BROWSE > Home Page / Health Blog / Traditional Chinese Medicine - Which health element are you?
Which health element are you in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Introduction
Traditional Chinese Medicine was derived from observation of the complex processes of the human body
over history. Yin-Yang and the Five elements make up this system. Because it was developed in an
Agrarian society, much of the description of the functions of the body was described with agricultural
imagery. The organs were described as though they were the emperor and his courtiers, the flow of energy
was described as though it was water flowing through the body, the lungs were discussed as though they
were the clouds and the intestines as the irrigation system.
Which element are you?
The nature of an Earth person is to nurture and nourish. He or she is generous and will often extend
to taking on the cares and worries of others, sometimes excessively. If so, this nature will transform to
smothering, obsession and oppression.
Recommended foods: If you are an Earth person, you are recommended to consume grains such as rice and
barley, vegetables such as carrots, squash, parsnips, fruits such as red apples and pears and warm
spices such as ginger and garlic.
A Metal person is protective against harmful influences. If excessive, this can translate to isolation
from human contact. Its hardness can be both harmful and useful. It can be beautiful or cruel. Metal is
concerned with correct behaviour and virtue and quick to respond to injustice and injuries.
Recommended foods: Root vegetables, grains, pears, seeds and nuts, pungent spices such as black pepper.
A Water person can be isolated by their inner nature, and this can cause fear about what the future may
bring. He or she is wise and has strong will-power.
Recommended foods: Naturally salty food such as celery and fennel, seaweed, warm fluids.
A Wood person is directed with a clear vision. He or she has an expansive upward energy which can be used
gainfully. However, if used wrongly, Wood people tend to direct their energy against themselves.
Recommended foods: Green vegetables, fish, red and orange root vegetables (such as carrots), olive and
sesame oils, green tea
A Fire person is uplifting who tend to be natural leaders, inspiring those around them with their clear
articulate nature. He or she tends to be happy and excited. If his/her energy is poorly maintained, this
can lead to mental overactivity and too much talking.
Recommended foods: Oily fish, dates and longan, herb tea made from flowers, vegetables with bitter leaves
such as endives.
Read more: Traditional Chinese Medicine...
