The control cycle also applies to our internal organs.
– The Wood Element governs the liver. If the Wood energy of the liver becomes too strong, it weakens the spleen (organ of Earth).
– The Fire Element governs the heart. If the Fire energy of the heart becomes too strong, it weakens the lungs (organ of Metal).
– The Earth Element governs the spleen. If the Earth energy of the spleen becomes too strong, it weakens the kidneys (organ of Water).
– The Metal Element governs the lungs. If the Metal energy of the lungs becomes too strong, it weakens the liver (organ of Wood).
– The Water Element governs the kidneys. If the Water energy of the kidneys becomes too strong, it weakens the heart (organ of Fire).
Five Elements theory: How food affects human organs
With this in mind, we can deduce how foods can affect the Five Elements and internal organs in our bodies, based on the Five Elements theory.
– Sour foods are associated with the Wood Element. Therefore, the consumption of sour foods nourishes the liver (organ of Wood), but when excessive, weakens the spleen (organ of Earth).
– Bitter foods are associated with the Fire Element. Therefore, the consumption of bitter foods nourishes the heart (organ of Fire), but when excessive, weakens the lungs (organ of Metal).
– Sweet foods are associated with the Earth Element. Therefore, the consumption of sweet foods nourishes the spleen (organ of Earth), but when excessive, weakens the kidneys (organ of Water).
– Pungent foods are associated with the Metal Element. Therefore, the consumption of pungent foods nourishes the lungs (organ of Metal), but when excessive, weakens the liver (organ of Wood).
– Salty foods are associated with the Water Element. Therefore, the consumption of salty foods nourishes the kidneys (organ of Water), but when excessive, weakens the heart (organ of Fire).
