Topic guide · Patterns of relationship

Wu Xing / Five Phases

A five-part framework for considering processes and relationships, rather than five physical ingredients.

In context

Learn the names, then the relationships.

Wu Xing is a five-part traditional framework. Its names, relationship cycles and correspondence charts are different reading tasks.

Start here · Core readings

Explore the directed cycles, then read a correspondence chart without turning it into a diagnostic test.

Wu Xing / Five Phases

Learn what Wu Xing means in Traditional Chinese Medicine through Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, their qualities, movement and change.

Wu Xing / Five Phases

Understand how the Five Phases generate and control one another in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with clear sequences and everyday memory images.

Wu Xing / Five Phases

Read two Five-Phase correspondence charts and understand how qualities connect Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water with the body and natural world.

Wu Xing / Five Phases

Read two Five-Phase correspondence charts and understand how qualities connect Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water with the body and natural world.

Wu Xing / Five Phases

Understand how the Five Phases generate and control one another in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with clear sequences and everyday memory images.

Wu Xing / Five Phases

Learn what Wu Xing means in Traditional Chinese Medicine through Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, their qualities, movement and change.