The 5 elements
The five elements are a central component of Chinese natural philosophy and shape the understanding of natural phenomena, human behavior, and health. This theory categorizes everything into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The interactions between these elements determine not only the flow of energy in the universe but also the physical and emotional balance within humans.
Each element has its own energy and effect . When the balance between the elements is disturbed, this can lead to physical and mental imbalances – whether in the form of illness, emotional blockages, or mental tension. Essential oils work wonderfully through these elements and, depending on their nature, can be associated with several elements simultaneously.
The theory of the five elements extends far beyond health science. It influences not only human rhythms and personality, but also the architecture of buildings, cultural practices, and even the political climate. It is perceptible in many areas of life – from the ancient art of acupuncture to the social structures of a society.
More than 2,000 years ago, Chinese scholars developed the theory in their medical classic, "The Inner Cannon," that the universe consists of the five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. They recognized that our behavior, emotions, and health are also influenced by these elements. By understanding these elements and living in harmony with them, we can strengthen our physical, mental, and emotional balance, or, after periods of illness or stress, regain that balance.
The 5 elements are more than just a medical concept – they are a tool for a harmonious life.
wooden element
Season : Spring
Color : Green
Essential oils : Frankincense, Douglas fir, Siberian fir, arborvitae, sandalwood, cardamom, thyme, spikenard (narde), eucalyptus
Organs : Liver (Yin) and gallbladder (Yang)
Emotions : Anger
Body part : Eyes
The wooden element symbolizes creativity, growth, and the yearning for freedom. It represents the natural urge to unfold and flourish – like a tree stretching its branches towards the sky.
However, if this growth is blocked, the wood element can transform into anger. Anger is the emotion associated with this element, especially when one feels restricted in their actions.
This element reflects the energy of spring: the green colors of nature, the pursuit of new ideas, and the yearning for freedom. When the wood element is balanced, energy flows harmoniously, and creative ideas flow freely. However, imbalances in the wood element can lead to blockages in the liver and gallbladder, as these organs are associated with it.
Essential oils such as frankincense, Douglas fir, Siberian fir, and arborvitae help to harmonize the wood element. They promote calmness, stability, and support the flow of energy. Sandalwood also has a calming effect and helps to strengthen the connection to inner wisdom and balance.
Oils such as cardamom, thyme and spikenard
They offer emotional support and promote inner growth, while eucalyptus stimulates detoxification and the free flow of energy.
The wood element is powerful when in balance. These essential oils help you release blockages, unleash your creative potential, and grow from within.
Metal element
Season : Autumn
Color : White, Silver
Essential oils : peppermint, tea tree, birch, bay leaf, chamomile, cinnamon, cardamom, cassia bark, frankincense
Organs : Lungs (Yin) and large intestine (Yang)
Emotions : Grief, clarity, self-reflection
Body part : lungs, skin
The metal element represents clarity,
Order and letting go. It is the element of autumn energy that invites us to cleanse ourselves, release things, and create space for the new. It calls upon us to pause, find balance, and free ourselves from old burdens.
On a physical level, the metal element influences the lungs and large intestine, which are responsible for the absorption and elimination of energy and waste products. On an emotional level, it primarily concerns grief and the ability to let go and look inward.
An imbalance can manifest itself in physical blockages or emotional stress.
Essential oils like peppermint, birch, and tea tree support the lungs by cleansing the airways and promoting fresh air. Bay laurel and chamomile encourage clarity and help calm the mind. Cinnamon, cardamom, and cassia bring warmth and comfort, which are especially important in autumn for emotional stabilization and grounding.
Frankincense has a calming and balancing effect, helps to release emotional blockages and promotes spiritual reflection.
The metal element reminds us to regularly "cleanse"—both physically and emotionally. These essential oils help us gain inner clarity, let go, and create space for new energy.
Fire element
Season : Summer
Color : Red
Essential oils : ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, pepper, basil, rosemary, bergamot, marjoram
Organs : Heart (Yin) and small intestine (Yang)
Emotions : joy, passion, also nervousness or anger
Body part : heart, tongue
The fire element symbolizes energy, passion, and transformation. It is the driving force that propels life forward, full of enthusiasm and intense emotions. Fire elements are by nature vibrant, open, and passionate. It is the element of summer energy, bringing warmth, dynamism, and infectious enthusiasm.
When it is in balance, fire brings joy, radiance, and a creative flow.
However, the energy of fire is also intense and sometimes unruly. If the fire burns too hot or gets out of control, it can lead to nervousness, restlessness, or even anger. These emotions are often an expression of excessive fire that is not properly channeled.
The fire element is associated with the heart and the small intestine. The heart is the seat of joy, while the small intestine is responsible for the absorption and processing of nutrients – a metaphor for processing experiences and emotions. An imbalance in the fire element can lead to emotional blockages in the heart or to the fire becoming too intense, which can result in physical and emotional problems.
Essential oils like ginger, cinnamon, and clove have an invigorating, warming effect and strengthen the fire element by stimulating passion and inner fire. Cardamom, pepper, and basil promote courage and determination, while rosemary and bergamot help to calm and rebalance the fire. Marjoram has a calming and balancing effect, taming excess fire energy.
The fire element is like a jet of flame that propels us forward. With the right essential oils, we can ensure that the fire burns within us without losing control.
Water element
Season : Winter
Color : Blue, Black
Essential oils: Patchouli, Wild Orange, Lavender, Hyssop, Cypress, Myrrh, Jasmine, Sage, Rose, Frankincense
Organs : Kidneys (Yin) and bladder (Yang)
Emotions : fear, calm, intuition
Body part : ears, kidneys, urinary tract
The water element represents flow, depth, and connection. It stands for winter, a time of rest, reflection, and retreat. Water is the element of constant movement, teaching us that we can adapt and flow with life's challenges. It invites us to turn inward and create the space to grasp our deepest emotions and intuitions.
Physically, the kidneys and bladder are closely connected to the water element. They play an important role in detoxification and energy storage. On an emotional level, the water element is strongly associated with fear, but it also helps us find peace in difficult times and strengthen our intuition.
A balanced water element allows us to free ourselves from fears and develop confidence in ourselves.
Essential oils like patchouli, lavender, and hyssop have a calming effect on the mind and help to find emotional balance. Wild orange brings a brightening, fresh energy during the winter months, lifting the mood and promoting positive energy.
Cypress and sage help to find clarity and to free oneself from old blockages.
Myrrh, jasmine, and rose strengthen the heart and soul by offering comfort and security. Frankincense brings deep inner peace and helps to deepen the spiritual connection.
The water element invites us to explore the deep, tranquil waters within ourselves. With the right essential oils, we can alleviate anxieties, release negative patterns, and connect with our intuition and inner wisdom.
Earth element
Season : Late autumn
Color : Yellow, Orange
Essential oils : Coriander, Patchouli, Vetiver, Myrrh, Frankincense, Basil, Rose
Organs : Stomach (Yin) and Spleen (Yang)
Emotions : worry, stability, compassion
Body part : stomach, mouth, lips
The earth element represents stability, nurturing, and nourishment. It symbolizes our deep-rooted connection to the earth, which provides us with support and helps us to center ourselves and remain balanced. People who live in harmony with this element are characterized by balanced and reliable energy. It is the element of late autumn, which calls upon us to gather our energy, recover, and focus on what is essential.
When the earth element is balanced, we feel safe and grounded. However, an imbalance can lead to worry or a feeling of instability, which can negatively affect our physical and emotional health. The stomach and spleen are particularly associated with this element, as they are responsible for digestion and processing nutrients, as well as emotional experiences.
ethereal
Oils like coriander and patchouli promote inner peace and balance and can help release blockages. Vetiver brings stability and grounding, while frankincense and myrrh have a calming and balancing effect on the mind.
Basil and rose also bring warmth and compassion, which reinforces the feeling of comfort and security.
The earth element reminds us how important it is to ground ourselves and take time to find stability and harmony in our hectic daily lives. These essential oils allow us to reconnect with the nourishing energy of the earth time and again.
