The five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Iron, and Water — are the foundation of Tibetan astrology (byung rtsis) and medicine (gso ba rig pa). Unlike Western systems, the Tibetan five-element model is dynamic, with each element nourishing and controlling others in perpetual cycles.
| Element | Tibetan | Direction | Color | Season | Organ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | ཤིང་ (shing) | East | Green | Spring | Liver |
| Fire | མེ་ (me) | South | Red | Summer | Heart |
| Earth | ས་ (sa) | Center | Yellow | Transition | Spleen |
| Iron | ལྕགས་ (lcags) | West | White | Autumn | Lungs |
| Water | ཆུ་ (chu) | North | Blue | Winter | Kidneys |
Wood → Fire → Earth → Iron → Water → Wood
Wood feeds Fire. Fire creates ash (Earth). Earth bears Iron ore. Iron melts to liquid (Water). Water nourishes Wood.
Wood → Earth → Water → Fire → Iron → Wood
Wood roots break Earth. Earth dams Water. Water extinguishes Fire. Fire melts Iron. Iron cuts Wood.
Element calculations determine personal fortune, health tendencies, directional auspiciousness, seasonal timing, and relationship compatibility. Calculate your birth element →
In Tibetan medicine, each element governs specific organs and body systems. Element imbalance manifests as disease in the corresponding organs. Treatment involves dietary, behavioral, and herbal adjustments to restore element balance.