The Water element is connected with winter, hibernation, going deep inside

It governs our positive emotions of wisdom, calmness, gentleness will power and fortitude.  Out of balance, if reflects the emotion of fear

When the water element is in balance there is both physical and emotional warmth, individuals tend to make others feel safe, and they will appear to have a robust constitution without anything piercing and obvious.

Water types tend to have softer edges, and can go with the flow of life without having to control it.

Physically, they would be the type one would consider ‘strong boned’ as the water element rules over the bones.  In contrast, one with a weak water element may find themselves breaking bones often and seeming very fragile.

The 5 Elements Cycles and Relationships

Controlling and Generating Cycles

Water generates Wood (generating cycle)

Metal generates Water (generating cycle)

Water controls Fire (controlling cycle)

Earth acts on Water (controlling cycle)

Water generates Wood

In nature, we know that plants do not grow without water.  When wood is not nourished it becomes dry and brittle and easy to break.

The Kidneys are the source of essence which the Liver needs to produce Blood. 

It is the seasonal change from winter to spring, and our systems shift from a quiet contemplative state where we can plan our actions through wise contemplation. 

In spring (wood season) action comes to life and we see ingenuity and invention.

*According to statistics Canada, March is the peak month for trademark and patent submission.

Metal generates Water

Physiology - our nutritive Qi comes from the Lung, and the Large Intestine expels waste.  When we are effectively letting in the pure, and releasing the impure, the  Kidneys job is easier.  The Lung is also responsible for dispersing water throughout the body.

The Kidney is in charge of receiving and dispersing Qi, as well as separating the pure from the impure. 

Emotional - when we feel in control, we have less fear

KI 3 is a point on the medial ankle that when acupressure is applied, it can help with deeper breathing.  Very effective for asthma patients or those with tightness in the chest

Water acts on Fire

Logically speaking we can easily understand how something that is too wet or damp cannot catch fire, and that water extinguishes a fire.

When the Water element of the Kidneys and Bladder are out of synch, it creates a heaviness and difficulty for the Fire to ignite.

Emotionally, fear can steal joy and can also exacerbate the impact that a shock can have on the system.

When there is too much water in the body (edema) the Blood can struggle with proper circulation in the vessels.

Earth acts on Water

The Stomach and Spleen provide Nutritive Qi for the Kidneys in the form of Qi and Blood. The Kidney clean the Blood and the Liver circulates it through the body.

Earth also regulates the Water element through its relationship with the Kidneys.

Emotionally, our thoughts are controlled by the Earth element, so if we are worrying or overthinking then it leads to fear. 

When we have healthy intellect and thinking patterns, then fears are managed and we act with wisdom.

 Reverse Flow of Water Energy

In general, if the Water element is not flowing properly it results in dampness.  This can result in stiff or rigid joints, weak knees, lower back pain, and immobility or a lack of desire to move.

Individuals may experience water retention such as edema, osteoporosis, tooth decay, urinary difficulties and problems with blood pressure (high or low)

On an emotional level, one can experience isolation, fear, absentmindedness and detachment. The sounds of moaning and groaning are a sign of a water imbalance.