The Five-Element Theory

The five stages of transformation of energy also reflect the energy functions related
to two major cycles & twelve meridians as well as our senses, environment, food, organs and so on.

The Five Elements:

• Fire corresponds with expansive energy, sadness and joy, the heart and small intestine, and bitter foods such as green kale.

• Earth corresponds with downward energy, worry and fulfillment, the spleen and stomach, and sweet foods such as squash.

• Metal corresponds with contracted energy, grief and hope, the lungs and large intestine, and pungent foods such as garlic.

• Water corresponds with floating energy, fear and will, the kidney and bladder, and salty foods such as seaweed.

• Tree corresponds with upward energy, anger and kindness, the liver and gall bladder, and sour foods such as lemons.

Because each element nourishes a specific part of the body, if you experience problems in a particular area (e.g., the stomach), you must consume more foods of the corresponding element (in this case, earth foods) in order to restore balance and health.

Sour: sauerkraut, pickles, brown rice vinegar, umeboshi plums, shiso leaves, lemon rinds, or lime rinds.

Bitter: gomashio, tekka, green nori, parsley, wakame powder, dandelion, or walnuts;

Sweet: miso, applesauce, barley malt, brown rice syrup, mirin, or raisins.

Pungent: scallions, watercress, onions, chives, grated daikon, gingerroot, garlic, mustard, or horseradish.

Salty: gomashio, shio kombu, wakame powder, umeboshi plums or paste, miso, or shoyu