In the Foundation Module, we have covered Yin and Yang, your body type in terms of Excess and Deficiency, 5 Elements Theory (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung and Kidney), Generating Cycle, Controlling Cycle, meridians, acupressure points, and Primary points. Here is a chart that you can use as a reference as we get into the practical part of the course.

To recap, the Generating Cycle is the relationship of the elements in which the "mother" element nourishes or promotes the "child" element. Wood creates fire from burning → Fire burns wood and creates ashes → Metals are mined from the ground → Water is created from condensation on the metal → Water grows plants and trees.

In the Controlling Cycle, "grandmother" element controls the "grandchild" element. Plants (or woods) germinate by breaking the ground and absorb nutrients from the ground → Ground absorbs water and prevents floods → Water extinguishes fire → Fire melts metals → Metal cuts wood in a form of ax or saw.

The important thing to know here is that with the Generating Cycle and Controlling Cycle, the 5 Elements of the body are balancing each other. For example, when the Heart element is weak, its mother element Liver can nourish it. And when the Heart element becomes too strong, or seemingly strong becuase the Liver element becomes weak, Kidney element can control the Heart element to bring down the energy.

Below are the possible common symptoms that can appear when the corresponding organ is weak. You may see same symptoms listed under multiple organs. It's ok since this is the starting point of investigating what's happening in your body. If you see your symptoms in multiple organs, you can look at other symptoms listed, and you can determine which organ may need more attention than others.

Look at the list below and see if there are symptoms that you have or tend to have and make a note of the corresponding organs.

1. Self-Care Chart