Promotion implies generation and encouragement, while restriclion means to bring under control. The theory of the five elements recognizes these forces as normal natural phenomena. When such relationships are applied to the human body, they are known as normal physiological phenomena.
The order of promotion: Wood promotes fire; fire promotes earth; earth promotes metal; metal promotes water; water, in turn,promotes wood.
The order of promotion: Wood restricts earth; earth restricts water; water restricts fire; fire restricts metal; and metal restricts wood.
In their mutual promotion and restriction, each of the five element plays the dual role of "being promoted" and "promoting" and "being restricted" and "restricting." Promoting and restriction are inseparable traits of all matters and phenomena. Without promotion, there is no birth and development. Without restriction, equilibrium and harmony in development and change can not be maintained.
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