Element is a process, movement or quality of qi, not a fixed ‘building block’ (Rochat, 2009, p. 13; Kaptchuk, 2000 , p. 437; Maciocia, 1989, p. 15; Needham, 1956 , p. 244).

Five Elements outlined this emphasis on the different qualities of the Elements. Water is that quality in Nature which we describe as soaking and descending. Fire which we describe as blazing and uprising. Wood which permits of curved surfaces or straight edges. Metal which can follow the form of a mould and then becomes hard. Earth which permits of sowing, growth and reaping. (Shu Ching, –4th century; quoted