Metal Element and Autumn

Introduction

The season associated with Metal Is Autumn.  The overflowing effects of Summer are realised and it’s time for harvesting.  The harvesting must not only be of the food stuffs which are put in storehouses but also of Spirits and Breaths in our own storehouses.  We need to protect our own vitality to survive the Winter.  Our breaths are taken in by the Lung which receives the pure heavenly Qi.  Located between Summer and Winter the energetic tendency towards of Autumn is Yin ascending.  It’s a season of balancing. 

In the Book of Rites, another of the Five Classics, it says that Autumn puts everything back in the balancing scales.

                                                                                Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1992), p6

Autumn is also a season of “letting go”.  We need to clear out the old to make room for the new.  This is reflected in nature where for example the trees let go of their leaves and seeds.  The leaves serve to compost the earth to support the germination of the seeds when Spring arrives.  We as humans also need to follow a similar pattern of letting go to remain healthy and in balance.  This is explored further later in this paper in relation to the Large Intestine which facilitates our letting go not only on a physical but also on a mind and spirit level.

Metal’s manifestation in nature is probably one of the more difficult to notice. 

Indeed this is reflected in the ideogram for Metal (Jin), (see illustration 1), which includes the character for Earth.  Whilst the Earth ideogram only has two horizontal lines the Metal ideogram includes a third line indicating that Metal is deep within the earth.  The two shorter lines at the bottom represent

nuggets of gold which can be likened to unseen growth.

Illustration 1 – Jin, Ideogram for Metal

The primary correspondences for Metal are listed in Table 1.

Season	Autumn
Colour	White
Sound	Weeping
Odour	Rotten
Emotion	Grief/Sadness
Yin Official / Zang Organ	Lung
Yang Official / Fu Organ	Large Intestine
Yin Official Peak Time	3am – 5am
Yang Official Peak Time	5am – 7am
Climate	Dryness
Sense Organ/Orifice	Nose
Tissue/Body Part	Skin
Residue	Body Hair
Taste	Pungent/Spicy
Direction	West
Fluid Secretion	Mucus

Table 1 – Metal’s primary correspondences

Autumn is the time of year when less is required.   One becomes a sage and reflects inwardly.  The Metal Element within us provides us with the gifts and capacities to support our body, mind and spirit in preparation for Winter.  There will also be challenges to face.  Some of these gifts, capacities and challenges are discussed in the next sections of this paper. 

Gifts & Capacities

In our environment minerals provide nutrients to the earth from which food is grown.  Ores provide fuel for heat, others material for structural strength, others gems for beauty.  Metal is a key component in most systems of communication.  Metal conducts electricity. 

In the human body the Metal Element provides us with the capacity to receive pure Qi from the heavens via the Lung and also to eliminate toxins and waste substances via the Large Intestine.  Receipt of pure Qi from the heavens is linked to our ability to be inspired.  The Chinese saw the Earth Element as the Mother, both for us and within us, and the saw the role of the Metal Element as a natural association with the Father from the heavens above.  This reminds us of our connection between heaven and earth.  Many forms of meditation use the principles of breathing exercises to enhance the mind and spirit directly.

Of all the Officials the Lung is perhaps the most vital in establishing and sustaining the spirit.  By taking in the pure Qi energy from the heavens it brings the guidance and authority which our lives need.

 Worsley, J.R. (1998), p162

Expanding on the connection to the Heavens is the notion of respect which is attached to the idea of the father in almost every culture.  When Metal is balanced within us when can also be aware of self respect which provides us with a sense of self-esteem.  This in turn gives our lives a sense of quality.

This in turn supports our ability to make judgements and decisions.

Every Element is qualitatively enriched in it’s own Nature by the Metal Element.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), p48

Just as the Lung receives the Large Intestines eliminates all the waste and rubbish within us.  This is not just our physical body waste but also our mental and spiritual waste.  The importance of “letting go” is discussed in the next section of this paper.

Challenges

One of the key challenges that Metal presents to us is to be aware of the importance of letting go. 

Our ideas, our emotions, our food, even the stages in the growth of our spirit, all have their hour and then have no more to offer.  Once they are finished we have to be able to let go and move on.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), p50

Without clarity provided by ‘letting go’ our judgement can be impaired and we can fail to recognise the quality of our decisions.  Our self-esteem can suffer and we can forget to nourish our bodies properly.  We could potentially swing towards the side of excessive sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.

Patients with a Metal (Causative Factor) CF may portray an external stillness about them.  An outward sense of everything being in it’s proper place.  A shiny exterior which often belies the tumultuous interior.  This reflects the other direction in which Metal can take us where we present a peacock style appearance to the world.  This can include being festooned with “shiny” jewellery.  They may look for respect.

Associated with the Metal Element we have the Lung (Fei) and Large Intestine (Da Shang) Officials.  The Lung plays an important role in receiving Qi and the Large Intestine in “letting go” for our body, mind and spirit.  

The Lung (Fei) Official

The Lung Official is the Official who receives the pure qi energy from the heavens.  It is the Yin/Zang organ of the Metal Element.

In ancient texts, the Chinese, probably because the writers were more function oriented, usually spoke of the Lung as a single organ.  From the Nei Jing onwards, however, they often say that the Lung is divided into two parts.

Hicks, Angela; Hicks, John; Mole Peter (2004), p138

The Lungs are considered to be ‘tender’, ‘delicate’ or ‘fragile’ organ.  This is because, of all the internal organs, it is the first one to be attacked by external pathogenic factors. 

The functions of the Lungs are listed in Table 2.

1 They govern Qi and respiration 2 They control channels and blood vessels 3 They control diffusing and descending of      Qi and Body Fluids 4 They regulate all physiological activities 5 They regulate Water passages 6 They control the skin and the space      between skin and muscles 7 They manifest in the body hair 8 They open into the nose 9 They control nasal mucus 10 They house the Corporeal Soul 11 They are affected by worry, grief and       sadness

Table 2 – The Functions of the Lungs -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005), p 139

Some of these functions are discussed in below.

1 They govern Qi and respiration

In terms of governing Qi and respiration this refers to the inhalation of  ‘pure Qi’ (air) and exhalation of ‘dirty Qi’.  The Lungs also govern Qi by the process of forming Qi.  Food-Qi (Gu Qi) extracted by the spleen is directed to the lungs where it combines with the inhaled air to form what is referred to as Gathering Qi (Zong Qi).

6 They control the skin and the space between skin and muscles

The space between the skin and muscles is called the “Cou Li” space.  This is the space where Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) flows.  Strong Lung Qi provides a body with a good resistance to attack by external pathogenic factors.

10 They house the Corporeal Soul

The Corporeal Soul (Po) is called the ‘entering and exiting of Essence (Jing)’.

The Po allows the Jing to play a role in all physiological processes.

11 They are affected by worry, grief and sadness

Worry is said to ‘knot’ Qi.  This manifests in shoulder and chest tension.  Grief and sadness are said to deplete the Qi.  This manifests in the Lung pulse becoming weak and fine (thin), the complexion becoming white and the tone of voice being feeble and weepy

The Lungs hold the office of minister and chancellor.  The regulation of life-giving networks stem from it.

                                                                                Su Wen 8

This quotation refers to the role (Minister) which the Lung plays in conversing with the sovereign (Heart).  The Lung takes instructions and carries  them out.  There is an interdependence here which is key as the Heart controls blood and the Lung Qi, two of the key ‘substances’ that constitute a person.

The Lung is a canopy for the zang.

                                                                                Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1992), p44

This is a reference to Su Wen chapter 46.  This exemplifies the importance of the Lung’s role in attracting influence of Heaven and transmitting it to the other organs.

Some examples of points on the Lung meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Metal Element are listed in Table 3 below:

Point	Title	Example point application
LU 1	Middle Palace	Helps connect patient with Heavenly Qi and inspiration.
LU 2	Cloud Door	If patient is feeling lost.
LU 5	Outside Marsh	Helps patient to know themselves better.
LU 6	Greatest Hole	If patient feels they have no point or purpose and are unable to cope with outside world.
LU 8	Meridian Gutter	Helps bring patient into the present and relate to the future.

Table 3 – Example of points and their application on Lung meridian

Hopefully the reader thus far has gained a sense of the importance of the role of the Lung Official in establishing and sustaining the spirit and the guidance and authority it brings to our lives. 

The other half of the Metal Element Officials team is the Large Intestine Official.  Whilst the Lung supports the intake of new and pure Qi to maintain balance it is important that we have a way to eliminate, or “let go” at the appropriate time.  This “letting go” is the function of the Large Intestine Official.

The Large Intestine/Colon (Da Chang) Official

The Large Intestine Official is the Official of drainage and dregs.  It is the Yang/Fu organ of the Metal Element.

The functions of the Large Intestine are listed below in Table 4.

1 Controls passage and conduction 2 Transforms stools and reabsorbs fluids

Table 4 – The Functions of the Large Intestine -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005), p 195

This Official takes away the waste not only from that which is left over from the digestive process but also from all the Officials.  If this Official is not functioning properly then all the Officials are at risk of becoming sick as rubbish in any of the Officials will limit their physical function.  This will also manifest in the mind and spirit just as much.  Room needs to be made for anything new and vital.

When we come across someone whose words and whose mind are poisoned and filthy we may be in the presence of a person whose garbage is not being taken away.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), p155

Some examples of points on the Large Intestine meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Metal Element are listed in Table 5.

Point	Title	Example point application
LI 1	Merchant Yang	Helps patient if they can’t see through their rubbish..
LI 2	Second Interval	Helps patient who is rigid and needs to let go by assisting lubrication and thus helping patient to move more freely and live in accordance with Dao.
LI 4	Joining of the Valleys (Great Eliminator)	Unblocks the constipation at body, mind and spirit level of patient and remove toxins.
LI 11	Crooked Pond	Helps ground patient with a Metal CF who may be too “up in the clouds” .

Table 5 – Example of points and their application on Large Intestine meridian

Conclusion

In conclusion in this paper we have looked at the importance of the energetic of the Metal Element which when in balance provides us with the ability to be inspired with fresh ideas but to be able to do this we also need to let go of the dregs!.  These abilities we examined are provided by the two related Metal Officials of Lung (Fei) and Large Intestine (Da Chang).  The Lung contacts Heaven, the Large Intestine in the final stage in the digestive process, contacts the Earth.

References:

Hicks, Angela; Hicks, John; Mole Peter (2004) Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture

Churchill Livingstone

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1992) Chinese Medicine from The Classics - The Lung

Monkey Press

Maciocia, Giovanni (2005) The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 2^nd Ed.

Churchill Livingstone

Worsley, J.R. (1998) Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials.

J.R. & J.B. Worsley

Bibliogrpahy

College of Traditional Acupuncture (2005) Blue Group S2005 Session Five Notes.

Connelly, Dianne M. (1994) Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements.  2^nd Edition.

Maryland, U.S.A.: Tai Sophia Institute

Late Summer and its Officials

Introduction

Late Summer a pivotal point in the energy of the seasons when the Earth Element plays a central role.  Described in ‘Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements’ as “The forces of Nature are very precisely balanced and interacting every moment” (Dianne Connelly 1994).  Earth has a special significance in that it supports all the other elements.  Earth is the source of the other elements, the centre from which they arise.   

Earth’s energy comes to the fore in late summer and yields forth it’s ripe fruits and crops in the harvest which have been growing since the ascension of Yang from spring.  The climax of Yang during summer has passed and provides an opportunity to prepare for the ascension of Yin, commencing in autumn, and peaking in winter.  If we are “awake” to this opportunity we can realise this by storing and taking advantage of the bounties of Mother Earth.   Earth has been “giving” of itself since spring, producing many sources of nourishment for us in fruits and vegetables, and now is resting before she starts to “receive” her own nourishment, for example through decaying leaves, to be ready to produce when the next spring season arrives. 

This is indicative of the early recognition of the gift, which Earth gives in providing nourishment.  Plants need an appropriate soil to grow in where the roots can take hold and not be easily uprooted.  This gives us an indication of other gifts provided by Earth in that it provides support and stability.

Many civilisations have myths and stories about the Earth, a stable ground, which receives a “kiss of rain” from the heavens, which allows the ground to be fertile.  In old diagrams of the Five Elements Earth was located in the centre surrounded by the other four elements.  Like a mother surrounded by her children!  This reflects Earths direction, which is centre.

Late Summer is a time to recognise the many gifts Earth presents to us.   We also need to be aware of the challenges that Earth has for us.  All the gifts, capacities and challenges affect the body, mind and spirit. 

Gifts & Capacities

The Earth gives us somewhere to make our home.  She provides the raw materials we need to build our homes.  She provides the sources of energy that we use to provide light, heat etc in our homes.  She rotates on a central axis providing us different seasons.  These seasons in turn provide the various environmental conditions required for various food types to grow and mature which in turn play a vital role in providing us with physical nourishment.   Having our physical needs met and prepared for through the harvest that come with late summer allows us to have a sense of belonging and a feeling of being safe and secure.  This in turn allows us to operate from a centre, be at home with ourselves, at ease, be balanced and centred, and yet able to interact and connected to the rest of the world.

The Earth is made of many varied terrains and landscapes.  There is an abundance of life that provide us with many smells and sights that are pleasing to our mind and spirits.  There are a huge variety of sights, smells and sounds, which reflect Earths capacity to cater “for all tastes” so-to-speak.  There is something out there that may please the billions of individuals living on planet earth.

Mother Earth is a giant ‘re-cycling’ plant.  She is capable of taking the pollutants we throw at her and re-cycle them by absorbing them and purifying them.  We have however, to maintain respect for this capability and not take it for granted and over stretch it.  We can see signs of this strain on Mother Earth in feedback such as global warming.

Challenges

One of the key challenges that Earth presents to us is to be aware of what are our individual needs.  We need to consider what is the right place on Earth for us?  Having found a place we need to find out what we can do to ensure that Earth can fulfil it’s potential.  If we are not aware of our needs this shows us an imbalance in our Earth element energy.  

We need to strike a balance in our life in taking care of our body, mind and spirit.  In her book ‘Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements’ Dianne Connelly states “If we care for ourselves be creating health, the children to whom we give birth must then be healthy and strong in life, learning to create harmony in the same way.”  (1994).  This balance can be realised through an appropriate mix of nourishment via a balanced diet, regular exercise, and some time put aside to relax and meditate.  Indeed the season of Late Summer is a time of stillness and an ideal opportunity to reflect upon the fun and relaxation we have experienced during the summer and prepare for the challenges if life during autumn and winter by filling the our storehouses to help us nourish our body, mind, and spirit.  If we have an energetic imbalance in our Earth element in relation to taking stock from the harvest we could for example come from a position of having a fear of lack of, or not having enough.  Always providing for the “just in case” scenario whether that be through always having cupboards full of food, or perhaps if travelling having a supply of food, blankets etc in the car.  On the other side of this imbalance we may not use the harvest to rest and recuperate and lose the appropriate balance for caring for our self and others.  We can give of our selves constantly and eventually burn out as an exhausted martyr. 

On the mind level we need to be aware of the energetic influences of the Earth element.  In balance the mind can take in information and process it.  Out of balance can result in over pensiveness for the mind.  A strain is presented if for example we are constantly stuck in making decisions.

Someone with well developed Earth energy is a well grounded, nurturing, compassionate person, sometimes depicted as the archtypical “earth mother”.  Earth people like to bring others together and make good mediators or peacemakers and reliable friends. They often enjoy both preparing food and eating.

When people have weak Earth Qi, they can be  worriers and meddlers. They are prone to pensiveness. They may overwork, especially in studying or other intellectual work. They are vulnerable to digestive problems and diarrhea. They may gain weight easily and lose it with difficulty. Their bodies have a tendency to make excessive mucus, and they may suffer from cloudy thinking, muzzy-headedness, and a lack of clarity.

Associated with the Earth Element we have the Stomach (Wei) and Spleen (Pi) Officials.  These play an important role in providing nourishment to our body, mind and spirit. 

Stomach & Spleen Officials

“The Element Earth is our connection with mother Earth herself.  From her we receive our physical nourishment which, along with the air from the heavens, is the only way that we can replenish and revitalize the Qi energy with which we are born.  We also receive from her the mental and spiritual nourishment which gives us the feeling of stability and security, the center and equilibrium on which our whole lives are founded.  The Officials of the Earth Element, therefore, are vitally important to the whole economy of the body, mind and spirit.”  (J.R. Worsley 1998).

The Stomach (Wei) Official

The Stomach Official is the Official responsible for the rotting and ripening of food and drink.  It’s an Official that people tend to be most disrespectful to.  The stomach prepares the food and drink for the Spleen to extract the food Qi.  As Su Wen Ch. 19 states “the stomach is the root of the 5 Yin organs.”  When allowed to function as it should we derive maximum benefit from food Qi or “Gu Qi” which supports the Jing (Essence), Blood and Shen (Spirit).  We can realise this by eating a “balanced meal” which in Chinese medicine terms is one which includes all five tastes, (sour/acid, bitter, sweet, pungent/spicy, salty), in proper proportion. 

The chart below describes some of the common foods which serve to nourish the Earth Element:

	EARTH
Grains	Millet Barley
Legumes	Garbanzo Peas
Nuts/Seeds	Pine Nut Pumpkin
Vegetables	Cabbage Carrot Parsnip Rutabaga Spinach Squash
Fruits	Fig Orange Papaya Pineapple Strawberry

If the Stomach Qi fails to descend we suffer from “rebellious Qi” which includes symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.  We need a proper fluid intake to support the stomach in it’s role for it is said that the Stomach “likes wetness and dislikes dryness”.

The extent of the Stomach Officials influence within the body, mind and spirit if reflected by the extent of the pathway of it’s meridian.  The Stomach meridian starts on the face just under the eye and finishes on the second toe.  It has 45 points, making it the second largest Meridian of the body!

The Stomach Official also plays an important role in our mental and spiritual lives in that it takes in our mental and spiritual food.   Our language is full of expressions which reflect this.  For example we talk about “digesting” information, “chewing” over problems or finding something hard to “swallow”.

There are points the Stomach meridian which describe their functions on the body, mind and spirit and it’s relationship to the Earth Element.  For example St 4: Earth Granary, St 8: Head Tied, St 14: Storehouse, St 20: Receiving Fullness, St 24: Lubrication Food Gate and St 25: Heavenly Pivot.

The Stomach Officials most energetic time of day is 7am to 9am and it’s weakest energetic time is 7pm to 9m.  This is reflected in the wisdom of the old adage to breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.

So we need to respect our Stomach Official for if it is sick then none of the other Officials can have any nourishment.  In such a scenario the rest of a patient’s body will make itself heard screaming out for food and from this will arise an excessive need for sympathy, mother’s love and cravings for sweet tasting food which goes directly to the Earth Element within the patient.  Over time may come the other extreme where there is a rejection by the child who no longer trusts its mother.  Any sympathy, nourishment etc that is offered is cast aside.

The other half of the Earth Element Officials team is the Spleen Official.  The rotting and ripening of food for the Officials is only of value if it can be distributed to the rest of the body, mind and spirit.  This is the function of the Spleen Official.

The Spleen (Pi) Official

The Spleen Official is the Official responsible for transportation and distribution. The Spleen transforms food and drink, extracting ‘Food Qi’ and ‘food essences’ which are distributed to Lungs, Heart and Liver.  This is an important process in production of both Qi and Blood.  The Spleen directs Qi to the muscles, especially those of the limbs.  So for example, if the Spleen Official is weak, a person may suffer from cold hands and cold feet because the Spleen Official is seen to behave like the driver who is too tired to finish their rounds.  The Spleen produces a lifting effect along the midline of the body helping ensure that the internal organs are in place.

The responsibility for movement also extends to the mind and spirit.  This is reflected once again in everyday expressions such as when we describe our minds as being “stuck”.  We need to allow our thoughts to “flow” for creative processes.  In an energetic imbalance the impact on mind and spirit can result in things such as poor concentration, worry and anxiety.  Mental agility can show signs of losing the flow.

“In the spirit the same sort of distress arises from the lack of proper distribution of the nourishment.  The Officials between them ensure our connection to the spirit of Nature and the Dao, and each has to work to full capacity in partnership with the other to achieve harmony and balance in all our affairs.  If some are under-nourished because this Official cannot transport Qi energy to them there will be the same sort of rootlessness and agitation which we see in the motherless child.  Lack of comfort, lack of love, and lack of compassion in some and no tin others is going to lead all off the disunity we see when some children are better cared for than others.  The jealousy, spite, attention-seeking, depression and isolation shatter the harmony of the spirit, and only when a solid connection with Mother Earth is re-established will the Officials, together as a whole, be able to breath a sigh of collective relief.”  (J.R. Worsley 1998).

Some examples of points on the Spleen meridian which describe their functions on the body, mind and spirit and it’s relationship to the Earth Element are:  Sp 8: Earth Motivator, Sp 17: Food Drain, Sp 21: Great Enveloping.

Conclusion

In conclusion having looked at the Earth Element and it’s related Officials of Stomach (Wei) and Spleen (Pi) we conclude by looking at some suggestions that may help us to live in harmony with Earths season of Late Summer.

-  Be thoughtful of how we can nourish others!

-  Be conscious of the harvest in our life!

-  Consider what we need to do to make ready for the letting go of autumn.

-  Enjoy the abundance!

References:

Connelly, Dianne M. (1994) Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements.  2^nd Edition.

Maryland, U.S.A.: Tai Sophia Institute

Five Element Nutrition

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/theory/theory-nutrition.html

Worsley, J.R. (1998) Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials.

J.R. & J.B. Worsley

http://www.acupuncture-online.com/tradition3.htm

Bibliogrpahy

College of Traditional Acupuncture (2005) Blue Group S2005 Session Notes.

Franglen, Nora (2001) Simple Guide to Using Acupuncture.

Kent, England: Global Books Ltd.

Herrmann, Christa-Maria (2000) The Five Elements Volume 1.

Coventry, England: Paul Coughlin Ltd.

Summer and the Fire Element

Introduction

The season associated with the Element Fire is Summer.  It is the time of year when Yang reaches it’s peak.  Growth slows down and plants flower and crops ripen.  Nature soaks up heat and energy form the sun in preparation for a good harvest.  The qi of Heaven and Earth intertwine.

Heaven thus bears witness to the gift of life that it communicates to the 10,000 beings, especially through the growth of vegetation.

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1994) The Way of Heaven p 110

It is also worth noting however that whilst Yang reaches it’s peak during summer, after the summer solstice that Yin starts it’s ascendancy.  The preceding season of Spring and it’s associated Element Wood need the warmth of the Fire Element to bring all it’s activities to bloom.

Nature too, flings wide its arms as the trees unfurl to their greatest height, and all growing things reach their maturity.

                                                                Franglen, Nora (2001) Simple Guide to Using Acupuncture p85

The days are longer and allow us the space to get a days work done and still have time to socialise with friends and share the longer evenings.  Not only is nature showing it’s rich colours but people will dress is bright and lighter clothing.  We are more open and relaxed.  We can be more present and after the hard work of the Spring have more of a sense of freedom and have the time to enjoy this with our friends.

There is such a profusion of wonderful colours, sounds, smells and tastes that it should be impossible not to enjoy and find happiness in them.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials p5

The primary correspondences for Fire are listed in Table 1.

Season	Summer
Colour	Red
Sound	Laughter/Lack Of
Odour	Scorched
Emotion	Joy
1st Yin Official / Zang Organ	Heart
2nd Yin Official / Zang Organ	Pericardium
1st Yang Official / Fu Organ	Small Intestine
2nd Yang Official / Function	Triple Heater
1st Yin Official Peak Time	11am – 1pm
2nd Yin Official Peak Time	7pm – 9pm
1st Yang Official Peak Time	1am – 3am
2nd Yang Offical Peak Time	9pm – 11pm
Climate	Heat
Sense Organ/Orifice	Tongue / Ear
Tissue/Body Part	Blood & Blood Vessels
Residue	Hair
Taste	Bitter
Direction	South
Fluid Secretion	Perspiration
Power	Maturity

Table 1 – Fire’s primary correspondences

The Fire Element within us provides us with the gifts and capacities to support our body, mind and spirit by providing us with ability to communicate with the spirits of those around us. To be able to love and to establish relationships.  There will also be challenges to face.  Some of these gifts, capacities and challenges are discussed in the next sections of this paper. 

Gifts & Capacities

Below is a brief discussion on some of the gifts and capacities that the Fire Element brings to our lives.

Love and Joy

The Fire within us fires our spirit and allows us to share in the spirit of the divine spark which is present everywhere.  It flows through all our relationships.  It enables us to set aside the blocks we have in our egos and to reach the heart of everyone.  This in turn is a source of great joy in us, which in turn gives us the energy and enthusiasm for fun in our work, duty and play.

Warmth

The Fire Element provides us with an ‘inner sun’ which gives us the physical warmth we need to survive.  This heat helps the blood in our veins move more quickly, speeds up or digestive process and assimilation of food along with all the chemical processes, which maintain our life.

Communication

The tongue and power of speech is under the control of the Fire Element.  This allows us to communicate our emotions and thoughts.

Clarity of thought

The Fire Element lights up and fires the mind with enthusiasm.  At the mental level this expresses in lively and keen intelligence and in the ability to have clear thought and memory.  The essence of this notion is captured through the use of the word ‘bright’ to describe someone with a balanced Fire Element.

Understanding

This characterizes and encompasses all the gifts previously listed.   Taking time to listen and empathise with others with a honest exchange of thoughts and feelings is a sign of maturity and is a wonderful experience for all involved.  When we feel understood we can experience a soothing balm for whatever energetic imbalances we have.

Challenges

So whilst there are many gifts and capacities which the Fire element bestows to us we need to be aware that the love warmth from the Fire within us is given in an appropriate measure and within proper boundaries.  If left unchecked that same energy can scorch and destroy life.

The fire in a furnace warms a house, whereas in the forest, out of control it wastes and destroys the land .

 Beinfield Harriet, Korngold Efrem (1991) Between Heaven and Earth A Guide to Chinese Medicine p 178

On a physical level a serious Fire imbalance will manifest as an excess of heat which can show as a red face and red skin.  A person may have a thirst and all the secretions which keep a body moist may dry up.

If on the other hand someone has a weak ‘inner sun’ there will insufficient heat in their body.  On a physical level symptoms of wet and coldness will be present.  Their blood may be slow and cold and their face will appear drab due to lack of blood flow.

In terms of communication a Fire imbalance can result in a disturbance in a persons ability to speak and communicate as the power of speech and tongue under Fire’s control is affected. 

Everything which flows to make speech possible stops at source, and with no energy to drive it the tongue weakens, the voice falters, and the mind and spirit seize up.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials p31

Too much heat can result in everything overheating and moving a great deal too quickly.  Words can tumble out if control and race away.

A Fire imbalance can also drive people to be desperate to be understood.  They may appear selfish and attention seeking as they search for someone who knows exactly how they feel.

A Fire imbalance can also affect how open or closed a person is.  This is a function of the Pericardium discussed in more detail later in this paper.  A person may go about wearing their heart on their sleeve or in the other extreme never dare to expose themselves for fear of losing love or loosing themselves.  They will feel vulnerable and frail.

The saying ‘laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone’ might have been written by a Fire type.

Hicks, Angela & Hicks, John (1999) Healing your Emotions p 62

Associated with the Fire Element we have the Heart (Xin) , Small Intestine  (Xiao Chang), Pericardium (Xin Bao) and Triple Heater (San Jiao) Officials. 

Their role is discussed in some more detail in the next sections of this paper. 

The Heart (Xin) Official

The Heart holds the office of lord and sovereign.  The radiance of the spirits stems from it.

Su Wen, Ch. 8

The Heart is often referred to as the Supreme Controller.  Its role is as an emperor in the kingdom of the all the Officials in the body.  Whilst there is an interdependency between all the Officials the Heart is important because it governs every other Organ.  If the emperor is calm and well, the Officials can carry out their respective charges and functions.  If the emperor is disturbed or unwell the Officials are unable to function well.

The Chinese character for most Organs, contain the ‘flesh’ radical, indicating that the organ is part of a physical body.  The ideogram for the Heart Official, xin, has no ‘flesh’ radical and instead shows a space.  This illustrates that the Heart is not just a muscle to pump blood but that the space where our shen, or mind-spirit resides.  The heart is more to do with ‘being’ than with ‘doing’.

This is reflected in the two aspects of the Heart jin (the Heart as lord and sovereign) and zhu (this authority at work) 

At the center, there is nothing but emptiness, the only possible shelter for the spirits.  Sovereign of the being and pivot of life, the heart is the guarantor of the unity of a person’s existence.

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1995) Rooted in Spirit – The Heart of Chinese Medicine p174

The Shen is said to have 4 functions:

1.      To make us fully conscious – in the sense of being physically and emotionally self aware

2.      To help us think clearly – to be able to think a problem through with a clear objective and to speak coherently

3.      To have a good memory – this is in the short term sense of not being absent minded and knowing where are keys are of remembering the name of the person we just met

4.      To sleep well – especially being able to drop off to sleep quickly and sleep deeply

The functions of the Heart are listed in Table 2.

1 It governs Blood 2 It controls the blood vessels 3 It manifests in the complexion 4 It houses the Mind (Shen) 5 It is related to joy 6 It opens into the tongue 7 It controls sweat

Table 2 – The Functions of the Heart -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005)

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine p 107

The Heart’s authority is exerted through the Blood (Xue) and through the life-giving network (the mai).  The Heart communicates it’s orders to the zang through the Pericardium (xin bao luo). 

Some examples of points on the Heart meridian, which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element, are listed in Table 3 below:

Point	Title	Example point application
HT 5	Penetrating Inside	Opens into the tongue.  Good for stammering.  If they’re “dying of loneliness”.  Bring warmth from the heart to Mind/Body/Spirit.
HT 7	Spirit Gate	Use this point for nourishing a Fire CF.  Takes this person back to the safe place of the source.  Has the virtue of Heaven when used on any CF.  Use when the spirit is willing but the body cannot go – “I really want to but…”.

Table 3 – Example of points and their application on Heart meridian

The Small Intestine (Xiao Chang) Official

The Small Intestine is responsible for receiving and making things thrive.  Transformed substances stem from it.

Su wen, Ch. 8

The Small Intestine is the Yang/Fu organ of the Fire Element.  It provides an extremely important function of “separating pure from impure”.  This separation takes place at the level of body mind and spirit.  On a physical level this Official supports us by extracting pure Qi energy from the food we consume, however polluted or inappropriate this may be.   On the mind level this Official supports us be helping us separate the simple values we need for our lives from the glut of information that is thrown at us on a daily basis.  On the spiritual level it helps us to know the proper path we need to take, our Tao, and also gives us our sense of natural justice.

In this lies its connection with the essence of Fire, for by using the heat of the fire to transform Qi energy in this way and keeping nothing but the clean and the pure and discarding the impure, there is maximum joy in our lives.  The warmth and love of which we are capable is not tainted by corruption or wickedness.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials p130

The functions of the Small Intestine are listed below in Table 4.

1 It controls receiving and transforming 2 It separates fluids

Table 4 – The Functions of the Small Intestine -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005)

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine p 191

Some examples of points on the Small Intestine meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element are listed in Table 5.

Point	Title	Example point application
SI 1	Little Marsh	To help patient sort out appropriate and inappropriate.  A marsh offers fertility.  Involves separating the pure from the impure (alchemy).
SI 5	Yang Valley	Pulls the arm Yang points together.  Helps with mental clarity and seeing the right path.  Revitalizes the essential elemental essence of the II Official. Help a person who is weak in spirit and unable  to cope.  Build the spirit and calm mania/anxiety.

Table 5 – Example of points and their application on Small Intestine meridian

The Pericardium (Xin Bao) Official

Tan Zhong has the charge of resident as well as envoy (of the Heart).  Elation and joy stem from it.

Su wen, Ch. 8

The Pericardium is seen in Chinese medicine as something that protects the heart not only physically, but also emotionally.  It will function to do it’s best to prevent us from experiencing a broken heart!.  It is likened to an imperial bodyguard!.  The Pericardium’s capacity to protect the heart depends on how healthy and balanced it is.  Like all organs during our childhood it takes time to mature.  A child will love unconditionally from the moment it comes into the world.  Over time it realises that some people are less friendly and others even dangerous.  The people around the young child help it to develop an emotional awareness to love appropriately and in turn nurture the development of the heart protector function of the Pericardium.

In addition to the Heart’s openness, there are other internal factors that in excess, strain the Pericardium’s managerial energies; these include: Wood’s directionality, Metal’s propensity to “let go,” the Water’s chaotic drive and power.  The Pericardium must restrain and regulate all of these forces so that there is no outpouring of energy beyond what one receives.

Hammer, Leon (1990) Dragon Rises, Red Bird Flies p203

The Pericardium is also responsible for all internal and external sexual secretions.  In this regard it has a close relationship with the ming men.  This reflects its role as much as an ambassador as a guard in that it helps to distribute and dispense the warmth.  Also in its role as ambassador it takes charge of all the other Officials by passing on the light of the spirits of the Heart (the shen ming).

Some examples of points on the Pericardium meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element are listed in Table 6.

Point	Title	Example point application
PC 1	Heavenly Pond	Gives a new perspective when life has lost its sparkle.      If spirit is dry, a divine bath. If shy/withdrawn/cut off in relationships.
PC 8	Palace of Weariness	Tonifies the Heart and the Heart Protector.  Reinvigorates Fire.  If isolated, feeling cut off.

Table 6 – Example of points and their application on Small Intestine meridian

The Triple Heater (San Jiao) Official

The Three Heater is responsible for the opening up of passages and irrigation.  The regulation of the waterways stems from it.

Su wen, Ch. 8

The relationship of the Triple Heater to all the other organs in the body is indicated in the ideogram for the Jiao which shows the all of the elements of the body linked together and joined on a central stem.  There is also a fire underneath, providing the warmth necessary for life processes.  The three  Jiao divide the torso of the body into three areas with each corresponding to certain internal organs.  The Upper Heater (Shang Jiao) ‘contains’ the Lungs, Heart and Pericardium and lies above the diaphragm.  It’s primary function is receiving Qi energy and distribution of protective Qi (Wei Qi).  The Middle Heater (Zhong Jiao) ‘contains’ the Stomach, Spleen, Liver and Gall Bladder and is responsible for rotting, ripening and transforming the Qi energy.  The Lower Heater (Xia Jiao) ‘contains’ the Small and Large Intestine, the Kidneys, and the Bladder and is concerned with separating the pure from the impure energy and expelling wastes. 

The Three Heater is responsible for maintaining an even balance of heat between the Three Jiao and also between the whole body and it’s environment.  This is often likened to the western medicine concept of homeostasis.  Without this even temperature within each Jiao the other Officials could not work at all.  If this Official is in imbalance the effects are going to be felt by all other Officials.   Emotionally the Three Heater helps prevent us from blowing ‘hot and cold’ in our relationships so that we maintain a balanced emotional temperature.

The functions of the Triple Heater are listed below in Table 7.

1 It mobilises the Original Qi (Yuan Qi) 2 It controls the transportation and     penetration of Qi 3 It controls the Water passages and the     excretion of fluids

Table 7 – The Functions of the Triple Heater -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005)

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine p 209

Some examples of points on the Three Heater meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element are listed in Table 8.

Point	Title	Example point application
TH 18	Feeding Meridians	The intermediary between the Ming Men and the source points.  Sends Yuan Qi to the source points.  Can be used on any CF.   Feeds ALL meridians.
TH 12	Relax and Enjoy	Let the sun warm your bones.    Relaxation that creates joy and happiness.  When burned out and in need of a vacation.

Table 8 – Example of points and their application on Three Heater meridian

Conclusion

In conclusion in this paper we have looked at the importance of the energetic of the Fire Element, which provides us with the key ability to understand.  The Heart Official along with its three ministers are the means by which the light and warmth of the spirit are kept alive in us!

Finally below are some suggestions for tending our Fire during the Summer season:

1. Have fun on a regular basis.  Make this a priority, which may require we schedule time for fun!
2. Share some of yourself with others.  Take time to listen.  Look inside your heart and find out what you have to give to others unconditionally.
3. Live your passion, whatever it may be, e.g. song writing, hill walking, photography.  If you don’t know what your special passion is, be willing to admit that you don’t – in the meantime, stay amused and keep looking!
4. Get physical.  Get into your body and out of your head.  Love, exercise, dance, run, play.  Get your circulation going.   

References:

Beinfield Harriet, Korngold Efrem (1991) Between Heaven and Earth A Guide to Chinese Medicine

New York: Ballantine Books

Franglen, Nora (2001) Simple Guide to Using Acupuncture.

Kent, England: Global Books Ltd.

Hammer, Leon (1990) Dragon Rises, Red Bird Flies

Barrytown, New York: Station Hill Press, Inc.

Hicks, Angela & Hicks, John (1999) Healing your Emotions

London, England: Thorsons

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1995) Rooted in Spirit – The Heart of Chinese Medicine

New York: Station Hill Press

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1994) The Way of Heaven

Monkey Press

Maciocia, Giovanni (2005) The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 2^nd Ed.

Churchill Livingstone

Worsley, J.R. (1998) Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials.

J.R. & J.B. Worsley

Bibliogrpahy

College of Traditional Acupuncture (2005) Blue Group S2005 Session Thirteen Notes.

Connelly, Dianne M. (1994) Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements.  2^nd Edition.

Maryland, U.S.A.: Tai Sophia Institute

Hicks, Angela; Hicks, John; Mole Peter (2004) Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture

Churchill Livingstone

http://www.5elements.com/fire.htm

Kaptchuk, Ted J (1983) The Web that has no Weaver.

London: Rider

Veith, Ilza (2002) The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine.

London: University of California Press, Ltd.