WHAT ARE THE TWELVE ELEMENTS RELATE TO THE BODY ORGANS?

The twelve elements that relate to body organs are derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), specifically through the Five Elements Theory and the Twelve Meridians (energy channels) of the body. Each organ is associated with specific elements, emotions, and functions. Here’s how they connect:

The Five Elements and Organ Relationships

1. Wood Element

• Organs: Liver (Yin) and Gallbladder (Yang)
• Functions: Liver stores blood and regulates Qi flow; Gallbladder aids digestion.
• Emotions: Anger and frustration
• Season: Spring
• Color: Green

2. Fire Element

• Organs: Heart (Yin) and Small Intestine (Yang)
• Functions: Heart governs blood and houses the spirit (Shen); Small Intestine aids nutrient absorption.
• Emotions: Joy and overexcitement
• Season: Summer
• Color: Red

3. Earth Element

• Organs: Spleen (Yin) and Stomach (Yang)
• Functions: Spleen governs digestion and transformation of food into Qi; Stomach breaks down food.
• Emotions: Worry and overthinking
• Season: Late summer
• Color: Yellow

4. Metal Element

• Organs: Lungs (Yin) and Large Intestine (Yang)
• Functions: Lungs control breathing and Qi; Large Intestine eliminates waste.
• Emotions: Grief and sadness
• Season: Autumn
• Color: White

5. Water Element

• Organs: Kidneys (Yin) and Bladder (Yang)
• Functions: Kidneys store essence (Jing) and regulate water metabolism; Bladder stores and excretes urine.
• Emotions: Fear and insecurity
• Season: Winter
• Color: Black or dark blue

The Twelve Body Organs and Meridians

These organs correspond to twelve meridians that regulate the flow of Qi (energy) and blood throughout the body:

1. Lung Meridian (respiratory health)
2. Large Intestine Meridian (digestion and waste elimination)
3. Stomach Meridian (digestion and metabolism)
4. Spleen Meridian (digestion and immunity)
5. Heart Meridian (circulation and emotional balance)
6. Small Intestine Meridian (nutrient absorption)
7. Bladder Meridian (water metabolism and detoxification)
8. Kidney Meridian (energy storage and reproductive health)
9. Pericardium Meridian (protects the heart)
10. Triple Burner (San Jiao) Meridian (regulates metabolism and body temperature)
11. Gallbladder Meridian (decision-making and detoxification)
12. Liver Meridian (energy flow and blood storage)