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| In simple terms, the main organs are each associated with a natural element (see diagram below). |
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The Nourishing Cycle
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| When the Five Elements are correctly assigned to their respective natural phenomena, they may then be applied to the physiology of, in this instance, the horse. Further classifications show that the five main organs are associated with emotions, sense organs, and tissues. This is illustrated as follows: |
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Wood
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Fire
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Earth
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Metal
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Water
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Main Organs
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Liver
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Heart
Small intestines
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Spleen
Stomach
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Lungs
Colon
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Kidneys
Bladder
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Five Emotions
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Anger
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Joy
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Reflection
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Sadness
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Fright
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Five Sense Organs
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Eyes
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Tongue
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Mouth
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Nose
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Ears
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Tissues
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Tendons
Hooves
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Blood and vascular system
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Muscles
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Hair and skin
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Bones and marrow
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| Taken together, these Five Elements form one complete whole; self-contained, self-renewing and self-regulating. All things in the world belong to one or more of these five qualities which have been termed "The Five Elements". Balance cannot be maintained with uncontrolled growth. Therefore, each element must also control another and so keep growth within reasonable limits. |
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| The next article will explain Chinese anatomy and how it relates to the Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. Continue to Part Three - Chinese Physiology and Philosophy |
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