The Sheng Cycle, also known as the generation or production cycle. Each element is generated by a previous one and in turn generates the following one.

• Wood when it burns generates Fire.
• Fire when it goes out produces Earth.
• Earth in its interior generates Metal.
• Metal will enrich Water.
• Water nourishes Wood, closing the cycle and beginning anew.

The natural movement is in the direction of clock hands, in accordance with cosmic and natural energies. One movement originates from another and invariably transforms into the next; isolated phenomena are never observed.

The one that generates is known as the Mother of the following. When it is generated it is known as the Son of the previous one.

• Wood is mother of Fire and son of Water
• Fire is son of Wood and mother of Earth
• Earth is mother of Metal and son of Fire
• Metal is son of Earth and mother of Water
• Water is mother of Wood and son of Metal.

This generation relationship between the elements is utilized through the Ancient Shu Points to tonify an organ or channel.

It is not possible to grow eternally since it would lead to an excess of expansion (Yang), and as we have seen in the Yin Yang theory, when a maximum excess is reached, Yin separates from Yang and death ensues. The control cycle (Yin) balances generation, inhibits and retains Yang, in this way one can advance and grow in an orderly manner. The Yin - Yang polarities need each other at all times.

See more in Theory of the Five Elements