The Five Elemental Energies combine and recombine in innumerable ways to produce manifest existence. All things contain all Five Elemental Energies in various proportions. Let's take a look at this idea in terms of the basic seasonal cycles of nature, which influence every living thing on earth. Water is the elemental energy associated with winter, when a state of extreme yin prevails. Winter is the season of stillness and rest, during which energy is condensed, conserved, and stored.
Water is a highly concentrated element containing great potential power awaiting release.
In the human body, Water is associated with essential fluids such as hormones, lymph, marrow, and enzymes, all of which contain great potential energy. Its color is black, the color which contains all other colors in concentrated form. The way to conserve the potential energy of Water is to stay still and 'be cool'. The next phase of the seasonal cycle is spring, during which the Wood element arises from the potential energy of Water , just as plants sprout from the ground in spring rains. This is the 'new yang' stage of the cycle.