The Fire Element

Sequence: Fire Generates Earth, Controls Metal, and Insults Water

Zang Fu: Heart (Yin) and Small Intestine (Yang)

Shang Shu: That which blazes upward is bitter

The Earth Element

Earth Generates Metal, Controls Water, and Insults Wood

Zang Fu: Spleen (Yin) and Stomach (Yang)

Shang Shu: That which permits sowing and reaping is sweet

The Metal Element

Metal Generates Water, Controls Wood, and Insults Fire

Zang Fu: Lung (Yin) and Large Intestine (Yang)

Shang Shu: That which can be molded and become hard is pungent

The Water Element

Water Generates Wood, Controls Fire, and Insults Earth

Zang Fu: Kidneys (Yin) and Urinary Bladder (Yang)

Shang Shu: That which soaks and descends is salty.

The Wood Element

Wood Generates Fire, Controls Earth, and Insults Metal

Zang Fu: Liver (Yin) and Gall Bladder (Yang)

Shang Shu: That which can be bent and straightened is sour