5 Element Elixirs - Ancient Herbal Support for Personal Transformation Part 1
At Shen Martial Arts, we offer a variety of Herbal Elixirs. When reading the descriptions, you may find some overlap, with more than one elixir having some similar observed benefits and it may appear that they are offered with no order or structure, and there is not synergy or relationship between them. However, while each elixir is stand alone and can be used to great benefit independently, there is an important. overarching relationship between them corresponding to the ancient concept of the 5 elements.
This first post is not meant to be an exhaustive dissertation on the 5 elements but rather an introduction or primer into the 5 element model, correspondence, and its relevance to self cultivation, personal transformation and physical, mental and spiritual advancement. The purpose for the use of herbal elixirs will then be presented.
- The 5 Elements are actually 5 Phases. Each phase creates the next in a continuous, never-ending cycle.
- No one phase is more important or "stronger" than the others.
- No one phase is first. The cycle starts from any phase.
- Each phase corresponds to different aspects of existence (sound, color, taste, smell, emotion, etc.).
- Everything in the Universe exhibits a relative predominance or affinity for a particular phase, however all things are a combination of all elements.
- All things are composed of different proportions of the 5 elements in relation to one another
- Imbalance manifests when one element is unnaturally, disproportionately less or more predominant.
- Everything in the Universe is in constant, cyclical transformation. This is a natural law.
- The universe seeks a state of dynamic balance or balance while in constant transformation. "All is awash over the long run"
- Imbalance is caused by external forces but nature rebalances by transforming and adapting.
- Humans have the ability to observe nature and understand the universe and its intrinsic patterns. Humans can thus learn to adapt, transform an promote balance.
- By managing adaptation and transformation, Human beings can reach and advanced state of being and pursue ultimate balance.
- Humans often disrupt balance. Ignorance leads to actions promote imbalance. Ignorance leads humans to disrupt nature and create great (ultimate) imbalance.