In line with the theory of the five elements, each of the internal organs corresponds to one of the five elements. The properties of the five elements serve as analogies explaining some of the physiological functions of the five zang-fu organs. For example, the liver corresponds to wood, for it is predisposed to flourishing growth and favors a smooth flow of qi. The heart corresponds to fire, for it produces heat, which is the property of fire. The spleen corresponds to earth, for it is the source of growth and development. The lung corresponds to metal, for they cleanse the air, which is inhaled and have an astringent quality similar to metal. The kidney corresponds to water, for they regulate water circulation and store the essence of life.
The theory of the five elements is also used to explain the mutual relations between the physiological functions of the internal organs. For example, the kidney (water) stores essence and nourfishes the liver; the liver (wood) stores blood and supplies the heart; the heart (fire) produces heat to warm the spleen; the spleen (earth) transforms and conveys the essence of food to replenish the lung; the lung (metal) promotes supply of water to the kidney through their descending movement.
Furthermore, as a system, the human body is also related to environmental conditions such as the seasons, climate, and the five tastes of food; the theory of the five elements, moreover, helps explain these relationships.
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