Based on the similarity of genesis

this paper compared the similarities and differences between the five phases theory of traditional Chinese medicine（ TCM） and the four-element of the west from the aspects of internal development energy

structural function and metaphorical cognitive thinking mode. The core differences between TCM five phases theory and the western four-element theory

from the origins and structural functions of the two

the constituent entities and their interrelationships

their spatial tensions and cognitive thinking

and their different modes of activity and the developmental dynamics and other aspects. It was believed that due to the rigid norm of its innate linear thinking gene

the thinking mode of western four-element theory cannot develop along the open path of nonlinear

multidimensional dynamic infinitely like TCM five phases theory.