mutual generation and restriction; Five Elements interaction
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesnoun
the concept of mutual generation and mutual restriction among the Five Elements in ancient Chinese philosophy
technicalRefers to the dynamic relationships in Wuxing (Five Elements) theory where elements both generate (相生) and overcome/restrict (相克) each other in a cyclic manner. For example, Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, and Water generates Wood; while Wood overcomes Earth, Earth overcomes Water, Water overcomes Fire, Fire overcomes Metal, and Metal overcomes Wood. See also the concept of Five Elements (五行).
Traditional Chinese medicine theory emphasizes the relationships of mutual generation and restriction among the Five Elements.
In nature, all things follow the pattern of mutual generation and restriction.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Wood generates Fire, and Fire overcomes Metal—this is the principle of mutual generation and restriction.