Table 1 The five elements and their relationships with nature and the body

Wood Fire Earth Metal Water Orientation East South Middle West North Season Spring Summer Late Summer Autumn Winter Climate Wind Summer Heat Dampness Dryness Cold Cultivation Germinate Grow Transform Reap Store Yin Organ Liver Heart Spleen Lung Kidney Yang Organ Gall Bladder Small Intestine Stomach Large Intestine Bladder Orifice Eye Tongue Mouth Nose Ear Tissues Tendons Vessels Muscles Skin & Hair Bones Emotions Anger Joy Pensiveness Grief Fear Colour Blue/ Green Red Yellow White Black Taste Sour Bitter Sweet Pungent Salty Voice Shout Laugh Sing Cry Groan