The Yin-Yang theory makes it evident that the outlook of the ancient Chinese regarding nature and the universe mainly concentrates on process and change. In effect, the Five Element Theory, which is sometimes known as the Five Phase theory, is just a different part of this view regarding change and movement. This concept says that the entire phenomena are produced as a result of the movement of the five elements - earth, wood, fire, water and metal. However, these elements do not form the basic constituents of matter, but are somewhat portrayal of specific attributes that are relevant to particular phase or cycles of change.

Earth

Earth is related to harvesting late in summer, fertility as well as causing the phenomena to exist. In addition, Earth is also associated with late afternoon and diminishing activity or movements. Earth provides us with the capability to think intellectually and also concentrate (also known as 'Yi'). Since Earth is also linked with the stomach and spleen, it is also related to nourishment that included the ingestion as well as digestion of food and information, physically and mentally. The imbalance of the Earth as an element is manifested by a yellowing shade to our complexion, a somewhat poorly, but sweet odor and a singing feature of the voice. Individuals who have a preponderance of the Earth element are usually excellent listeners, but may perhaps be predisposed to worries.

Wood

The element Wood is distinguished by growth as well as increasing and external movement. Wood is related to spring, morning and commencing any action. The energy of Wood rises and, subsequently, goes away. It provides us with the competence to plan, regulate as well as be angry. Wood is also associated with the gallbladder and the liver. Any imbalance with the element Wood is reflected by a greenish complexion, a loud or snappish voice, and a rotten smell. People who have a preponderance of the Wood element are generally commanding, self-confident as well as well-organized. However, they are also likely to be short-tempered.

Fire

The attributes of Fire include heat as well as an ascending movement. When it reaches its zenith, the element Fire manifests energy or vitality and is linked with summer as well as the noon. In addition, Fire provides us with the ability for affection and to love and is associated with the heart and small intestine as well as the Heart Protector and Triple Heater. As is well known, the Heart accommodates the mind, the center for realization/ awareness, and the source of our entire thoughts and emotions. When there is an imbalance of the Fire element, it is manifested by a reddened complexion, an unsteady/ quivering or laughing voice as well as a burning smell. Any individual having a preponderance of Fire element is usually affectionate and sensitive. However, they are also likely to be emotional and sensitively unpredictable.

Water

The element Water is considered to be the utmost degeneration or decline. In effect, Water is known to be related to winter, night, inactivity, accommodating, descending movement and cold. The energy or vitality of Water either overhangs or hovers. In effect, Water is the primary momentum for growth following the inactivity or latency of winter and provides us with the resolve to live and the push for giving birth. In addition, Water is associated with the gallbladder and the kidneys. Strangely enough, water is also related to fear. When there is an imbalance of the element Water in an individual, they experience a black or bluish shade to the complexion of their face, particularly just under the eyes, a rotting smell and a whimpering aspect in their voice. People having a preponderance of the Water element are likely to be possessed with their self, and able, but may turn out to be nervous or apprehensive. Overall, people usually cannot be clearly categorized into a solitary group, but have an inclination to amalgamate attributes from several dissimilar elements that may perhaps differ at various phases or points in their lives.

Metal

The element Metal symbolizes turn down and it is related to evening, autumn as well as the equilibrium between activities and resting. In addition, Metal also represents cleansing, abolition as well as reorganization. It provides us with the ability to accept new experiences and to get rid of the old. The energy or vitality of Metal declines and, subsequently, fades. The element Metal is associated with the lungs and the large intestine. In effect, the lungs accommodate the corporal soul (also known as 'Po') that provides us with the vitality of an animal and the capability to survive in the present. It is also linked with sorrow and unhappiness. Since the skin is considered to be an expansion of the lung, the element Metal is related to the concept of boundary - of the boundary between an individual and others. Any disparity in the balance of the element Metal in our body is manifested by a whitish shade to the complexion of our face, a lamenting feature of our voice and a somewhat mouldy smell of decay. Individuals having a preponderance of the element Metal may be extremely positive, but are likely to feel gloomy quite easily.