The 5 Element Qigong form is a simple practice that is easy to learn yet provides profound insight into the movement and experience of Qi flow.
The colors relate to the organ connected to each element. Add the sounds on the out breath.
EARTH CENTER
Earth represents balance or neutrality. It is the element of beginning. Earth is the Goddess Mother and the grounding center of creation. In the body, the sacred point of Earth energy is the root center (huyin). From this point we can access the energy of the Earth and connect with the core of our being. The color of Earth energy is yellow.
Earth energy provides mental focus and clarity of thought. It enhances concentration and allows us to be compassionate and nurturing. Balanced Earth energy is productive and fertile. Unbalanced Earth energy brings worry and grief.
The Earth energy flow is facilitated through the spleen. The spleen is the yin organ which receives, extracts and dispenses the energy we get from the food, drink and air we take in. The spleen keeps the other internal organs aligned and provides the stability for blood flow. The stomach is the yang organ that balances the spleen and is responsible for beginning the process of digestion. Cultivating Earth energy can help with clearing the mind and releasing anxiety, worries and obsessive behavior. It also helps with digestion related problems.
The grounding power of Earth provides us with self-discipline and the ability to be responsible and resourceful in times of difficulty. Connecting to Earth energy is vitally important in these times of change.
WOOD RISING/WOOD CLOSING
Wood represents growth. It is the element of expansion. Wood is the Lifeforce that exists within all things. In the body, the sacred point of Wood is the lower dan tien, a point approximately three finger widths below the navel. From this point we can access the energy of the Wood and connect with the inexhaustible source within our being. The color of Wood energy is green.
Wood energy provides confidence and the ability to persevere in times of difficulty. It enhances physical strength and stamina. Balanced Wood energy is rooted and decisive. Unbalanced Wood energy brings anger and confusion.
The Wood energy flow is facilitated through the liver. The liver is the yin organ which stores blood and facilitates the flow of blood and energy through the body. The liver is responsible for the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The gallbladder is the yang organ that balances the liver and is responsible for storing and excreting bile. Cultivating Wood energy can help with subduing anger and irritability as well as banishing indecisiveness. It also helps with blood flow problems.
The increasing power of Wood provides us with the ability to recognize our higher purpose in life. Connecting to Wood energy brings us into alignment with nature.
FIRE IN/FIRE OUT
Fire represents growth reaching its maximum potential. It is the element of abundance. Fire is the Power of potentiality. In the body, the sacred point of Fire is the heart center. From this point we can access the energy of the Fire and connect with the true essence of our being. The color of Fire energy is red.
Fire energy provides decisiveness as well as cultivating the positive emotions of happiness, joy and love. It enhances original thinking and passion. Balanced Fire energy is bright and alive. Unbalanced Fire energy brings excessiveness.
The Fire energy flow is facilitated through the heart. The heart is the yin organ which assists in the circulation of blood. The heart is also the emotional center and the seat of our intuitive consciousness. The heart is responsible for synchronizing with the energy fields of all things around us. The small intestine is the yang organ that balances the heart and is responsible for separating digested food and drink into usable and unusable parts. Cultivating Fire energy can help with subduing sorrow, sadness and hysteria as well as well as stabilizing mental functions.
The hot power of Fire provides us with the ability to connect to our emotional being. Connecting to Fire energy gives us the power to realize our true self.
METAL CENTER/METAL DOWN
Metal represents decline after reaching the pinnacle. It is the element of contraction. Metal is the Essence at the core of existence. In the body, the sacred point of Metal is the throat. From this point we can access the energy of the Metal and connect with the pure energy of the universe. The color of Metal energy is white.
Metal energy provides discipline and determination. It is a conductor and transfers energy through the body. Balanced Metal energy is self-reliant and relentless. Unbalanced Metal energy brings self-loathing.
The Metal energy flow is facilitated through the lungs. The lungs are the yin organs which facilitate breathing and obtaining oxygen. The lungs are vital for all metabolic functions. The large intestine is the yang organ that balances the lungs and is responsible for receiving and discharging waste. Cultivating Metal energy can help with grief and sadness that comes from dwelling on the past. It also helps with constipation or other bowel problems.
The decreasing power of Metal provides us with the enthusiasm and willingness to actively engage in life. Connecting to Metal energy helps to sharpen our sense of self.
WATER RISING/WATER FALLING
Water represents decline reaching its maximum. It is the element of retraction. Water is the Flow of energy through the universe. In the body, the sacred point of Water is the upper dan tien (3rd eye center). From this point we can access the energy of the Water and connect with the pure rhythm of all things. The color of Water energy is blue.
Water energy provides willpower and flexibility. It is intuitive and moves to the places of least resistance. Balanced Water energy is expressive and persuasive. Unbalanced Water energy brings fear.
The Water energy flow is facilitated through the kidneys. The kidneys are the yin organs which gather, store and dispense water and fluid throughout the body. The kidneys are responsible for the generation and circulation of energy throughout the body. The bladder is the yang organ that balances the kidneys and receives, stores, and excretes urine. Cultivating Water energy can help with fear, depression and boredom. It also helps with urination and fertility problems.
The retracting power of Water provides us with the courage and willingness to be who we truly are. Connecting to Water energy builds a strong life-force.