Freediving & The Five Elements
Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory For The Practice Of Freediving
In Traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of the "Five Elements" or "Five Phases" (五行, Wǔ Xíng) is fundamental. These elements are Wood (木, Mù), Fire (火, Huǒ), Earth (土, Tǔ), Metal (金, Jīn), and Water (水, Shuǐ). Each element is associated with certain qualities, energies, and aspects of nature, and they are believed to interact with and influence each other, and us—as individual human beings, yes, but also as part of our communities and the global collective.
The Five Elements are also part of the Chinese Zodiac and play a role in various aspects of Chinese culture, including feng shui, martial arts, and philosophy. The interactions between these elements are believed to influence balance and harmony in the natural world and within the human body. It's important to note that the Five Elements are not viewed in isolation but are considered in relation to each other and their dynamic interplay.
The Water Element
“But even the muddiest water is cleared when it is stilled. And from this stillness, life arises.” - Lao Tzu, The Tao Te Ching
This ancient philosophical text’s use of water symbolism can be related to the practice of freediving through one of the key experiences—stillness. Freedivers of all kinds know this stillness we speak of—not only physically around us, but a stillness cultivated within, allowing us to gain control of the mind-breath, and even heart, connection in preparation for the dive and maintaining an equanimous state under water. Some reflection on what Lao Tzu might be alluding to here could be the fact that life happens in the flow and cannot be renewed or sustained within a constant state of chaos, or more commonly in modern society as stress. The practice of freediving, as well as supportive practices like yoga, breathwork, and meditation, brings us out of the overstimulation of our everyday lives and into states of stillness.
The Element of Water holds a special significance in Chinese cosmology and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Symbolism
Water is often associated with flow, adaptability, and the ability to take the shape of its container. It symbolizes fluidity, flexibility, and the ability to navigate obstacles. We as freedivers can connect to this symbolism of water mentally in preparation for the dive and then also concepts we can apply to our embodied practices.
Season
Winter is more significant because of what this energy represents and brings into effect in the physical body. Winter is seen as a time of rejuvenation, conservation, and reflection. These are all energetic attributes we can cultivate before, during, and after the dive for various benefits, like comfortable breath retention, meditative states, and a better overall diving experience.
Organ System
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each element is associated with specific organ systems. The Water Element is related to the kidneys and bladder. The kidneys are considered the foundation of Yin and Yang energy in the body.
Anatomically there is significance with the connection to the adrenals and managing fight or flight responses when on a dive. Working into complementary freediving therapies and practices like breathwork and yoga can support the energy of the kidneys, as well as regulate adrenaline release and responses in the body.
Beyond the kidneys and the entirety of urinary functions, this system of organ meridians also oversees the regulation and sustenance of all bodily fluids, encompassing tears, saliva, and the lubricating fluids for joints. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a balance between Yin and Yang within the body. The well-being of the kidneys is deemed essential not only for their own health but also for the overall well-being of other organs and tissues throughout the body. This is particularly emphasized in relation to the reproductive organs, ears, and bones, as the kidneys are seen as the cornerstone of good health.
For women, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness might be linked to imbalances in the kidney organ-meridian system. In particular, Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes these symptoms to a deficiency of Kidney Yin.
Emotion
In a similar thread as previously mentioned within the related organ system, the emotion associated with Water, and held in the kidneys, is fear. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotions are believed to impact health directly, and an imbalance of emotions can affect the corresponding organ system. When we work with Water the way we do in freediving, we stimulate balance with this element within the body—regulating emotions of fear, not only during diving but in a broader sense the role fear does or does not play in our lives.
Direction
North is considered the direction associated with Water. Yin and Yang represent opposing forces that are interconnected and interdependent. Yang is associated with brightness, activity, and warmth, while Yin is associated with darkness, passivity, and coolness. The north, being relatively cooler and darker, is seen as having a Yin quality. TCM emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between Yin and Yang energies for overall health. Understanding the significance of the north direction helps practitioners consider seasonal and directional factors when providing advice on lifestyle, diet, and wellness practices.
Colour & Flavour Therapy
The Water element is linked to the color black, so incorporating various blue-black foods into your diet is recommended. Excellent choices include plums, dates, black beans, eggplant, wood ear mushrooms, and black sesame seeds. The taste associated with the Water Element is saltiness, so moderate salt is deemed beneficial. However, we do not require excessive amounts; you can meet your needs by consuming naturally salty foods like seaweed flakes in your soup, salad, or stir-fry.
Freediving takes us out into the deep blue of the ocean. At depth, we experience the blue-blackness of the vast ocean expanse, and here we absorb through color frequencies (or the lack thereof) the incredible therapeutic benefits of the colors linked to the Water Element.
Jing Essence of Life, Fundamental Substance Maintaining The Body’s Functions
Within TCM, the kidney organ-meridian system serves an additional purpose as a reservoir for Jing (精, jīng), a vital life force energy that diminishes as one ages. The kidneys and their connection to the element of water are intricately linked to a smooth transition through every stage of life, spanning from the developmental phases in childhood to the aging journey. (Read more on Freediving For Longevity in our blog from earlier this month).
‘Water people’ may encounter challenges when their equilibrium is disrupted. Imbalances in the kidney organ-meridian system could manifest as issues related to fluid balance, increased frequency of urination, diminished libido, or the presence of mild aches and pains in joints, particularly those situated in the knees and lower back. Issues characterized by warmth and dryness may manifest, indicating an inherent imbalance in the body's water or moisture levels.
Preserve your Jing (精, jīng)
The key focus for your overall well-being is to care for your kidney organ-meridian system and safeguard your Jing, as it tends to diminish with age. Prioritize a healthy lifestyle that includes nourishing food, consistent exercise, and spending time outdoors. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking sufficient water and steer clear of stimulants such as coffee (in excess), cola, and energy drinks.
Herbs are traditionally taken as kidney tonics
Contemplate incorporating the TCM kidney tonics, namely goji berry, Rehmannia, and horny goat weed, into your regimen. Goji berry, in TCM, is known for its traditional use in balancing yin and yang, while rehmannia and horny goat weed are traditionally employed to regulate bodily fluids. Additionally, horny goat weed in TCM is traditionally recognized for enhancing libido, fortifying bone strength, and alleviating mild joint discomfort. Anemarrhena (a plant species native to China and Mongolia), with a traditional application in alleviating menopausal symptoms, is employed in cases where Kidney Yin deficiency is observed in menopausal women experiencing an imbalance in their Water Element. In such instances, anemarrhena is traditionally utilized to mitigate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness within the framework of TCM.
Disclaimer: Not medical advice. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen, or change unexpectedly, talk to your healthcare professional.
Freediving as Water Therapy & Community
Based on this TCM theory and relative theories like Blue Mind by Dr Wallace J Nichols, you will experience peak well-being when you are in close proximity to water, making activities like ocean swimming or beach walks excellent exercise options for you. This is where freediving encompasses all of this and more, even crossing over into water therapy. If regular freediving is not feasible, indulge in a luxurious bubble bath or a relaxing foot soak with Epsom salts. Optimal exercises for you include those with a calming impact on the mind and are gentle on the joints. Some ideal choices are Yoga and Pilates—Yoga, Meditation, and Breathwork already forming cornerstone practices that complement freediving significantly.
While we can all appreciate independence, it is essential to avoid excessive isolation. Engaging in social activities benefits your physical well-being and mental health. It contributes to a sense of vitality and energy, particularly as you age. A freediving community offering short courses and retreats incorporates all of what we know about the therapeutic effects of the Water Element as well as providing supportive and collaborative interactions and building relationships with like-minded people.