5 Element Elixirs - Ancient Herbal Support for Personal Transformation Part 2

Before we get into the nitty gritty, nuts and bolts of the 5 elements elixirs, it is important to provide more clarity on 5 element/5 phases model and its raison d’etre, the reason for its existence…. its purpose.

Part 1 Recap

Let start by reviewing some of the highlights from Part 1, add some visuals and expand the explanation to get a deeper understanding:

1. The 5 elements are truly 5 phases in constant transformation. Each phase promotes the transformation to the next. Fire helps create and transforms into Earth, Earth helps create and transforms into Metal, etc.

   
   

   

   
   

2. It is the same model as yin yang, but with 5 conditions, instead of two. Both models represent common, repeating, Universal patterns.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Everything in the Universe and in nature reflects the 5 phases

   

4. Humans can disrupt as well as manage the 5 phases of transformation.

   
   

   

5. The sages developed the understanding of the 5 phases into a science and a methodology that can be used for positive self-development and advancement, as well as for the good and prosperity of all.

Forgotten Knowledge (almost….)

Except for human beings, every living being on the planet lives in accordance to nature and instinctively follow universal laws.  There was a time many millennia ago, when collectively, humans could sense and feel nature and followed its movements in their daily lives, and understood its signs. At that time, the knowledge uncovered by the sages was used to manage the phases, to strengthen a weak element, or to maximize a phase for optimal benefit.

When a new idea, method, technique, or invention was created, it was evaluated to ensure it did not diminish or overly accentuate the associated phase(s) and that there were no hidden or latent side effects that could cause harm. Possible benefits were evaluated and only those important, true advancements were pursued based not just on practical benefits but also on their positive long-term health and wellness effects to society.        

So, the ancients envisioned the 5 elements model to describe and understand the universe and our part in it and through great effort and deep study, formed an organized, comprehensive, didactic body of knowledge and that serves as a philosophy of life. This then could be taught, learned and continously researched and enriched with new insights from ever changing challenges, all while remaining true to natural and universal laws.

Over the centuries much of 5 elements theory, concepts and terminology permeated most parts of Chinese life and were absorbed into the Chinese culture. However, as they morphed into custom, they also became mechanical and dogmatic and the understanding of their relevance ceased to matter, so even though present in its culture and in most aspects of Chinese life, the concepts are in general, poorly understood and the practical and positive use of 5 element methodology as a guide and as a technology for solving problems, making decisions and avoiding negative outcomes ceased almost entirely, maintained only by rural communities, traditional groups, wisdom/spiritual schools and in a number of disciplines where the 5 phases had a central role and cannot be wholly removed, such as in traditional Chinese medicine.

Far From Nature, Living Willy Nilly

At this point of history, most of humanity have become far removed from nature and are unable to see the changing cycles nor to recognize their significance and so unknowingly violate these subtle patterns, often to satisfy ever growing desires, preferences, and frivolous conveniences. Pleasure, distraction, wealth, and self-gratification are the motivators that drive our behavior, and as a result we suffer from lack of vitality, illness, poor quality of life, and painful death, while our diversions and whims harm us and the very planet that sustains us.

In a Nutshell

Clearly, we need to revert to ancient technologies that guide us back to alignment with universal laws and patterns, that point us back to disciplined, orderly, observant living, hygienic physical, mental, and spiritual practices that lead us back to vibrant health, wellness, longevity, and that focus on self-improvement and advancement as the primary motivator. And this my dear brethren is, in a nutshell, the purpose of the 5 elements teachings and the reason they are perhaps more important now than they have ever been

Part 3 - 5 elements correspondences and the use of herbal support for optimal wellbeing.