Metal Element:

  • Large Intestine & lung function.

  • Contractive phase. Elimination.

  • Pungent flavour like pickle foods, tamari, shoyu, broccoli & cauliflower.

Spring

Wood Element:

  • Liver & Gallbladder functions.

  • Expanding energy of spring. Be open for change & be flexible.

  • Food: sprouts, leafy greens & vegetables. Any fast growing vegetables.

  • Oil for our joints.