TCM workshop series with Dr Julia Rakus: the 5 elements

When Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM for short) comes up, most people probably think of
acupuncture, a healing practice that is now widespread. It is no accident that it has spread
triumphantly far beyond the borders of China and Asia. Thanks to the
holistic approach underlying all TCM treatment methods, it is not only –
as is often the case in conventional medicine – the physical symptoms that are treated; rather,
the role of the psyche and its influence on all physiological processes in the body is brought
to the fore. Science now also recognises the relevance
of psychological causes in relation to all kinds of pathologies, which is why this time-tested
approach shows promise for many complaints. But what is the
traditional approach of TCM actually about?

Image: Canva

TCM rests on five pillars that correspond to its therapeutic approaches. These are:

1. Movement & coordination (such as Qigong)
2. Massage, especially Tuina
3. Nutrition as medicine
4. Moxibustion, acupuncture, acupressure
5. Herbal therapy

Taking into account the constant interplay of opposites such as Yin and Yang,
hot and cold, light and dark, and their influence on our life energy (Qi),
the five elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water also come into play. Each of these elements
describes both character types and particular phases of transformation over
the year, with each person combining more than two elements in their being, but rarely more.

The wood element stands for creativity and growth, and for the new beginning of spring.
Wood types are full of energy, enthusiastic and always eager to act. Summer is
fire time – intensity and heat are the focus for these people as well as in this season. Earth
stands for stability and rootedness. People of the earth element are self-assured and
helpful; their phase of transformation is late summer. Metal symbolises
autumn as well as structure and order, and gives its element types particularly
strong analytical abilities. Winter is water time – this element stands
for harmonious flow, calm and harmony.

Taking into account all these external and internal factors acting on the organism and the
psyche, with an understanding of the eternal interplay and constant influence of
us on our environment and of our environment on us, this approach treats holistically and above all
has a strong preventive effect. Draw on your full potential for maximum wellbeing, find out which character types you carry within you and learn about the influence of the elements on your personal path in the workshop series with Dr. med Julia Rakus on the following dates:

Monday 5.6.23: Summer phase of transformation – the FIRE element
Monday 31.7.23: Late summer phase of transformation – the EARTH element
Monday 25.9.23: Autumn phase of transformation – the METAL element
Monday 27.11.23 Winter phase of transformation – the WATER element

Book through Feelgoodstudio: