The Controlling Cycle
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the controlling cycle, also referred to as the restraining or regulating cycle, outlines a system of balance and checks among the Five Elements: Wood controls Earth, Earth dams Water, Water extinguishes Fire, Fire melts Metal, and Metal chops Wood. This cycle ensures that no element becomes overly dominant, maintaining equilibrium within the body and the natural world. It highlights the importance of mutual restraint and support, fundamental to the TCM approach for achieving health and harmony.
Wood
Season: Spring
Organ: Liver
Wood controls Earth by providing structure and anchoring the soil, preventing erosion. In this cycle, Wood's growth and expansion are balanced by Earth's nurturing and stability.
Fire
Season: Summer
Organ: Heart
Fire controls Metal by softening and melting it, shaping it into different forms. This cycle highlights the transformative power of Fire and the malleable nature of Metal.
Earth
Season: Late Summer
Organ: Stomach
Earth controls Water by containing and directing its flow, symbolizing the balancing relationship between these elements.
Metal
Season: Autumn
Organ: Lungs
Metal controls Wood by cutting and shaping it, illustrating the restrictive aspect of Metal and the need for boundaries and structure in the natural world.
Water
Season: Winter
Organ: Kidneys
Water controls Fire by extinguishing it, representing the balance between the cooling and calming nature of Water and the heat and intensity of Fire.