Shen Acupuncture
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Five Element Theory

According to Chinese philosophy we are all made up of the 5 elements which comprises five types of energies named wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Which element are you?

In five element acupuncture, diagnosis and treatment is based upon an understanding that there is always one predominant element within all of us (Our guardian element).


Wood

Spring time is linked with the wood element because of the opportunities for growth and development.

The wood element will show itself as someone who is well motivated and organised, perhaps they might be self-employed or a director of a company, a person who is used to having things mapped out ahead of them. They are people who like to be pushed and their abilities, tested and stretched. A wood element will be totally dedicated to anything that he or she pursues.

In the body, it controls our liver and gallbladder.

The liver is responsible for managing the flow of qi and blood. A imbalance may emanate in the mind as an inability to move forward. On a more physical level it may show in the form of anemia or blood and circulation disorders.

It is possible that these people have Wood as their guardian element?

George Bush
Wayne Rooney
Margaret Thatcher

Fire

The element of high summer and warmth of the sun.

It teaches and relates to others and revels in those relationships. It seeks to lighten others with its smile. However being the most yang of the elements it can be susceptible to over work and burnout.

In the body, it controls the organs of the heart and small intestine, and the functions of our blood circulation and body temperature.

When out of balance it could result in cardiac and circulatory disease, arrhythmias, irritable bowel, or insomnia.

It is possible that these people have Fire as their guardian element

Tony Blair
Tom Cruse
Julia Roberts

Earth

The element of late summer.

An earth element is dedicated to serving others. Their happiest when they are helping people with one thing or another. However this can lead to a feeling of emptiness as all their energy and time is taken up by other people if they recieve nothing in return.

In the body, it controls the organs of the spleen and stomach. The spleen is the transporter and if this function is not working due to worry or stress can set it may cause problems such as pooling of fluids and excess storage of fat.

It is possible that these people have Earth as their guardian element

Princess Diana
Bill Clinton
Marilyn Monroe

Metal

The element of the autumn.

The metal element is very pure and inspirational but also organized and very straight forward. They like to see things in a positive light but can also be very cut and dried. You know where you stand with a metal element.

In the body it controls the organs of the lung and large intestine. The lung circulates vital energy throughout the body, mind and spirit.

It is possible that these people have Metal as their guardian element

Elvis Presley
Anthony Hopkins
Nelson Mandela
Jose Mourinho

Water

The element of the winter.

The water element is the type of person that does not want to stay in one place for too long and is always looking to move on. Just like the characteristics of water that works it's way around obstacles and can not be contained. A water person is persistent and determined. They will not give up easily on their ideals. However when out of balance they may become fearful and stagnate.

In the body, it controls the organs of the kidney and the bladder.

Kidney Jing is also the basis of our constitutional strength. Someone with Kidney Jing deficiency will be weak and prone to infections.

It is possible that these people have Water as their guardian element

Gordon Brown
Judi Dench
Nigel Mansell

References

The Handbook of Five Element Practice, Sofea. Nora Franglen (2004).

The Five Elements and the Officials, Worsley J.R. (1998).