The Five Elements in a nut shell
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.
Click table to enlarge...