The Water Element
The Water Element
The water element sits as the well of vitality and endurance, and holds the root of our intellect, creativity, and our instinct to reproduce and survive.
Its archetype is that of the philosopher, who desires truth, and values honesty and knowledge.
The water element is associated with the season of winter, and represents trust, surrender and the mysteries of life .
It is associated with our genetic inheritance and our connection to our ancestors.
Just as water supports life, our ancestors support us and live in us.
Similarly, it is through the water element that we pass on our own inheritances (genetic and otherwise) to our offspring, which for many gives a driving sense of purpose.
The Water Element is associated with:
the color blue/ black,
the kidneys and bladder,
the bones.
and its associated emotion is fear.
When the water phase is in balance we live in a state of awe, wonder, and sacred discomfort at the great unknowns of the universe..
When the Water Phase is not in balance:
We might see congenital problems, any difficulties in growth or development.
We can see issues of low back or knee pain / weakness, any issues of incontinence, leukorrhea, bone conditions, premature aging, or reproductive problems.
Emotionally, we might see fear become consuming.
Some ways to support the Water Element of your body:
Calming physical exercise such as yoga or tai chi (particularly practices that encourage the strength of the spinal column).
Keep feet warm, especially in the winter, as the kidney meridians begin on the feet.
Nourishing food, rest, meditation, and natural beauty (particularly spending time with water can be helpful - watching rivers, oceans, ponds, etc.).
Foods that are naturally black in color can be very tonfiying to the water element, such as black beans, black sesame seeds, dark seaweeds, etc.
What influences the Water Phase?
The water element is nourished by the metal element (metal vitalizes water by permeating it with refined substances that enhances its life-giving properties), and the earth element restrains the water element (by damming and absorbing it).
Therefore when we see issues arising in the Water Element, we will also often look to see if it is being properly nourished by its parent element (Metal), or if its is being insulted by its controlling element (Earth).
The Five Elements
The 5 Elements (Phases) are nothing but symbols to describe the different movements that transpire within the dynamics of yin & yang, and the energetics and processes that occur within our human physiology - as the forces that govern and rule the natural world, are the same forces at play within our individual bodies.
At its core, Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine that originated from looking at and observing nature.
It is a science of symbolism.
Each of the 5 elements captures a certain movement, a certain motion, observed in the natural world; and each has its own energy characteristics within us (physically, emotionally, and spiritually).
In this medicine, health is understood as a state of being in harmony with nature, and aligned with the greater natural world.
We all embody all 5 elements, and when in health they are all mutually enhancing and regulating.
When out of balance, certain elements can become destructive and insulting or deficient and stifled.
Understanding the elements can help reveal where our bodies or psyches are needing support at any given moment in time.
Curious to Learn More?
1) Check out the rest of the element summaries here. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. Since all the elements live within all of us, it can be helpful to understand how they each interact.
2) Want to dive deeper into your own personal patterning? Get your own personalized reading & report here.
3) Wanting to work together 1 on 1? Shoot me a note and let's see how I might be able to help you.
