The effect could influence the cause and there could be mutual influences of the Five-Element dynamics. The interactions of the yin and yang, Five-Element Concept should be a guide to medical practice and prevention of diseases. For such a system has been developed through thousands of years of clinical experiences in China. Each element generates another element and is therefore followed by one it cannot conquer. Wood is followed by fire.
Fire is followed by the Earth.
The Earth is followed by metal. In other words, it is a cycle of mutual production showing the inter-relatedness of all things in nature. The arrows indicate the direction of creativeness of one Element by the other in a cycle. The implication of the cycle is that no element in nature can dominate forever. Each is followed by the one it cannot conquer.