What are the five elements? What means Wu Xing?

Wu Xing, or the five elements or five phases, are based on observations of nature. The Chinese 'Classics', true alchemists, recognised continuous patterns of transformation and changes in the universe and life around them. Originally, around 700 B.C., these observations were interpreted using yin yang, and later extended to the five elements.

The five elements describe interactions and relationships between different processes, functions and phenomena in nature and the human body. Each of the five basic elements has its own characteristics and properties that are grouped into: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

It is still used to this day as a method to describe nature and interpret the body, such as complaints by acupuncture or shiatsu clients and making a treatment plan. From an emotional, physical, spiritual and dietary point of view.
Each element has its own direction, movement, color, smell, emotion, taste, wind direction, etc. These features and characteristics are presented in studies of Zen Shiatsu and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in many many charts and tables.

This is the table from a translation of thé book of Chinese Medicine, the Huang Di Nei Jing (Moashing Ni, 1995), commonly referred to as The Yellow Emperor.

Side note: in the card game sometimes the choice was made to not follow this absolutely core TCM information, as the card game is a result of a graduation process for Zen Shiatsu studies. The choices were subject to the input of other writers, teachers and personal experiences and preferences. And some of the choices are made for the practical use of the game, especially for newbies and non-native English speakers. Of course, we do respect the ancient knowledge.