Five Elements and Your Menstrual Health

Have you ever wondered why you have heavy periods, PMS and fatigue at the same time? Or if your irregular periods have anything to do with your irritability and headaches? These seemingly unrelated symptoms are a mystery to many of us. Even the most advanced Western science has difficulty coming up with plausable explanations.

But to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, these unrelated symptoms are not random at all. In fact, they’re closely connected to one another, and can be understood and effectively treated – thanks to the TCM Five Element Theory, which has been tested and proven over thousands of years.

In this article, I’ll introduce to you the basic concepts of the Five Elements and how they relate to your health, especially your menstrual health.

Yin and Yang

TCM believes that yin and yang are the two primal forces of the universe. Yang represents that which is warm, light, active, and expanding. And yin represents that which is cool, heavy, passive, and contracting.

In our modern culture, we’re conditioned to associate yang with strength (the good), and yin with weakness (the bad). But the ancient Chinese understood that yin and yang are inseparable. They support, and at the same time control, each other, maintaining a dynamic balance among all things.

It is this dynamic dance of yin and yang that creates the four seasons, the birth, growth, decline and death cycles of plants, animals, and humans. The ancient Chinese developed a sophisticated model – the Five Element Theory – to understand the various energetic cycles of the universe and applied it to achieve health, peace and happiness.

The Wood Element

Wood represents the vibrant growth of the springtime. In our lives, it symbolizes the energy of forming and defining – the actions we take to bring our creative ideas into being. When wood energy is properly directed, we walk confidently in the direction of our dreams and bring our ideas and projects to successful fruition. When not properly channeled, the expansive wood energy can feel stuck and manifest itself as irritability, frustration and anger.

In the menstrual cycle, the Wood Element corresponds to the period after the menstrual flow has stopped, and before ovulation – around days 7 to 14, if you have a 28-day menstrual cycle. During this time, the uterus builds up a thick inner lining that will support a fertilized egg, if there is one. This phase of the menstrual cycle is symbolized by the expansive growth of the Wood Element.

In the moon cycle, the Wood Element corresponds to the waxing moon – the beginning of a new cycle of growth. New ideas are being planted. New processes are coming into play. New experiences and events are within reach. It’s a good time to implement your ideas, start new projects, and take actions toward your goals.

In our body, the Wood Element corresponds to the functions of the liver and gallbladder, which play important roles in…

Digestion

Storage of blood and essential nutrients

Transformation of energy

Detoxification of toxins

Regularity of women’s menstrual cycles

Housing our subconscious mind

When the Wood Element is out of balance in our body – either too much (excessive) or too little (deficient) – it can manifest itself as:

DEFICIENCY:

Ameorrhea (no periods)

Scanty periods

Late periods (menstrual cycles longer than 35 days)

Infertility

Blurred or weak vision

Dry eyes, skin and hair

Tremors or numbness

Muscle cramps

Withered and brittle nails

Dizziness, vertigo

Inability to make decisions

A feeling of aimlessness

EXCESS:

Premenstrual tension (PMS)

Painful periods

Irregular periods

Breast distention

Amenorrhea

Premature menopause

Infertility

Moodiness, irritability, depression, anger

A feeling of constraint in the chest, the area below the diaphragm, and/or abdomen

Gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, hiccups, or belching

Pounding headaches

The Fire Element

Fire represents the summer when things reach their peak – the sun radiating with its brightest light and flowers booming in their utmost glory. In our lives, it symbolizes a stage of peak power and the time to enjoy and celebrate what has become.

When the fire energy is balanced, we radiate with optimism, enthusiasm and joy. We’re fully present to enjoy the beauty and abundance in our lives, and we light up those around us. When out of balance, this powerful, fiery energy can manifest itself as anxiety, mental restlessness, and other emotional disturbances.

In the menstrual cycle, the Fire Element corresponds to ovulation – around days 14 and 16, if you have a 28-day menstrual cycle. During this time, estrogen level peaks, initiating the production of the luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation. This is the fiery peak of a woman’s fertile cycle, and for many, also the peak of sexual desire.

In the moon cycle, the Fire Element corresponds to the full moon – the embodiment of peak power. It’s time to claim your own power, make decisions, work changes, and bring your ideas or projects into being. The transformational quality of the fire energy makes it an ideal time to learn to transform negative energies into positive ones, express yourself, and share your beauty and gifts with the world.

In our body, the Fire Element corresponds to the functions of the heart and small intestines, which play important roles in…

Separation and absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat

Circulation of blood and nutrients

Housing our spirit

When the Fire Element is out of balance in our body – either too much (excessive) or too little (deficient) – it can manifest itself as:

DEFICIENCY:

Palpitation

Dizziness, vertigo

Poor memory

Anxiety, mental restlessness

Insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep

Shortness of breath, fatigue

Spontaneous sweating

Stuttering or difficulty speaking

Lack of joy

EXCESS:

Palpitation

Red or purplish complexion

Mouth and tongue ulcers

Mental restlessness

Hyperactivity

Hypertension

Chest pain

Heart conditions

Excessive or incoherent talking

Mental illness

The Earth Element

Earth represents the late summer (the last 18 days of summer) when things are about to transition from a period of growth, expansion and celebration in the spring and summer to a period of contraction and consolidation in the fall and winter.

The Earth Element is the force that balances all the other elements into a harmonious whole. It symbolizes the nurturing, supportive, interpersonal, and interdependent aspects of our lives. When the nurturing earth energy is not properly directed, it can manifest itself as meddling, obsession, worry or self-doubt.

In the menstrual cycle, the Earth Element corresponds to the secretory stage of the cycle – days 16 to 21, if you have a 28-day menstrual cycle. During this time, the rising progesterone level causes glands to release nutrients into the uterus, and the uterine lining changes to prepare for potential implantation of an embryo to establish a pregnancy. This part of the menstrual cycle illustrates the nurturing quality of the Earth Element.

In the moon cycle, the Earth Element corresponds to a few days after the full moon – the accumulation and disbursement of the earth’s bounty. It’s time to nurture yourself and others by sharing love, abundance and success. It’s also time to prepare yourself for a shift from the outward-expressing, action-oriented spring, summer and waxing moon phase to the more inward-focused, consolidating fall, winter, and waning moon phase.

In our body, the Earth Element corresponds to the functions of the spleen and stomach, which play important roles in…

Digestion and absorption

Production of blood and energy (Qi)

Holding our blood, flesh and organs in place

Governing our mental faculty of clear thinking and concentration

When the Earth Element is out of balance in our body – either too much (excessive) or too little (deficient) – it can manifest itself as:

DEFICIENCY:

Amenorrhea

Scanty periods

Early periods (menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days)

Late periods (menstrual cycles longer than 35 days)

Heavy periods

Prolonged periods

Menorrhagia

Leukorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge)

Prolapsed uterus

Miscarriage

Fatigue

Poor appetite or overeating

Loose stools, diarrhea

A bloating feeling after eating

Anemia

Hemorrhoids

Bruising easily

Muscle weakness

Mental spaciness

Tendency to obesity

EXCESS:

Leukorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge)

Amenorrhea

Ovarian cysts

A feeling of heaviness

A sticky taste in the mouth

Water retention (edema)

Nausea, vomiting, belching

Poor digestion, loose stools

Abdominal fullness

Soft lumps or enlarged lymph nodes

Obesity

The Metal Element

Metal represents the fall, the time of harvest – organizing, sorting things in categories, and storing up for the winter. In our lives, metal represents the process of reduction and contraction – discerning what’s important and essential, setting up structures and systems, and building a solid foundation. When the metal energy is in balance, we lead an orderly life. We are rational and we conduct our life according to our principles and values. When the metal energy is overly constricting, though, it can manifest itself as rigidity, inflexibility, and grief.

In the menstrual cycle, the Metal Element corresponds to the premenstrual phase of the cycle – days 21 to 28, if you have a 28-day menstrual cycle. During this time, cells in the ovary begin to degenerate if fertilization has not occurred. They cease to produce the hormones that help blood vessels supply the lining of the uterus. As a result, the uterine lining is shed off like the dying and falling of autumn leaves. And menstruation begins.

In the moon cycle, the Metal Element corresponds to the waning moon – the process of purification. It’s time to turn your focus inward, reflect on what’s been accomplished, what’s working, and what’s not. It’s time to push away the impure and nonessential, let go of what no longer serves you, take care of unfinished business, and tidy up the loose ends. Symbolically, PMS is representative of this purification process.

In our body, the Metal Element corresponds to the functions of the lungs and large intestines, which play important roles in…

Respiration

Immunity

Elimination

Distribution of body fluids

When the Metal Element is out of balance in our body – either too much (excessive) or too little (deficient) – it can manifest itself as:

DEFICIENCY:

Shortness of breath on exertion

Dry skin Fatigue

Spontaneous sweating

Slight cough or dry cough

Susceptible to cold and flu

A weak or hoarse voice

Dislike of speaking

Constipation

Inability to grief

EXCESS:

Inflammation of tonsils, larynx, or large intestine

Sinus problems

Allergies

Cough with phlegm

Respiratory disorders

Skin disorders

Persistent, inconsolable grief

The Water Element

Water represents the winter, a period of rest and restoration – conserving energy and germinating new seeds for the spring. In our lives, water represents the process of introspection and consolidation – tuning into our inner wisdom, building up our inner strength, preparing for the vision yet to be manifested, and the potential yet to be realized. When balanced, the lucid water energy can manifest as wisdom, creativity, strength, patience and perseverance. When out of balance, it can manifest itself as fear, suspicion, cynicism, withdrawal or isolation.

In the menstrual cycle, the Water Element corresponds to menstruation – days 1 to 7. The menstrual blood cleanses the womb of dead cells and leaves it ready to begin its fertile cycle again. It’s just like the dark hours and cold temperatures of the winter – stripping away any excess after the long period of abundance, and bringing everything back to the bare minimum.

In the moon cycle, the Water Element corresponds to the new moon – the dark hours when the yin reaches its peak and the yang is at its lowest of the low. It’s an opportune time to tune into the deepest part of yourself, receiving inner wisdom and tapping into the source of your creativity and unleashed potential. Don’t be frightened by the darkness. Rather, use this time wisely to heal and renew yourself, and to plant new seeds for the upcoming cycle that is just around the corner.

In our body, the Water Element corresponds to the functions of the kidneys and urinary bladder, which play important roles in…

Water metabolism

The reproductive system

Hormones and the endocrine system

The normal lifecycle, including the process of birth, growth, aging and death

Housing our inner strength and willpower

TCM believes that the Water Element is the original source of all yin and yang in the body. Since each of us was endowed with a given amount at birth, it only has deficient conditions, which can manifest themselves as either deficiency of yin or deficiency of yang:

YIN DEFICIENCY:

Menorrhagia

Early periods (menstrual cycles less than 21 days)

Scanty periods

Ameorrhea (no periods)

Infertility

Hot flashes, night sweats

Lower back or knee pain

Dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus Poor memory

Dry mouth and throat at night

Scanty, dark urine

Slight anxiety, depression

YANG DEFICIENCY:

Menorrhagia

Late periods (menstrual cycles longer than 35 days)

Leukorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge)

Infertility

Miscarriage

Lower back or knee pain

Cold limbs, lower back, knees

Fatigue, lethargy

Frequent, abundant urination

Edema of limbs especially legs

Depression

Lowered libido

The Law of Harmony

The Five Elements abide by the Law of Harmony – they support and control one another, striving to achieve a dynamic balance and equilibrium. Normally, they follow two energetic cycles:

THE GENERATING CYCLE

In the generating cycle, each element is nourished by another element, and at the same time nourishes yet another element:

Water nourishes wood

Wood generates fire

Fire nourishes earth

Earth generates metal

Metal nourishes water

When balanced, each of the Five Elements support one another and work in perfect harmony. When one element becomes deficient or in excess, however, it may fail to nourish or block its neighboring elements causing them to be deficient or in excess as well.

THE CONTROLLING CYCLE

When not controlled, any one element can overgrow and cause disharmony. So nature designs a controlling cycle to keep everything in balance:

Water controls fire

Fire controls metal

Metal controls wood

Wood controls earth

Earth controls water

If one element is in excess, for example, wood in excess, it can attack the element it controls (the Earth Element), or counterattack the element that controls it (the Metal Element), causing imbalance in all three elements.

Summary

Take some time to contemplate the principle of yin and yang, and the Five Element Theory. Once you learn it, you can apply it to every aspect of your life, from health to work, finance, and relationships. And you’ll have a powerful tool to help create balance and harmony in your life.

Want to find out which of your element(s) are out of balance and receive specific diet and lifestyle recommendations to balance your Five Elements – and harmonize your menstrual cycles?

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