Boost your Immune System with 5 Element Theory

Nov. 2, 2010 - PRLog -- It’s not surprising that everyone begins to feel a little “under the weather” at this time of year.  Strong winds, temperature changes and the effects of central heating all take their toll on the immune system.  In fact, in the UK alone, we spend £532 million on over the counter cold and flu remedies each year, with most households keeping these medicines in the store cupboard all year round.  According to Mintel, the market intelligence company, the market for these patent medicines is growing year on year.  

Clearly, then, the problem of colds and flu in the Autumn and winter is big business.  And one we take for granted as the season changes.  

There are several ways of moving into balance with the changing seasons, thereby boosting the immune system and reducing susceptibility to minor, but debilitating, illnesses:  Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine,  Jin Shin Jyutsu, Acupressure, to name but a few.  One new way, developed by one practitioner in North London, is by using a combination of sound, movement, breath and meditations specifically designed to support the Five Elements of the mind/body/spirit system in moving into balance with the change in weather conditions.

Based on the principle that although the Five Element Theory world view (visit http://www.coerdelionreikieft.co.uk/blog/?page_id=188 for an overview) of Chinese metaphysics recognises that it is this time of year when we can become prone to conditions involving wind-cold, wind-heat or deficiency – in Western terms that means colds, flu, chest infections and runny noses – it approaches it from a different point of view.  Prevention is key, rather than cure.  

According to Chinese Metaphysics, Wind is unbalanced Wood, creating problems in Water element (kidney and bladder meridians and organs together with the ears).  When I was a little girl, women I thought of as “older” used to say that they could feel winter coming “in their water”.  Their Water element organs were physically affected by the colder weather.  So why in Autumn – the time of Metal Element – is wood overabundant?  

Metal element is the “parent” of Water; Water is the “parent” of Wood.  As the strength of Metal rises in the Autumn, it creates more Water – notice the rain at this time of year?  Wood thrives on Water, for a while, until the cooling effect of Metal creates space and transforms to Winter ice and snow.  Water element at its strongest, in mid winter, is solid ice.  The strong blasts of Autumn winds are a fleeting foretaste of the Spring gales to come after the Winter sleep.  There is also a noticeable change in plant life in the Autumn – the beauty of the leaves changing colour before they fall is the last poignant, bittersweet performance of Wood before the little death of winter.  

From a Chinese Metaphysics point of view, the change in the season is a natural process and one that requires balance rather than struggle.  The change in season is a time when many seek out their practitioners to assist in the balance of their systems in order to stay healthy.  Fiona McCallion, the originator of this Five Element Balancing system in North London, also emphasises the role of fun in supporting the immune system: “When we feel happy, our brains release endorphins.  Endorphins both relax the body and stimulate its healing mechanisms. You can’t help but be happy when you feel healthy and balanced” she says.  Her workshop may well contribute to personal weath, too, in the long term – fewer sick days from work means more opportunities for promotion, pay rises and success, as well as more time and energy for the family.  

Fiona McCallion is a Holistic Teacher and Practitioner in North London, UK.  Her next  Five Element Energy Coherence Workshop (visit http://www.coerdelionreikieft.co.uk/blog/?p=170 for more information)  is taking place on Sunday, 28th November 2010, between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.  For more details call her on: 078100 20873 or visit her contact page: http://www.coerdelionreikieft.co.uk/blog/?page_id=199

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Fiona McCallion is an internationally recognised writer, teacher, facilitator and therapist. She specialises in creating fun workshops to balance the mind/body/spirit system.