Five elements/phases theory has been used for at least 2400 years in traditional Chinese medicine to explain how we’re influenced by nature and the organs of the body interact with each other. It is also used in qigong to balance the qi/chi flow or life force in our energy body.
The five elements are fire, metal, water, earth and wood. Each of them is associated with an animal, an attribute, a direction, a colour, a sense, an emotion (positive and negative), and a sound – among other things. As such they are interconnected and interdependent. Their balance are key components of a healthy life and wellbeing.
Like all forms of energy, the five elements are constantly transforming. The energy of each element is more prominent or less in seasonal and daily cycles. Each element is also connected with specific organs and energy channels or meridians in the body. They are associated with yin and yang, harmony between heaven and earth, and opposing but complementary forces.
Balancing the five elements offers so many benefits. It leads to improved physical health/fitness, a stronger immune and respiratory system, lower blood pressure, and reduced pain and inflammation. People also experience enhanced mental clarity/ health, greater emotional balance and resilience, significantly reduced negative emotions, anxiety and depression, and inner peace and calm.
Like any form of exercise, qigong takes regular commitment. A qigong practice can be as simple as 5 minutes a day though I would recommend doing 20-30 minutes a few times a week. The benefits are so worth it from a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual perspective and it’s a practice anyone can do. There are plenty of free resources on YouTube eg Yoqi, Qigong Meditation, or Spring Forest to name a few. So give it a try and see if it transforms your life as it has mine.
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