Take a slow, deep breath in and out. Let your body settle. Now imagine yourself as a living landscape — shifting, flowing, and responding to seasons, emotions, and time.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your body’s rhythm is described through the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These represent emotional, physical, and energetic phases that shape how you move through life.
Whether you menstruate monthly, occasionally, or no longer at all, these energies continue to live within you.
Wood
Wood is the energy of spring — growth, direction, and renewal. It’s linked to the liver and gallbladder, helping you detoxify, process emotions, and move forward. You feel wood when starting something new or feeling motivated. When blocked, it may appear as tension, frustration, PMS, or stagnation. Support wood through movement, fresh air, and emotional expression — even a good cry.
Fire
Fire is the energy of summer — joy, passion, and connection. It governs the heart and small intestine, guiding relationships and emotional warmth. When balanced, you feel vibrant and expressive. When excessive or depleted, it may show up as anxiety or burnout. Nourish fire with laughter, creativity, and heartfelt connection.
Earth
Earth represents late summer — your center, nurturing, and stability. Ruled by the spleen and stomach, it governs how you digest both food and life. Imbalanced earth can cause bloating, heaviness, over-giving, or craving sweetness. Ground yourself with warm, cooked foods, stillness, and gentle self-care.
Metal
Metal is autumn energy — the phase of letting go, refinement, and breath. It’s tied to the lungs and large intestine and often carries grief or nostalgia. You feel metal strongly during transitions or endings. Support it with breathwork, decluttering, and reflection — making room for what truly matters now.
Water
Water is the energy of winter — depth, rest, and wisdom. It governs the kidneys and bladder and holds your vital essence, or Jing. After menopause, water becomes your guide, inviting rest, introspection, and trust in your inner knowing. When depleted, fatigue, fear, or bone weakness may arise. Support water with warmth, early sleep, quiet reflection, and gentle movement.
The Five Elements aren’t separate — they move in harmony. You hold all five within you, each one ebbing and flowing through different life phases. Pause for a moment and ask: which element feels strong in me right now, and which one needs care?
Just as nature cycles through seasons, so do you. Your rhythm is sacred — guided not just by hormones or age, but by energy, emotion, and wisdom. Let the Five Elements remind you that you are nature in motion — ever adapting, ever whole.