(272) How to apply five elements to your daily life - food and health

By Janet Shin

The study of oriental philosophies ― saju, face reading, feng shui, oriental medicine, divination and zen ― puts together all the aspects of time and space. They accordingly include everything in the nature of earth, heaven, human life and the universe.

Owing to their interactive connectivity, once you start learning one, you get to encompass the others. They teach how the universal energy from birth determines one’s destiny, the way the environmental factors influence our living as well as after death, how the same truth affects the human body and health, the logic of changes and ultimately the process to become aware of our existence and mindfulness.

Nevertheless, don’t be overwhelmed by the metaphysical philosophy of their idealism. They are actually pertinent to general common sense for our everyday lives whether we are from the East or the West.

They can tell you where to locate yourself, which profession to serve, whom to be the companion of your marriage and business, the smart ways to face the challenges and even the tips for balancing your food selections. You may choose what is good for your health, which are usually classified by colors and flavors. For example, the wood element represents its energy in green and is good for liver.

The five elements radiate their energies through five colors-green, red, yellow, white and black. In that order, they associate with five body organs, natural foods and personality on top of their major references to seasons, directions and hours.

We, human beings in the universe have our innate ability to discern what is needed for our living. Since ancient times, mothers were able to seek a right place to give birth to their children as the animals in nature do. Our body could heal itself to a certain point. However it has lost its aptitude by various obstacles accumulated by toxic substances, obviously caused by the so called scientific development.

We should regain this reparative power of nature. First of all, listen carefully to what your body tries to tell you. When it has a problem in detoxification or immune system, for example, it would try to enhance the liver function. If you feel like eating more green vegetables and if your body is pure enough to appreciate what it needs, it means your liver calls for something.

Traditionally, white radishes, pears and roots of green onions and bellflowers were known to stop a cough, because the white vegetables are related to the lungs and respiratory system while it is the symbolic color of autumn.

Colors of food are often utilized by culinary experts to stimulate people’s appetite and they are also known to retain certain meaningful ingredients, such as antioxidants.

While many people carelessly follow how others eat or what is mentioned at a television show and or by an expert, you must know what you and your body really need and wisely adopt the appropriate necessities instead.

Are you interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese teaching about the “Four Pillars of Destiny”? For further information, visit Janet’s website at www.fourpillarskorea.com, contact her at 010-5414-7461 or email janetshin@hotmail.com. The writer is the author of “Life’s Secrets”.