Pathogenic factors can enter the collaterals and when they become full these factors enter the channels, after they become full, they reside in the Zang-Fu organs. This is how illness manifests itself. Keeping our channels and collaterals open is the key to good health and energy. The Five Element Theory proposes that wood, water, metal, fire, and earth establish a relationship between the physiology and pathology of the human body and the natural environment. Here are some brief aspects of each.
Wood involves the aspects of germination, extension, softness and harmony.
Fire involves heating and flaring. Earth involves the aspects of growing, nourishing, and changing. Metal is associated with cleaning up, killing, strength, and firmness. Water is associated with cold, moisture, and downward flowing. When one is affected, it affects another and they all have mutual generation.