Theories: Qi

Generating Energy (Qi)

Based on Five Element Theory, each elemental force generates or creates the next element in a creative sequence. 

For example:

• Water generates wood. Rain nourishes a tree.
• Wood generates fire. Burning wood generates fire.
• Fire generates earth. Ash is created from the fire. 
• Earth generates metal. Metal is mined from the earth.
• Metal generates water. Water condenses on metal. 

This creative process is illustrated in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1. Cycle of Generation

When applying this "supportive relationship" to the human body, we see that each internal organ embodies the energetic qualities of the element it's related to. Each organ is responsible for providing the energy needed by the next organ in the generative cycle. 

For example:

• Kidney (water element) supports the Liver (wood element).
• Liver (wood element) supports the Heart (fire element).
• Heart (fire element) supports the Spleen (earth element).
• Spleen (earth element) supports the Lung (metal element).
• Lung (metal element) supports the Kidney (water element).

Regulating Energy (Qi)

Based on Five Element Theory, each elemental force is also associated with another element which it is responsible for controlling or regulating.

For example:

• Water controls fire. Water puts fire out.
• Wood controls earth. Tree roots hold clods of earth.
• Fire controls metal. Fire can melt metal.
• Earth controls water. A pond holds water.
• Metal controls wood. An ax cuts wood.

This regulating process is illustrated in Figure 2 below:

Figure 2. Cycle of Regulation

When applying this "regulating relationship" to the human body, we see that each internal organ embodies the energetic qualities of the element it's related to. Each organ is responsible for providing energy to regulate or control excesses or deficiencies in the energy of the organ it's associated with in this cycle.

For example:

• Lung (metal element) controls Liver (wood element).
• Heart (fire element) controls Lung (metal element).
• Kidney (water element) controls Heart (fire element).
• Spleen (earth element) controls Kidney (water element).
• Liver (wood element) controls Spleen (earth element).

In summary, people's internal organs play a dual role in promoting and maintaining health: generating and regulating energy for each other. Each organ passes energy to the organ it supports, and, when necessary, controls imbalances in the energy of the organ which it regulates.