The five elements of traditional Chinese Medicine relate to the stages of transformation of energy that reflect the energetic functions of twelve meridians as well as our senses, environment, food and organs.

At a shiatsu treatment, the therapist aims to pinpoint the two most energetically imbalanced organs by using 5 elements diagnosis and then proceeds to treat the two meridians with massage. It is common for the therapist to advise the client to consider dietry choices to support the treatment and ultmately the whole healing process. Below are the foods that are associated with each element and their corresponding organs.

Fire corresponds with expansive energy, sadness and joy – Heart,  Small Intestine

(Bitter foods) lamb, beetroot, okra, lettuce, dandelion, alfalfa, celery, peppers, amaranth, corn red lentils, cherries, sunflower seeds, pistachios, toasted seeds, gomashio, tekka, green nori, parsley, wakame powder, walnuts, cayenne, wine, coffee, and tea. Cooking method Dry roasting, stir fry. These foods can reduce heat and dry fluids. They most benefit slow, overweight, overheated, and aggressive people. Caution: Chocolate, sugar

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Earth corresponds with downward energy, worry and fulfillment- Spleen, Stomach

(Sweet) – millet, barley, rye, carrots, cabbage, parsnip, spinach, sweet potato, squash, cooked onion, almonds, fig, melon, orange, pineapple, papaya, strawberries, dates, figs, grapes, peaches and coconut, pine nut, pumpkin seed, . Cooking method is boiling. (These foods slow down acute symptoms and neutralize toxins, benefit nervous tension and calm aggression). Caution: Red meat

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• Metal corresponds with contracted energy, grief and hope – Lungs, Large Intestine

(Pungent) – rice, tofu, asparagus, broccoli, celery, cucumber, raw onion, garlic, radish, ginger, turnip, kohlrabi, apricot, banana, pear, cinnamon, mint, rosemary, cloves, fennel, anise, dill, mustard greens, mustard, horseradish, basil, nutmeg. Cooking method pressure cooking. These foods have a dispersing effect and promote energy circulation. They most benefit people with sluggish, damp, lethargic and cold symptoms. Caution: Avoid eggs, baked white flour products

Water corresponds with floating energy, fear and will – Kidney, Bladder,

(Salty) – buckwheat, seeweeds, beans (aduki, black, pinto, kidney), fish, kale, mushroms, water chestnut, soy sauce, miso, walnuts, and black sesame seeds, pomegranit, watermelon, rasperries. Cooking method is pickling. (These foods have a softening effect and promote moisture and calming of the body) These most benefit thin, dry and nervous people. Caution: Cheese, iodized salt.

Wood corresponds with upward energy, anger and kindness – Liver, Gall Bladder-

(Sour) chicken, liver, wheat, oats, rye, greens, green bell pepper, green pea, green lentil, mung bean, lima bean, lettuce, string bean, zucchini, avocado, sprouts, citrus fruits, plum, pineapple, grape, vinegar, sauerkraut, olives, sourdough, yogurt, brown rice vinegar, umeboshi plums, shiso leaves, lemon or lime rinds, brazil nut, cashew nut. Cooking method Steaming. These foods can obstruct movement and function as astringents. They most benefit changeable, erratic, scattered people. Caution: Soft dairy