The Beginners Guide to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the foundational frameworks we use to understand the body and mind is the Five Element Theory. These five elements—Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood—help TCM practitioners make sense of physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances in the body.

Each element is linked to specific organs, emotions, colours, tastes, and even areas of the body. By understanding which elements are out of balance, we can create a personalized treatment plan to support your health and well-being.

🔥 Fire

• Organs: Heart & Small Intestine

• Emotion: Joy (or excess: mania/restlessness)

• Colour: Red

• Taste: Bitter

• Controls: Blood vessels

• Opens to: The tongue

🌍 Earth

• Organs: Spleen & Stomach

• Emotion: Worry / Overthinking

• Colour: Yellow

• Taste: Sweet

• Controls: Muscles

• Opens to: The mouth

🪙 Metal

• Organs: Lungs & Large Intestine

• Emotion: Sadness / Grief

• Colour: White

• Taste: Pungent

• Controls: Skin and body hair

• Opens to: The nose

💧 Water

• Organs: Kidneys & Urinary Bladder

• Emotion: Fear

• Colour: Dark blue or black

• Taste: Salty

• Controls: Bones and hair on the head

• Opens to: The ears

🌳 Wood

• Organs: Liver & Gallbladder

• Emotion: Anger (but also governs overall emotional regulation)

• Colour: Green

• Taste: Sour

• Controls: Tendons and sinews

• Opens to: The eyes

Why It Matters

Your emotions, diet, environment, and habits can all impact your elemental balance. Over time, imbalances in any of the Five Elements may manifest as physical symptoms or emotional challenges. That’s why, during your session, I’ll use the Five Element framework to assess your unique constitution and create a targeted, holistic treatment plan.

Curious which element is calling for more support in your life?

Let’s find out together—book your appointment and experience Traditional Chinese Medicine in action.

Stay well,

Jessica Waddell, R.Ac