The Five Elements

The five elements in East Asian medical theory are: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. They are used as part of diagnosis and treatment. Each of us has a particular element that serves as our foundation and also influences the direction of our overall health.

How do we know our elemental type? The answer points to a more esoteric side of East Asian medicine,  called "Five Element Diagnosis." These principles have been very active in Europe since the Jesuits and other travelers brought East Asian ideas of medicine to the 'west' in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many modern acupuncturists do not practice with the five elements in mind, but I find it a helpful aspect of the treatment process in many cases.

The five element evaluation includes the following observations of the patient: color, sound, odor and emotion. The color has to do with the hue that is present on the area of the temples. The sound refers to the way the person speaks. Odor is the subtle scent. Emotion refers to the presiding emotions and or the way the patient responds to situations, as in demeanor.

To outline this here are the elements as they relate to the above mentioned diagnostic factors:

FIRE

Color- red

Sound- clipped, bubbly

Odor- scorched

Emotion-joy

EARTH

Color- yellow

Sound- singing

Odor- fragrant

Emotion- sympathy, worry/overthinking

METAL

Color- white

Sound- weeping

Odor- rotten

Emotion- grief

WATER

Color-blue/black

Sound- groaning

Odor- putrid

Emotion- fear

WOOD

Color- green

Sound- shouting

Odor- rancid

Emotion-anger/frustration

You may have an idea of what elemental type you are but as always, it can be tricky to self diagnose. After your first visit I will inform you, if you'd like, what your elemental type is.