How the Ancients taught us.

"Ancient" is a long time ago, so we are talking about teachers and influencers before our civilization was dreamed of. Why should we consider their teachings? Haven't we learned a lot since then?

I originally learned the 5 Elements of health when I began my studies in acupuncture. At first the ideas seemed charming but that initial assessment began to yield to a deep appreciation for the wisdom they held. These simple principles apply to the whole nature of each person. We are not isolated into distinct mental, emotional, and physical compartments. Nor are we separate from the natural world.

I cannot explain the many influences and depth of these correspondences in this brief writing. I can only attempt a brief impression to help you understand that your organs, your emotional expressions and thoughts are reflected in the seasons. And that connection should help put everything into a framework of understanding. Your lessons will be your own as you wake up to understand that your nature evolves. If you have a problem with one of the seasons, you may find the difficulty that may have deep roots in your own nature.

Spring

Spring is the season of the Wood element. It bursts out of the cold and recently frozen ground with sprouts and blossoms that defy the turbulent weather. Whipping in the wind, the tender new leaves of grass and trees, bend and flex like cellophane but stay resolute, almost in anger, determined to grow upward, using the sun’s rays for their insatiable needs. Remember the green of these delicate leaves when you think of the spring season and Wood element because that is the color associated with them, according to the old writings.

The Liver, the ancients explained, was connected intimately with vision and seeing. They noticed the sign of liver congestion we call jaundice when the whites of the eyes became yellow. However, their understanding extended beyond this obvious sign. Anger and outbursts of frustration are the natural reaction when vision is blocked. These are also the emotions attached to the Wood element. Anything that clouded the vision was treated through the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians of influence. Modern science is catching up to that idea, confirming that conditions of the liver and its processes are linked to diseases affecting vision. I don’t think they have quite understood the whole picture if they don’t recognize the emotional signs of poor vision. This and the tell-tale greenish tint of the Wood complexion if the face, particularly the temples and around the eyes are diagnostically important to the acupuncturist and herbalist.

After the spring energy has expressed its energy and wanes into summer, everything changes.

Summer

Summer and nd summer heat are represented by the Fire element. Fully developed leaves deepen in color to withstand the long and fire hot days of summer. Water from a sudden rainstorm is slurped up to maintain the tall posture of the mature plants. Crops and trees strain upward toward the sun to reach their maximum height.

Summer exudes joy. The Heart is considered the supreme organ because, the ancients told us that it is the center of organization of the body. The spiritual Heart wants to organize the community and you are invited to join in and enjoy fairs and festivals. It is a time for celebrating human connections.

And the fire? The flames lick up up and the ash falls. A talent of the Small Intestine meridian of influence, a Fire organ, is to separate the pure from the impure.

Joy and laughter will suddenly begin to subside as the Fire cools.

Late Summer is the sweet season of the Earth element. Fruits and vegetables become fully ripe, and their...