theory of the five elements; five phases theory; wuxing theory
Refers to the traditional Chinese philosophical concept of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) and their interactions. Used in contexts of traditional medicine, philosophy, and divination.
The theory of the five elements is one of the ancient Chinese philosophies.
In traditional Chinese medicine, diagnoses are sometimes made based on the five phases theory.
From Chinese 五行説 (wǔxíngshuō), composed of 五行 (five elements/phases) and 説 (theory).