MUST-KNOW BASICS FOR TCM TONE

State Regulation through Vibration and Frequency

TCM Series instruments use vibration and specific frequencies to support a return to the state most needed in the present moment—more relaxed, clearer, more energized, and more stable.

In Chinese culture, energy is referred to as Qi 氣. In TCM TONE, the core concept we focus on is state 狀態. A state refers to how energy is operating at a given moment. When the state changes, breathing, attention, emotional tone, and bodily sensations often shift as well. In TCM TONE, these instruments and methods are used to support state regulation 狀態調節 .

7 Frequencies — Quick Overview

Yin and Yang function as switches. The Five Elements function as a palette.

Yin 陰 (Downshift / Settle): energy descends and relaxes
Yang 陽 (Upshift / Activate): energy rises and initiates
Wood 木(Move): energy mobilizes and moves forward
Fire 火(Ignite): energy ignites and opens
Earth 土 (Ground): energy stabilizes and returns to center
Metal 金 (Clear): energy clears and refines
Water 水(Restore): energy recovers and recharges

Frequencies in Practice

Practical scenarios, use-cases, and value of each frequency

Yin and Yang function as switches—shifting your state down or up.
The Five Elements function as a palette—shaping how Qi moves, opens, stabilizes, clears, or restores.

Yin 陰 (Downshift / Settle)

What it does: Guides energy downward; settles and softens tension.
When to use: Overstimulation, mental noise, “can’t switch off,” end-of-day decompression.
Good for: Slowing breath, grounding attention, preparing for rest.
Quick prompts: “Down and calm.” “Settle into the body.”

Yang 陽 (Upshift / Activate)

What it does: Raises and initiates energy; supports clear activation.
When to use: Low drive, sluggish mornings, pre-performance readiness, starting a task.
Good for: Alertness, motivation, “turning on” without agitation.
Quick prompts: “Wake up and engage.” “Start clean.”

Wood 木 (Move)

What it does: Mobilizes; creates forward movement and direction.
When to use: Stuckness, procrastination, emotional stagnation, “can’t get going.”
Good for: Momentum, flow, decision-to-action transition.
Quick prompts: “Move forward.” “Unblock and go.”

Fire 火 (Ignite)

What it does: Ignites and opens; brings warmth, expression, and connection.
When to use: Social engagement, presentation/teaching, creative work, opening the heart-space.
Good for: Presence, enthusiasm, communication, uplift.
Quick prompts: “Open and shine.” “Warm, bright, connected.”

Earth 土 (Ground)

What it does: Stabilizes; returns to center and supports containment.
When to use: After intense experiences, emotional swings, travel/jet lag, feeling “scattered.”
Good for: Centering, steadiness, integration, feeling held.
Quick prompts: “Back to center.” “Stable and steady.”

Metal 金 (Clear)

What it does: Clears and refines; supports boundaries and clean perception.
When to use: Cluttered mind, overwhelm, “too much input,” needing focus and discernment.
Good for: Mental clarity, tidying the inner space, resetting standards.
Quick prompts: “Clear and precise.” “Less noise, more signal.”

Water 水 (Restore)

What it does: Restores and recharges; supports deep recovery and replenishment.
When to use: Post-travel fatigue, burnout signals, long work cycles, recovery days.
Good for: Replenishment, nervous system recovery, “refill the battery.”
Quick prompts: “Recharge.” “Deep restore.”

Choose one frequency based on your current state, not your ideal state. Start simple: one intention, one technique, consistent practice.

Tools of Practice