Dr. Jack R. Shupe has been a student and practitioner of Oriental Medicine (OM for short), for twenty-five years. When he began his training in psychodrama, he was and still is fascinated with how the Five Element theory in OM matches the philosophy and practice of psychodrama and psychomotor therapy. His studies with John Raven Mosher, MA, T.E.P. and Mosher’s Healing Circle Model added to his ability to use his understanding of Five Element theory in “tracking the protagonist around the circle of life”.

      Over 5000 years ago, Oriental Medicine grew out of the roots of regional healing, following the patterns of nature and the cosmos. For over 2500 years, life in “the Orient” was guided in every way by the theories of the Five Elements. The Five Element theory views the universe and its functioning as being cyclical and interactive. All things are connected and all things influence and are influenced by all other things. The world and all the beings in it are held in this state of energetic and dynamic tension, with a goal of attaining balance and harmony.

      Seasons play a key role in OM, as they do in the Healing Circle. All things have a season and in natural processes, the seasons flow smoothly into each other. Nature is perceived differently depending on the season, region and the cultural ethos of the people in the region. In all instances, what nature is “doing” at any given time is a force to be considered and studied. It is important to note and remember that the cultural conserve of a region determines how people there relate to the Five Elements. In all instances the seeking is for balance and harmony within nature and within the self. In OM eight points are considered in attempting to evaluate and maintain the harmonious self.

Yin energy factors: Seen as the feminine, lunar elements;

Yang energy factors: Seen as the masculine, sun energy elements;

It can be seen that this is a description of how we care for ourselves, and how we are cared for by others.

Care by the Self:

Care by Interactive Others:

The Five Element theory of OM sorts the fundamental components of the universe into five different modes which explain the elements in which chi energy may manifest itself. The universe is seen as being cyclical and interactive, so the elements are at one and the same time discrete as well as flowing into the next element. Change is an expected part of the cycle and the goal is for a smooth and harmonious transition from one state to the other.

The Five Elements are:

      Water: the source of life on this planet; water is silence, has great stored potential; flexibility to flow into many shapes; and while deep and sometimes appearing calm, holds great power. Water represents the resting time of the season of winter. In psychodrama, we place the Audience here, the “stored potential” of the action waiting to emerge. In psychomotor therapy, we place this in the maturational needs arc of Limits, the container of energy, the Holding Environment.

      Wood: the most human of the elements; the element of spring; the creative urge to achieve; the capacity to look forward, plan and make decisions. In psychodrama, we would say that the Protagonist, emerging from the water world of the audience, can be the representative of Wood. In psychomotor therapy, the protagonist is seen as stepping into the arc of Nurture, where with enough heat and support, new buds are ready to flower.

      Fire: this is the element of heat; nature at its peak of growth; enthusiasm, and the warmth of human relationships; the season is that of summer. In psychodrama, the Auxiliaries provide the heat that makes the drama burst into flame and life. In psychomotor therapy, this is the arc of Nurture blending with Support, helping the new to emerge, move and begin to take on a different shape and form.

      Metal: seen as the force of the minerals of the earth; force of gravity; the patterns of celestial objects; powers of electrical conductivity and magnetism. The season is that of autumn. In psychodrama, The Director represents this element, reforming and solidifying action and cutting away what does not contribute to the drama. In psychomotor therapy this position cycles through all the arcs of nurture, support, protection and limits.

      Earth: This is the place where it all happens; the center of all; the element of harvest time, abundance, nourishment, fertility, stability and balance. In Five Element theory, it is a place between the seasons. In psychodrama, it is the Stage. In psychomotor therapy, it is a complex entity known as Place, where the heart is at home and at rest.

      This brief tour allows us to consider that all models are aspects all other models. One flows into another, providing the staging of the next drama, the next excursion in the process of life. Well used, the flow from one to the other augments the emergence of the spontaneous/creative in and for all involved, and as in OM, the goal is harmony with the self and the universal.

© Dr. Jack R. Shupe, ND, LAc, T.E.P.