16. I Heal My Own Body : The Five Elements (Wu Xing)

Our people have lived in harmony with the principle of unity between Heaven and humanity (天人合一) since ancient times. Many aspects of our culture derive from the theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements (Wu Xing). This influence permeates not only medicine but also the Korean flag (Taegukgi), the creation principles of Hangul, food, housing, clothing, music, and other daily life areas. Even the names of the days of the week — Sunday through Saturday — correspond to the Five Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, with the sun and moon (representing Yin and Yang) added.

Examples include five-grain rice, the traditional Yutnori game pieces (Do, Gae, Geol, Yut, Mo), the five-colored striped jeogori (traditional jacket), various traditional foods with five colors, and the recent trend of color-based foods.

The concept of the Five Elements first appeared at the end of the Shang dynasty, at least 3,000 years ago, in the text Hong Fan (洪範). It states:

“The Five Elements refer to Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth. Water wets and flows downward; Fire burns and rises upward; Wood bends and grows straight; Metal freely changes shape by manipulation; Earth nurtures and harvests grains. The wetting and downward flow of water correspond to a salty taste; the burning and upward movement of fire to bitterness; the bending and straight growth of wood to sourness; the manipulable nature of metal to pungency; and the nurturing quality of earth to sweetness.”

Western nutrition science analyzes components and calculates calories to create diets, requiring specialized knowledge and effort each time. However, by understanding the Five Elements principle, one can intuitively recognize suitable foods for their body simply by their colors.

Phytochemicals are substances plants produce to protect themselves from ultraviolet light and environmental stresses. These plant defense chemicals are recognized as antioxidants and anticancer nutrients that boost immunity. The health benefits associated with the colors of fruits and vegetables closely correspond to the properties assigned to the Five Elements’ colors.

Our ancestors intuitively knew which foods suited their bodies by observing color and shape alone and maintained health by adjusting food intake according to the 24 solar terms throughout the year.

Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic