The Ko cycle
The Ko cycle describes how the Five Elements control, regulate and keep one another in balance.
Read moreChimedics
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Explore the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine through articles on theory, diagnosis, herbal medicine, acupuncture and classical treatment principles.
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All articlesSheng and Ko cycles
The Sheng cycle describes how the Five Elements nourish one another; the Ko cycle describes how they control and restrain one another.
Read moreThe Sheng cycle
The Sheng cycle is the Mother-Child or Generating cycle in which each of the Five Elements nourishes and supports the next.
Read moreThe Metal element
The Metal element corresponds with autumn and is connected with the Lung and Large Intestine, purification, letting go, respiration and the Po.
Read moreThe role of Earth in the seasonal cycle
Within the Five Elements, Earth forms the transition between the seasons and supports the body during each seasonal change.
Read moreThe importance of the Earth element
The Earth element occupies the centre of the Five Elements and, through the Spleen and Stomach, forms the basis for the production of Qi and Blood.
Read moreYin Deficiency
Yin Deficiency is an insufficiency of nourishing and moistening Yin substances such as Blood, Body Fluids and Jing.
Read moreYin Excess
Yin Excess is a Full pattern in which pathogenic Yin factors such as Cold, Dampness and Phlegm predominate.
Read moreYang Deficiency
Yang Deficiency is an insufficiency of physiological Yang energy, weakening the warming and activating functions of the body.
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