The five Elements of Nature are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

Everything in existence contains some quantity of all five elements. The Five Elements theory identifies the five different elements in which chi energy may manifest itself as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Air.  The Five Element theory observes natural, creative change; and it is the natural world that confirms that throughout that all the forces and energies in nature can be in constant smooth and harmonious transition from one phase to another - just as one season 'becomes' the next.

WOOD is the most human of the elements. It is the element of spring; the creative urge to achieve - which can turn to anger when frustrated. It is associated with the capacity to look forward, plan and make decisions. Wood energy is rising, expanding, and is the force of growth and flexibility. 

FIRE is the element of heat, summer and enthusiasm; nature at its peak of growth, and warmth in human relationships. Its motion is upward. Fire is the symbolic of combustion and this represents the functions of the body that have reached that fleeting moment of maximum activity; indicating that decline is then inevitable.

EARTH is the element of harvest time, abundance, nourishment, fertility, and the mother to child relationship. This element is also regarded as central to balance and the place where energy becomes downward in movement. It is the symbol of stability and being properly anchored.

METAL includes the Western idea of the AIR element. It is the force of gravity, the minerals within the earth, the patterns of the heavenly bodies and the powers of electrical conductivity and magnetism. Metal has structure, but it can also accept a new form when molten. Metal energy is consolidating and with inward movement, like a flower closing its petals. The symbol of metal is one of a cutting and reforming action, but it is also regarded as a solidifying process.

WATER is the source of life on this planet. Likewise it is the fluids (the main component of the body) which nourish and maintain the health of every cell. Water has the capacity to flow, infinitely yielding yet infinitely powerful, ever changing and often dangerous with the capacity also to nourish and cleanse. Water is the ultimate yin; quiet, cold; representing the resting time of winter. It has a waiting, silent, still quality that can be described as "stored potential". It has flexibility, yet it has great power (e.g. the devastation caused by floods)