5 Element Elixirs - Ancient Herbal Support for Personal Transformation Part 1

At Shen Martial Arts, we offer a variety of Herbal Elixirs. When reading the descriptions, you may find some overlap, with more than one elixir having some similar observed benefits and it may appear that they are offered with no order or structure, and there is not synergy or relationship between them. However, while each elixir is stand alone and can be used to great benefit independently, there is an important. overarching relationship between them corresponding to the ancient concept of the 5 elements.

This first post is not meant to be an exhaustive dissertation on the 5 elements but rather an introduction or primer into the 5 element model, correspondence, and its relevance to self-cultivation, personal transformation and physical, mental and spiritual advancement. The purpose for the use of herbal elixirs will then be presented.

The 5 elements/phases are simply a model created by the ancients to describe and understand the Universe. It is a simple and elegant model that relies on some basic ideas. Unfortunately, many of those who quote the 5 elements do not have a strong grasp of its workings because they gravitate to the complex, while ignoring the basics that make up the foundation of the model.. Basics such as:*

• The 5 Elements are actually 5 Phases. Each phase creates the next in a continuous, never-ending cycle.

• No one phase is more important or "stronger" than the others.

• No one phase is first. The cycle starts from any phase.

• Each phase corresponds to different aspects of existence (sound, color, taste, smell, emotion, etc.).

• Everything in the Universe exhibits a relative predominance or affinity for a particular phase, however all things are a combination of all elements.

• All things are express different proportions of each the 5 elements in relation to one another

• Imbalance manifests when one element is unnaturally,disproportionately less or more predominant.

As a bit of a historical side track, It is very interesting to note that the concept or theory of the 5 elements was shared by many early civilizations with only minor differences and it can be surmised that this was knowledge that was shared widely across the ancient world. The advent of the world's large organized religions brought with it brutal censorship, repressing any and all nonconforming ways of thought, forcing what were viewed as "heretical" teachings into obscurity.

Still, this precious knowledge survived the passage of time in secret, guarded and passed down to a chosen cadre within various occult traditions, schools of thought, secret societies, and spiritual lineages.

Two of these guardians, the Martial Arts and Traditional Medicine absorbed and perpetuated this knowledge as integral part of their teachings.

It is through years of study in these two fields that I began to unveil the beauty, simplicity and validity of the 5 phase model. After much study and contemplation, I distilled the following fundamental principles:*

• Everything in the Universe is in constant, cyclical transformation.

• The universe seeks a state of dynamic balance, meaning that balance is achieved while in constant transformation. Yin and Yang model show the never-ending interchange between 2 states, the 5 element shows the same interchange in 5 phases

• Imbalance is caused by interference from external influences. Certain human actions lead to imbalance.

• Humans are able to discern nature and understand the universe and its intrinsic patterns. Humans can thus learn to influence balance or imbalance

• Through learning and certain practices, Human beings can manipulate phases to correct imbalance and to reach higher spheres of balance.

• There is one more important principle that is readily apparent in current times and that we must always very wary of:

• Ignorance leads humans to disrupt nature and create imbalance.

• So, we as human beings have the capacity to knowingly or unknowingly interfere with both our own balance and that of the world around us.

The key point the ancient masters focused on was in learning how to reach advanced states of being. To understand and utilize the patterns of nature and of the universe in order to improve. They observed and learned how to use the 5 element model for human self-development. The postulated theories, formed a body of knowledge and thus created a science. They also developed methods, practices and techniques, thus creating codified technology that can be taught and learned. The science and technology of the 5 elements of universal transformation.

*This is not standard 5 element theory. It is my personal understanding and interpretation, and my attempt at giving a deeper glimpse, gained from great and truly knowledgeable teachers. I assume all responsibility for any faults or errors caused by my poor understanding, which continues to grow but will always be limited.

This is all original content written by Mario Figueroa and is the sole property of M. Figueroa and Shen Enterprises dba Shen Martial Arts. It is solely for the purposes of informing and education of our followers and interested parties. No part of this content may be copied, republished, printed, imaged, reproduced, streamed or in any form. All Rights Reserved.