The 5 elements of Chinese medicine: understand your constitution better

By D'Âme Nature

Chinese medicine is a type of traditional medicine that originated in China and has been used for thousands of years to treat various conditions and diseases. It is based on the belief that the human body has natural patterns of qi (pronounced "chi"), which is a vital energy that flows through the body and helps to maintain health. According to Chinese medicine, when the flow of qi is disrupted, it can lead to illness. To restore balance and promote health, Chinese medicine practitioners use a variety of techniques, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

Traditional Chinese medicine has its own ways of rationale, such as YIN and YANG and the 5 elements, which use the concepts of movement and dynamics. These movements are portions of time, such as the day, the season and the year, which follow each other cyclically at specific reference points. Thus, traditional Chinese medicine makes the link between your personality (your constitution) and the 5 elements (fire, earth, metal, water and wood) in order to know the predisposition of your health problems. In order to have a balance, each individual has a little bit of each element, but one element often predominates. Also, as you age, the predominant element may change as you get older. Each of the five elements is presented below in more detail. Keep in mind that these descriptions are strong caricatures, but still a good indication of your constitution.

Wood / Tree

According to Chinese medicine, a person who is the Wood element would be dynamic, impatient, independent, determined and have a great influence on others. These people often have several projects at the same time and they like to tackle unexplored paths. With a strong personality, they are hard to follow and when they have a goal to achieve, they are unstoppable. In their view, Woods are always right and they have a way of influencing the opinions of others and passing on their own ambitions. When their emotions are not under control, the main emotion that comes out is anger.

In excess, Wood people are very dominant and intolerant, constantly wanting more and often having mood swings and even becoming confrontational. In weakness, they feel like they are going crazy and can be depressed, easily irritated, and feel helpless. They may be inclined to destroy a person who is Earth element, while Water element will help them. Due to the sudden and sometimes unexplainable mood swings, it is possible to think that a Wood person is bipolar.

Fire

In Chinese medicine, the main emotion of the Fire element is joy. These people are often in a good mood in the morning, they are fast-talking, dazzling, empathetic and outgoing. They cannot live alone and are concerned with the happiness of others around them. Wherever they go, Fire brings happiness, good humor and their smile is contagious. They have a great sense of humor, but are also sensitive to others and have an ability to express themselves to bring groups together. Family and friends are very important to them, and they are even kind and empathetic to new people they meet.

In excess, Fire people become anxious and nervous. They need a lot of recognition and interaction with people, which can be destructive to a person who is the Metal element over time. Some people who are Fire may have ADHD, since they have a lot of energy and may end up exhausting themselves and others. Fire people have difficulty resting, sleeping well and regenerating. However, video games can be a way for them to relax and turn their brain off, allowing them to stop mind talking. In weakness, Fire people tend to take too much care of others and forget themselves. They may experience panic attacks, nightmares, memory loss and have difficulty getting things done due to distraction or fatigue. Wood can then help them to realign themselves.

Earth

According to Chinese medicine, the primary emotions of the Earth element are rumination and worry. Earth people are settled, orderly and quiet, but they are sociable and trustworthy. They are supportive, protective and stable. Moreover, their relationships are often long-lasting, and they cannot live in conflict. They also need to know things in advance because they need to plan to have fun. Since they like to please others and are friendly, they can be taken advantage of as they tend to be adaptable to avoid conflict. Finally, Earth people are very thoughtful, efficient and give advice with diplomacy. They have an attentive ear and often organize others.

In excess, Earth people can exaggerate their welfare role in front of others. They become obsessed with details or may have obsessive thoughts, which ultimately destroys the individuals who are the Water element. In weakness, Earth people become exhausted, distracted and scattered. Since they tend to do too much for others, they can end up lacking energy and strength, which can make them more sensitive and easily shaken. Everything then becomes heavier and more challenging, but they never ask for help from others. In these moments, it is necessary to help them get back into their routine and motivate them to exercise or seek mental entertainment that will allow them to rest. The Fire element becomes their support.

Metal

The emotions of the Metal element are sadness and sorrow. According to Chinese medicine, Metal people are perfectionists, efficient and very organized. Their appearance is important and they are refined. They cannot leave home without being well dressed and well presented. Both at work and at home, their things are well organized and filed. They cannot live in a messy environment and need to be told in advance if someone is coming to their house, otherwise they are not happy. They easily judge others, especially those who are late or do not take care of themselves, as they have high standards not only for themselves, but also for others.

In excess, Metal people may redouble their rules and constraints in order to regain control. Perfectionism then becomes too much, and pleasure can take the edge. Their emotions are often hidden and it is difficult to know when a Metal person is sad as they appear perfect and in control from the outside. In excess, they draw a lot of energy from the Wood. In weakness, Metal may have a weak voice, weaken and even collapse. They tend to belittle their own worth and become confused and doubtful. Since they are out of balance, their physical appearance may be neglected or their home may be unkempt. The Earth element can then come to their aid.

Water

According to Chinese medicine, people who are Water element would be pensive, visionary, a bit philosophical, and they need more reflection before taking action. The dominant emotion is fear and insecurity. These unconventional people are very internalized and distrustful, and it is difficult to know what they are thinking and feeling. Water often seems to be in their heads and they need to be constantly reminded to pay their bills as they tend to forget. However, they hold to their values and beliefs excessively, and it can be difficult, if not impossible, to change their views on many issues. Finally, they are very intelligent, creative, observant and have a great deal of knowledge.

In excess, Water tends to limit their relationships with others and isolate themselves. They are then more likely to fall into depression because they seem inactive, unapproachable and barely responsive. Because of their excessive fears, they seem hopeless and lose confidence. According to Chinese medicine, Water destroys Fire when it is in excess. In weakness, they may collapse and become even more isolated. In order to help them to express their knowledge, it is important that the Water people keep up social interactions and express their feelings. Metal can help them to do this.

Have you found out which of the elements fits your personality? If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact me and it will be my pleasure to answer you.