The Five Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine – Part 1 of 3: Wood and Fire
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is seen as a dynamic balance between the body, mind, and the natural world.
One of the most powerful ways TCM understands this connection is through the Five Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
These elements aren’t literal substances; they are patterns of movement, growth, and transformation that can be seen in nature, in our organs, and in our emotions.
They describe how energy flows in the body and how different parts of us influence each other.
Each element is linked to specific organs, emotions, and seasons, and they all interact in two main cycles:
Generating (nourishing) cycle – where each element supports the next (for example, Wood feeds Fire).
Controlling cycle – where elements keep each other in check to maintain balance.
When one element is out of balance, it can create physical symptoms, emotional patterns, or even shifts in behaviour.
Understanding which element is calling for attention can guide acupuncture treatment and lifestyle advice.
In this first part of our three-part series, we’ll look at Wood and Fire, the elements of growth, action, and joy.
Wood – Growth, Movement, and Vision
Organs: Liver and Gallbladder
Season: Spring
Emotion: Anger or frustration (balanced expression: healthy assertiveness)
Sense Organ: Eyes
Tissue: Tendons and ligaments
Wood represents growth, direction, and flexibility — just like a tree pushing upward and outward in spring.
It’s the energy that helps us plan, dream, and take action in life.
When Wood is balanced:
You feel motivated, adaptable, and clear-headed.
You can make decisions, set healthy boundaries, and move forward with purpose.
Your body feels flexible, and Qi (vital energy) flows freely.
When Wood is out of balance:
You might feel frustrated, irritable, impatient, or “stuck.”
Physically, this can show as muscle tension, PMS, headaches, eye strain, or digestive discomfort.
Emotionally, you may swing between bursts of energy and periods of stagnation.
Fire – Warmth, Joy, and Connection
Organs: Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, Triple Burner
Season: Summer
Emotion: Joy and excitement (imbalanced expression: anxiety or restlessness)
Sense Organ: Tongue
Tissue: Blood vessels
Fire is the element of warmth, love, and communication.
It represents the height of energy in summer — when life is at its most vibrant.
When Fire is balanced:
You feel joyful, connected, and emotionally open.
Sleep is restful, circulation is strong, and the mind feels calm.
Relationships flow easily, with healthy expression of love and enthusiasm.
When Fire is out of balance:
You may experience anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, racing thoughts, or mood swings.
Excess Fire can lead to feeling overheated — physically or emotionally.
Too little Fire can cause a lack of joy, loneliness, or emotional withdrawal.
Wood Feeds Fire: Seeing the Connection
In the nourishing cycle of the Five Elements, Wood creates Fire — just as a tree provides the fuel for a flame.
This relationship plays out in both body and mind:
When Wood energy flows smoothly, we feel inspired and motivated. This natural sense of purpose fuels Fire, allowing joy and connection to flourish.
If Wood becomes stagnant — perhaps due to long-term stress or frustration — it can smother the flame, leading to low mood, lack of passion, or difficulty expressing emotions.
On the other hand, when Fire is excessive (too much excitement, social stimulation, or anxiety), it can burn through Wood, leaving us drained, irritable, or tense.
A simple example:
A client might come in with digestive tension and headaches (Wood imbalance) but also report anxiety and poor sleep (Fire imbalance).
By treating the Liver (Wood) to move Qi and calm tension, acupuncture can also settle the Heart (Fire), bringing a sense of emotional ease and restful sleep.
Supporting Your Wood and Fire
Both Wood and Fire benefit from movement, mindfulness, and balance:
For Wood:
Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching to keep energy flowing.
Creative activities or goal-setting to express growth and direction.
Acupuncture to release tension and ease stress.
For Fire:
Time to rest and cool down, especially in summer.
Heart-nourishing foods (like leafy greens and red fruits) and calming practices such as meditation.
Acupuncture to calm the mind, regulate sleep, and steady the Heart.
Bringing It All Together
Wood and Fire are the spring and summer of our inner world — seasons of action, connection, and expansion.
When they are balanced, we feel motivated, joyful, and fully alive.
When they are out of balance, we may notice frustration, anxiety, or burnout.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine work by understanding these relationships, supporting the element that needs care, and restoring harmony throughout the whole system — not just where symptoms appear.
This is the first of a three-part series on the Five Elements.
In Part 2, we’ll explore Earth and Metal, the elements of nourishment and stability, and how they influence digestion, immunity, and emotional grounding.
Finally, in Part 3, we’ll look at Water, the element of deep energy and wisdom, and how all five elements interact to create balance in body and mind.
If you recognise yourself in Wood or Fire — whether it’s stress, tension, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping — acupuncture can help bring these elements back into balance, allowing you to feel calmer, clearer, and more connected.
