ABSTRACT
The theory of the five elements states that the natural world is made up of five elements. These are wood (木), fire (火), earth (土), metal (金), and water (水). Each one of these elements is dependent on the others, while at the same time, each can have the ability to act upon the other elements. This relationship between the five elements is a basic guide to oriental medical practice. The theory of the five elements can be explained through interacting, overacting, and counteracting relationships that exist among the five constituents.
