This article written by Lela was published in issue 46 of The South African Journal of Natural Medicine, available in stores nationwide and on: www.naturalmedicine.co.za.

Magnesium

Are you familiar with the mid-morning blues? That feeling that even after eight hours of sleep you could have used at least another two? You may be deficient in magnesium.

Along with sodium, potassium and calcium, magnesium is one of the four macrominerals, essential to all life. A study in the 1960s by American physician Dr Palma Formica tested the effects of magnesium and potassium supplements on 100 people suffering from fatigue. The study included 84 women and 16 men, all of whom were given extra magnesium and potassium for five to six weeks. The findings were astounding: 87 of the volunteers improved, even those who had been suffering from fatigue for more than two years. The subjects became cheerful, alert and energetic, and some even recorded getting by on six hours’ sleep a night when they had struggled to feel rested on twelve hours’ sleep before they started taking the supplements.1

Magnesium is thought to combat fatigue because it helps release energy in the body. It also plays a role in the production of melatonin, which helps to regulate sleep; this production is disturbed when levels of magnesium are insufficient. As well as being helpful in treating fatigue and insomnia, magnesium plays a role in preventing and treating a host of other common ailments from the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to heart problems.

A MINERAL WITH HEART
Magnesium helps the heart to function, and good levels of this mineral are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.2

The mineral calcium contracts muscles whereas magnesium relaxes them, so when magnesium levels in the body are low more calcium can flow into the vascular muscle cells, which makes them contract. This contraction causes tighter blood vessels and thus higher blood pressure. Severe magnesium deficiency in the heart causes its muscles to go into spasm, and there is evidence that some heart attacks are in fact not caused by obstruction but by cramping of the coronary arteries, which cuts off oxygen supply to the heart. Good levels of magnesium can prevent these effects, as magnesium is thought to dilate blood vessels and relax heart muscles.
Magnesium also helps to make platelets, the tiny blood cells that form clots, less sticky and so prevents blood clots from forming.

MAGNESIUM FOR ATHLETES
The muscle relaxing properties of magnesium are good news for athletes. In sports medicine, supplementing with magnesium has been shown to help athletes work out for longer; this is thought to be a secondary effect of the role magnesium plays in the body’s energy production. In addition, supplementing with magnesium enhances membrane function when the mineral binds to phosphate groups of the phospholipids on cells and organelle membranes, thus stabilising the membranes and helping prevent exercise-induced injury.3 Magnesium has also been successfully used in the treatment of ‘restless legs syndrome’.

A BONE BUILDER
Around 57% of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones. Magnesium is necessary for bone formation, and many people diagnosed with osteoporosis are found to be suffering from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is necessary for calcium metabolism and for converting vitamin D to an active form in the body. It also helps to bind calcium to tooth enamel.

MAGNESIUM AND DIABETES
The International Medical Veritas Association (IMVA) has identified magnesium deficiency as one of two major factors linked to the worldwide rise of diabetes, in particular type 2 diabetes, in recent years. The other is chemical poisoning. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, so magnesium repletion may play a role in delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes and potentially warding off some of its complications such as cardiovascular disease and nephropathy. Without magnesium, insulin is not able to transfer glucose into the cells. Glucose and insulin then build up in the blood, causing various types of tissue damage. The role of magnesium in relation to insulin means that it is also helpful to sufferers from (of) hypoglycaemia.

DNA
Magnesium is an intracellular nutrient. It is needed for DNA production and function, and it activates enzymes that are important for protein and carbohydrate metabolism. In fact, magnesium is a co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic processes in the body. The electrical potential across cell membranes is modulated by magnesium, so it affects how nutrients pass back and forth, into and out of the cell.

THE ANTI-STRESS MINERAL
Magnesium is often called the anti-stress mineral because of its role in relaxing skeletal muscles and the smooth muscles of the gastro-intestinal tract and blood vessels. To fulfil these and other functions properly, magnesium must be balanced in the body with calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium chloride.

A DETOXIFICATION AID
As magnesium is a crucial factor in the natural self-cleansing and detoxification responses of the body, many detox programmes recommend a warm bath with a handful of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate); in fact, many commercially prepared bath salts contain magnesium sulphate as one of their main ingredients. Epsom salts in your bath have a relaxing effect on your body because magnesium sulphate, which is absorbed through the skin, is necessary for the production of serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter that may increase feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Magnesium sulphate can also be used to dehydrate (draw) boils, carbuncles and abscesses.

DEPRESSION, MIGRAINES AND MENTAL ILLNESS
Magnesium’s role in the production of serotonin means that it is helpful in the treatment of depression. In addition, a brain that is deficient in magnesium is more susceptible to allergens, foreign substances that bring about symptoms similar to those often found in mental illness.

Studies have also shown that treatment of acute migraine with intravenous magnesium sulphate is effective, safe and well tolerated.4

A HORMONE HELPER
When taken in combination with zinc and vitamin B6, magnesium can help to alleviate many hormone-related problems, including PMS. A study at the Institute of Optimum Nutrition in the United Kingdom, which involved 182 women, found that supplementing magnesium in combination with vitamin B6 was twice as effective as using vitamin B6 alone.5

Vitamin B6 needs zinc in order to work properly in the body, so taking magnesium (200 – 400 mg), vitamin B6 (100 – 200 mg) and zinc (20 mg) daily can help to balance the hormones and also assists in fertility.

WHAT ELSE IS IT GOOD FOR?
Some hangover symptoms could be caused by magnesium depletion, and it is possible that taking some magnesium and thiamine (vitamin B1) as well as drinking extra water can help prevent some of the symptoms of ‘the morning after’.

A deficiency in magnesium can cause a rise in histamine levels, so supplementing with magnesium could reduce allergic reactions. Magnesium has been successfully used in intravenous solutions with other nutrients to relieve acute asthma attacks, and because of its nerve and muscle relaxing effect it can be helpful in reducing epileptic seizures caused by nerve excitability. This macromineral has also been used in the treatment of eclampsia, seizures in a pregnant woman that are unrelated to brain conditions and usually occur after the 20th week of pregnancy. In some countries magnesium has been used for many years to help prevent premature labour.3

A study conducted in the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, showed that patients taking oral supplements of magnesium and vitamin B6 experienced relief from recurring kidney stones. It was found that when magnesium was discontinued, the kidney stones returned until supplementation was resumed.6

DEFICIENCY AND TOXICITY
Toxicity due to magnesium overload is almost unknown as any excess is usually excreted in the urine and faeces. However, symptoms of toxicity can occur if calcium levels in the body are too low. These include hyper-excitability and depression of the central nervous system. Magnesium deficiency is more common, and can be caused by stress triggering an increase in magnesium excretion in the body. Adequate magnesium absorption can also be adversely affected by too many meals high in protein and fat, excessive alcohol use, and/or a diet high in phosphorus or calcium (calcium and magnesium can compete with each other). Deficiency symptoms include fatigue, irritability, PMS, insomnia and a poor memory. If you are taking birth control pills and/or diuretics or are postmenopausal you may well benefit from increasing your magnesium intake.

FOOD SOURCES
Good dietary sources of magnesium include seafood, seeds, legumes, soy flour, tofu, nuts (in particular almonds, pecans, cashews and Brazil nuts), whole grains (especially wheat germ and bran), millet, brown rice, avocado and dried apricots. Magnesium is an alkaline earth mineral like calcium, and is known as the ‘iron’ of the plant world. This mighty mineral is to chlorophyll (the green pigment of plants) what iron is to haemoglobin. As such, magnesium sulphate is often used in agriculture and gardening to correct magnesium deficiency in the soil. The central atom of the chlorophyll structure is magnesium, and this is why eating green veggies (especially dark green ones) is one of the easiest ways to increase your magnesium intake.

SUPPLEMENTS
Magnesium is best used in combination with calcium (in a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium) and should be taken between meals on an empty stomach. Both these minerals are alkaline, so they reduce stomach acid and are therefore poorly absorbed if taken with food. Absorption can be improved by taking calcium and magnesium with vitamin C as ascorbic acid. The optimal recommended intake for adults is 400 mg daily, of which 170 – 260 mg should ideally come from your diet and 75 – 225 mg can be supplemented if necessary.

Magnesium deficiency is easy to correct, and if we are aware of our body’s messages we will notice if we are not getting enough of this powerhouse macromineral. Please remember to consult your doctor and a knowledgeable dietician or nutritionist before embarking on any supplemention programme or making any changes to your medication.

As always, the message is to keep a balance in all things, and listen when your body speaks.

References.
1. Kenton L. The Powerhouse Diet. London: Ebury Press, Vermilion, 2004: 28.

2. Altura B. Magnesim in cardiovascular biology. Scientific American 1995; May/June: 28-35.

3. Fawcett WJ, Haxby EJ, Male DA. Magnesium: Physiology and pharmacology. British Journal of Anaesthesia 1999; 83(2): 302-230.

4. Demirkaya, Seref M.D; Vural, Okay M.D; Dora, Babur M.D; Topcuoglu, Mehmet Akif M.D, ‘Efficacy of Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate in the Treatment of Acute Migraine Attacks.’ August 2000 (‘The Journal of Head and Face Pain’, American Headache Society, Volume 41, Issue 2, Pages 171-177)

5. Springford M, Truman L. ION Research Project 1996.( Holford P. 100% Health. London: Judy Piatkus Publishers, 1998.page 56)

6. Gershof SN, Prien EL. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1967; May.

Recommended reading
Holford P. 100% Health. London: Judy Piatkus Publishers, 1998.

Kenton L. The Powerhouse Diet. London:  Ebury Press, Vermilion, 2004.

Clark J. Bodyfoods for Women. London: Orion Books, 1997.

Holford P. Supplements for Superhealth. London: Judy Piatkus Publishers, 2000.

Elson H. Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Berkeley, Calif.: Celestial Arts Publishing, 1992.

Pressman AH, Buff S. Complete Idiot’s Guide to Vitamins and Minerals.(Alpha Books, Indianapolis, USA, 2000, ISBN: 0028639642)

Dean C. The Miracle of Magnesium. (Ballantine  Books, New York, USA, 2003)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium-sulfate.
www.magnesiumforlife.com/detox_chelation.shtml
www.imva.info/diabetes.shtml
Nadler JL. Oral Magnesium Supplementation. www.mgwater.com/diabetes.shtml
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119014522/abstract
http://bone-muscle.health-cares.net/osteoporosis-magnesium.php
http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/83/2/302

The Importance of Hydration in enabling the Body to respond to the Seasons…

This Article, written by Lela, was first published in Biophile magazine, please go to www.biophile.co.za for more information.

A well hydrated body is able to respond to internal and external signals of change in its health picture with ease and to the best of its abilities, thus furthering the beings development and creating optimum health. On the other hand, a dehydrated or underhydrated body is not able to respond as efficiently or speedily to these signals. De-hydration causes cells to coat themselves with cholesterol in order to preserve their internal environment, thereby making cellular communication more difficult. The cells are not able to function to full capacity as the more de-hydrated a body becomes, the more ’cut-off’ the cells become and the increased mucus load leads to a stagnation in the movement of fluids. The body only functions with what is available to it and thus dehydration causes more and more cells to become ‘cut-off’ so the body will be functioning more and more below par. The seasons play an important role in our health picture…

During Winter the energies of the body are more restful, less movement takes place naturally and body fluids thicken. The body’s ability to respond to natural energies (eg moon phases) is lessened. As the body’s fluid picture is quite stagnant at this time it does not detoxify as much as during the rest of the year and thus it is particularly important to avoid challenging foods and to keep the body well-hydrated so as to not compromise further its already reduced ability to rid itself of toxic build-up. If well hydrated at this time the body is less likely to need an acute episode(where body temperature is increased and mucus discharged) in order to rid itself of some of the toxic load. In traditional Chinese medicine the season of Winter is governed by the Water Element and this governs the kidneys and bladder, thus proper hydration is particularly important in order to avoid undue stress on these organs. Stress on the kidneys and bladder(caused by dehydration) can increase the emotion of fear, proper hydration can help the being to cope with or prevent excess of this emotion.

Spring is born from Winter, it is a time of movement and new beginnings. This season is related to the Wood Element and this governs the liver and gall-bladder. During Spring the mucus deposits start thinning and more movement is created. A well hydrated body will be more able to create this necessary movement. However, resistance can be encountered in the movement of energy and mucus deposits and this may manifest in skin eruptions(eg boils and pimples) and blocked sinuses(Spring cold anyone?). Proper hydration helps to combat or prevent this resistance and also helps to prevent and combat any acidity caused by the movement of mucus(which can cause eg. gall-stones and stiff and aching joints). Anger may manifest excessively at this time, this too can be made less by proper hydration. The liver and gall-bladder can be placed under stress particularly in Spring if hydration is insufficient. Spring is the season of flexibility/inflexibility and a well-hydrated body is much more able to create a flexible health picture.

Early Summer 

Leaving Spring behind one moves into Early Summer which is associated with the Fire Element and the Heart and Small Intestine. Good hydration will help prevent undue stress on these organs. During this season of rapid growth and expansion in nature one also finds a lot of movement in the body, especially of the blood and lymph. In order to facilitate this movement with ease proper hydration is essential as without it the body is not able to maintain the mobile state which is its natural tendency at this time of year. Impaired cleansing and clearing(insufficient hydration) can show in eg. skin problems. When the body is well-hydrated its ability to create movement on all levels and thus cope better with the growth and change this Season brings about, is greatly enhanced, cells are allowed to communicate more fully and fluids to flow more freely. In the Chinese system of healing there are 5 seasons as opposed to the Western four and thus Late Summer follows Early Summer..

Late Summer is related to the Earth Element and is the time of the year when the growth cycle is coming to an end and the bodies energies are slowly closing down as the Autumn Equinox approaches. During this time the body seeks to rid itself of any toxicity which has been expelled from the cells and in order to do so successfully proper hydration is essential. The mineral status in the body is also important at this time as the body needs to be in harmony with the mineral status of the Earth in order to be properly earthed or grounded and centered itself. This opens the way for toxicity to leave the body. In a dehydrated body, mineral absorption would be below par and calcium displacement would be more severe causing undue stresses. The spleen and stomach are the organs governed by the Earth Element and providing the body with a proper hydration message will help ensure that these organs play their roles efficiently especially as they are very much involved with digestion(stomach), distribution and purification(spleen-blood).

Autumn 

After Late Summer comes Autumn, the final build-up and preparation for the quiet period of Winter. At the Autumn Equinox the body might have acute episodes( eg. colds, infections etc.) in order to help shift the toxic load and improve the overall health picture. Good hydration greatly helps this process. During Autumn the fluid picture is contracting and there are toxins in the system after the Autumn Equinox and in order for these to be eliminated efficiently good hydration is essential otherwise more acute clearings may become necessary. These will only be achieved with ease if there is a good hydration picture. The Metal Element governs Autumn which means there is particular emphasis on mental energies as this Element is associated with the mind, lungs, colon and skin. The change in mental energies will coincide with the thickening of body fluids and the cells becoming more ‘cut-off’. Lack of proper hydration at this stage can cause there to be even more stagnation than is natural during this time. Without proper hydration the emotion of grief may also become apparent excessively at this time.

How can Diet help? 

In order for the body to receive a good hydration message there are some steps that can be taken related to diet. Eating plenty of hydrating foods such as short grain brown rice and drinking enough clean water(at least 8-10 glasses a day) can help give the colon the message that the body is being adequately hydrated and that it is not necessary for the body to produce excess cholesterol and mucus to coat the cell membranes and so preserve the cells internal environment. The colon receiving a proper hydration message(with the help of bulkers like seeds and phsyllium husks) will also enable the body to let go much more easily and allow the elimination of toxins to take place more efficiently. Cutting down on de-hydrating foods such as pork and wheat will also help give a good hydration message. Plenty of good essential fatty acids can be obtained from oily fish (and linseeds daily for vegetarians) a few times a week. A well hydrated body will be able to respond to the natural energies which bring about cleansing in a progressive way throughout the year thus preventing acute episodes from becoming chronic and moving deeper till possibly even manifesting on a mental and emotional level.

When approached with a loving mindset and recognition of our environment our bodies are bound to try their best to respond with vibrant health throughout the year!

Lavender..

Article written by Joy.

Well known and a herbal delight, lavender plants find a space in almost every garden. Lavender was used extensively by the Romans and others as a perfume for their baths, explaining the meaning of the latin, ‘lavare’ – to wash. During festivals lavender was strewn on floors, it was also an ingredient of ‘Four Thieves’ vinegar in the Middle Ages and country folk used the herb for dressing wounds, pains in the head as perfume for clothes and linen.
Cultivation of lavender in England is mentioned as far back as 1568 and the Pilgrim Fathers took lavender plants to America.
Popular uses of lavender today include Essential oil, fresh flowers, potpourri and a variety of uses in the perfume and beauty industry.

Kinds of Lavender:

Originally from the Mediterannean countries, lavender is cultivated worldwide today. The Lavendula species are evergreen perennials and shrubs which need dry and well-drained soil in full sun. It is easily propagated through cuttings and the modern gardner has a wide choice in foliage and flower colour. The following are a few of the more distinctive Lavendula species:

Lavendula angustifolia: Also called English Lavender and is the crop most predominantly grown for the production of Essential oil. Flowers appear on long spikes in the Summer season.

Lavendula dentata: Also called French Lavender, the plants have a distinctive toothed leaf and short thick flower heads, which flower continously. French Lavender makes excellent cut flowers and is used extensively in potpourris and various fragrant bath and beauty products. The plant lends itself to be pruned into sphere shapes.

Lavendula stoechas: Also called Spanish Lavender, its distinctive dark purple flower head is topped by ‘rabbits ears’. The shrub is bushy and can grow between 30 and 90 cms high. The stoechas also have varieties with yellow, brown or white flowers.

Lavendula allardi: Also called Dutch or Hedge Lavender, the plant hardly ever flowers and has large fragrant leaves which may be smooth or toothed, used as greenery. It can grow to 1,5 metres high and is easily clipped into a hedge or topiary.

Lavender Essential oil:

Lavender Essential oil is extracted from the flowertops and leaves of Lavendula augustifolia, Lavendula lactifolia and Lavendula hybrida through the process of steam distillation. Essential oils are highly concentrated, chemically very complex and should be used with care. Essential oils dissolve easily in plant oils and in alcohol. The therapeutic properties of Lavender Essential oil(the main chemical constituents being esters and alcohols) has been extensively researched, starting with Gattefosse’s observation of the dramatic healing effect of the essential oil on burns and Dr Valnet’s use of Lavender oil for serious war injuries.
Lavender Essential oil has properties ranging from analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-septic, bacteriacidal and hypotensive to a sedative for the heart. It is also a cell regenerator and good for help against fungal infections. Lavender Essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, thus relieving anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Lavender Essential oil is typically used in the proportion of 2 drops per 5ml(1tsp) base oil, water or alcohol. Used in proper dilution, the oil is safe for babies, children and pets.
This versatile Essential oil is available from most Health shops and pharmacies in 10ml or 22ml bottles and is a valuable addition to any home First Aid box.

Stress, a six-letter word..

Article written by Joy.

Stress is something we are all much too familiar with in modern society and it can have longterm effects on our overall health..

Physiological effects of stress:
- increased heart rate, blood pressure.
- glycogen conversion to glucose, increased blood sugar levels.
- dilation of bronchioles.
- decreased digestive system activities.
- decreased urinary output.
- changes in blood flow patterns(more to brain, heart, skeletal muscles)
Prolonged stress leads to various ’stress related’ illnesses: high blood pressure, insomnia, digestive problems, headaches, depression and some immune system diseases. Tiredness and no energy are the results when we can’t meet the body’s increased need for vitamins and minerals during stress.

Good stress?

Most of us need at least a certain amount of stress to keep us ‘feeling alive’, moving and ‘on-the-go’. When stressors keep us constantly in the ‘fight or flight’ response, disease is the result.

Stressors:

Identifying stressors allows us to put coping mechanisms in place. Take a few moments to consider the amount of stress in your life and the impact it has on your quality of life. Make a note of external stressors (sudden death of a friend, money problems, work or relationship problems, deadlines, accidents etc.) and internal stressors, mostly caused by the way you deal with situations eg. not planning or not leaving ample time, trying to do too much, not delegating, wanting to control everything etc.

Often we cannot change the external stressors, but self-empowerment and realistic perceptions are within everyone’s reach and enable us to cope with stress in a positive and life enhancing way.

The following are a few exercises which can aid in coping with stress:

Breathing:
Inner and outer connections:
Breathe deeply and slowly, imagine your breath coming through your heart, as you exhale direct your breath through your feet and into the ground. Inhale again, imagining your breath coming through your feet and exhale, sending the breath out through your heart and out into the world in all directions. Inhale through the heart and exhale, sending the breath out through the top of your head. Inhale through the head and out through the heart.
Repeat this sequence for as long as it takes you to become calm, centred and to feel connected and grounded.

Counting breath:
In a comfortable position, breathe deeply and slowly until you are ready to start counting. Inhale to the count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 6, hold for a count of 2 without breathing in. Repeat the combination of 4 in, hold for 4, out for 6, hold for 2 breaths until you feel calm and collected.

Massage:
Hand massage:
Start by making a fist and then opening the hand, really putting stretch into it. Bend back and stretch the four fingers on one hand. Repeat on the other hand. Massage the back of both hands with a pressure glide, as well as circular movements. Pinch firmly around the edge of the hands, including the fingers. Massage the palm of the hands with a circular motion as well as pressure glides from side to side. If you bend the fingers onto the palm, the ring finger will touch an acupressure point, which you should press firmly a few times. You can massage the wrists before ending off by washing your hands together and then shaking ‘dry’.

Visualization:
Using the brains creative ability to relax:
Find a quiet spot to sit comfortably. If possible close your eyes, imagine a relaxing landscape or cool environment eg. a garden or a cave, note the colours, scents and sounds that come to mind, spend as long as you like there and return to ‘daylight’ by taking a few deep breaths and slowly opening your eyes.
Visualizations using water are particularly relaxing, think about swimming in a secluded pool in a mountain, standing underneath a waterfall, swimming with dolphins, drinking from a clear mountain stream..

There are many ways to combat stress, taking regular physical exercise and following a healthy diet are effective tools for having less stress in ones life and practising yoga, tai-chi and/or meditation can also assist in making one more relaxed and focussed, thus less stressed and much more productive.

The Chinese Five Elements.

The Five Elements are as follows: Water, Wood, Earth, Metal and Fire. These are used in traditional Chinese medicine in order to help with diagnoses and plot the course of dis-ease. The following is a brief overview of the Elements, more detailed information can be found in various books, most of the information for this post was taken from, ‘ Traditional Acupuncture – The Law of the Five Elements” by Dianne M. Connelly. Ph. D.

Each Element relates to an emotion, colour, taste, smell, body organ etc. and knowing a bit about each of the Elements can help us to broaden our view of the dis-ease we are experiencing and perhaps through this finding a route to cure.

Fire Element:

Season – Summer

Organs – Heart (Protector 11:00 – 1:00), Small Intestine (Sorter 13:00 – 15:00), Circulation/Sex (19:00 -21:00), Triple Heater (21:00 – 23:00).

Emotion – Joy, Happiness

Sound – Laughing

Taste – Bitter

Smell – Scorched

Power – Capacity for Sadness and Grief

Parts of Body – Blood Vessels (Fluid secretion: perspiration)

Orifice -  Ears

Life Aspect – Spirit

External Manifestation – Complexion

Sense Organ – Tongue

Climate – Heat

Colour – Red

Grain – Glutinous Millet

Vegetable – Coarse Greens

Fruit – Plum

Meat – Mutton/ Lamb

Number – seven

Direction – South.

 

Earth Element:

 

Season – Late/High Summer

Organs – Stomach (7:00- 9:00 , storage of tastes ), Spleen (Distributor 9:00 – 11:00)

Emotion – Sympathy (Compassion, also relationship to Mother and Mother Earth)

Sound – Sing-song

Taste – Sweet

Smell – Fragrant (sickly sweet)

Power – Capacity for Belching (obstinancy)

Parts of Body – Mouth

Orifice -  Mouth

Life Aspect – Ideas and Opinions

External Manifestation – Flesh

Sense Organ – Fluid

Climate – Dampness and Humidity

Colour – Yellow

Grain – Millet

Vegetable – Scallions

Fruit – Apricot

Meat – Beef

Number - five

Direction – Center.

 

Metal Element:

 

Season – Autumn

Organs – Lungs (Jury, Recievers of Chi 3:00 – 5:00), Large Intestine (Garbage collector 5:00 – 7:00)

Emotion – Grief also Relationship with Father

Sound – Weeping

Taste – Pungent, Spicy

Smell – Rotten

Power – Capacity to Cough (expel unwanted things)

Parts of Body – Skin and Body hair

Orifice -  Nose

Life Aspect – Spiritual Resource, is Inferior, Animal Spirit

External Manifestation – Skin and Body hair

Secretion – Mucous

Climate – Dry

Colour – White

Grain – Rice

Vegetable – Onions

Fruit – Chestnut

Meat – Horse

Number - Nine

Direction – West

 

Water Element:

 

Season – Winter

Organs – Kidneys (stores Vital Essence 17:00 – 19:00), Bladder (Eliminates fluid waste 15:00 – 17:00)

Emotion – Fear

Sound – Groaning/humming

Taste – Salt

Smell – Putrid

Power – Capacity to create trembling (movement)

Parts of Body – Bones and Bone Marrow

Orifice -  Genitals, urethra, anus

Life Aspect – Will Power and Ambition

External Manifestation – Head Hair

Sense Organ – ears

Secretion – Spittle/ saliva

Climate – Cold

Colour – Blue/ Black

Grain – Beans and Peas

Vegetable – Leeks

Fruit – Dates

Meat – Pig

Number - six

Direction – North

 

Wood Element:

 

Season – Spring

Organs – Liver (Planner 1:00 – 3:00), Gallbladder (Decision maker 23:00 – 1:00)

Emotion – Anger

Sound – Shouting

Taste – Sour

Smell – Rancid

Power – Capacity for Control

Parts of Body – Muscles and Sinews

Life Aspect – Spiritual Faculties

External Manifestation – Hands, nails and feet

Sense Organ – Eyes

Climate – Wind

Colour – Green

Grain – Wheat

Vegetable – Mallow

Fruit – Peach

Meat – Chicken/ Fowl

Number - eight

Direction – East

 

Conclusion:

The Five Elements can be a very useful tool in diagnoses of an imbalance in the system or environment and this post serves merely as an intoduction to a very complex and detailed subject. An imbalance (whether too much or too little) of any Element will influence the balance of another Element and if any Element has been out of balance for more than 2 years, one will find that the Water Element is imbalanced also.