Chinese Five Element Theory According to South Park
I've been studying traditional Chinese medicine for a few years now in an herbal context. One of the first things we get acquainted with is basic five-element theory. As with any philosophy, you can make it as elaborate and esoteric as you wish, but it's not that hard to grasp the basic building blocks of the Chinese five elements, especially if you can apply it to everyday life.
I don't have cable, and haven't got a lot of time to watch TV, so I'm a bit late to the party when it comes to most popular shows. I started watching South Park when a local station began showing reruns late at night. It didn't take many episodes for me to identify each of the Chinese five elements as represented by five main characters. So, this is going to be a bit "in-universe" as Wikipedia calls it, but if you're a student of Chinese medicine and you know the cartoon, you might find it entertaining... or helpful, even!
In Chinese five element theory, each of the five elements (namely, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) represent different organ networks in the body as well as different emotions and personality characteristics. (Note: if you are reading this essay without any background in Traditional Chinese Medicine, please be aware that the organ systems of that tradition represent much broader functions and concepts than those of Western allopathic medicine.) Every person is a combination of all the elements, but usually one element predominates their psychophysical makeup. Different element personality types are prone to certain disorders, but of course no one is exempt from disorders of other organ networks.
lololol, what a great idea love!!!
You rule babe.
Will try to send you the book again after Sept. 10th, btw....
Posted by: YaelE | September 04, 2007 at 02:54 PM
You should check out Season 4, episode 7. It has a lot to say about your interests. I wish I could see the look of cognitive dissonance on your face when you watch it.
Posted by: Jonny_eh | September 16, 2007 at 11:02 PM
You can watch it online here: http://www.southparkzone.com/episode-vid-407.htm
Posted by: Jonny_eh | September 16, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Hmm, no cognitive dissonance here Jonny. I know that episode (in fact it's set to be featured in an upcoming Five Elements installment) and think it's a great illustration of what is wrong with the so-called 'natural/holistic healing' money-driven fad. I'm not practicing New Age healing, which is what Parker and Stone are raking across the coals in that episode. It's a great bit of satire and social commentary -- beware, folks, the Cherokee Hair Tampons!
Posted by: Herbis Orbis | September 18, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Are you ever going to do the other elements or did I miss it somewhere :P
I really enjoyed this, great work :)
Posted by: Samuel | January 20, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Are you ever going to do the other elements or did I miss it somewhere :P
I really enjoyed this, great work :)
Posted by: Samuel | January 20, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Samuel, thanks for this comment. I am absolutely going to be completing the elements with the other characters, and hopefully soon. My problem has been finding the appropriate videos on Youtube... Kyle, Kenny and Stan don't get the same kind of love on there as Butters and Cartman do, and Comedy Central/Viacom made a lot of posters remove their videos so it narrows down the pickings a bit. But yes! I will be completing this series! THanks for reading :)
Posted by: Herbis Orbis | January 21, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I LOVE the Southpark TCM cycle! I'm passing it around my school as I write. Great blog!
Posted by: amy | January 27, 2008 at 05:57 PM