Next, we will discuss the relationships among the five elements and directions. The easiest way to understand this theory is to use the map of China where this theory was developed.

The capitol of Zhou in ancient China was located here. The Yellow River flows nearby. The Yellow River was a symbol of prosperity because it made the land around it fertile. Therefore, the yellow earth element is placed in the center. Also, only the kings were allowed to use the color yellow in their wardrobe.

The king's throne was set up facing the south, the sun. South is symbolized by the sun, and the color red and the fire element is placed in the south. To the east is the sea. The blue of the sea symbolizes the east. Green trees grow by the sea, and the wood element is placed in the east.

There are mountain ranges to the north. Mountains create water currents. The color black symbolizes the long winter nights, and water element is placed as a symbol of life after the winter solstice when the yin is at its extreme.

The west side is an arid desert area. Because of the transparency of the dry air and the image of death which was conjectured from harsh environment the metallic white color symbolizes the west.

The autumn was the war season in ancient China. In the autumn, when the harvest was over, people went to war. The metal element is placed in the west.

This was how the placement and characteristics of the five elements were determined.

Here is the summary chart:

Now we apply this directionality to our body. The direction of the sun is above our head. Therefore, fire is above, wood is to the right, water is below, metal is to the left, and earth is in the center.