The Wood Element

​

In Five Element Acupuncture, the Wood Element governs the liver and gall bladder and is closely linked to the emotions of anger and frustration. When Wood is in balance, it supports clear vision, purposeful planning, and the ability to move forward with confidence. It’s the energy of spring—growth, renewal, and forward momentum.

 

People with a strong Wood constitution are often natural leaders and visionaries. They are adaptable, driven, and goal-oriented, able to bend with life’s challenges like branches in the wind. However, when Wood is out of balance, these same qualities can become rigid. Anger and frustration may surface, and flexibility—both emotional and physical—can diminish. The phrase “snapping like a branch” applies not only to tight muscles and tendons, but also to emotional reactions.

​

Wood also influences the ligaments and tendons, which allow for movement and flexibility. When imbalanced, these tissues may feel tight or strained. The eyes are the sensory organ associated with Wood, symbolising our ability to visualise the future. Imbalances may manifest as issues with vision, or with the liver and gall bladder.

 

Acupuncture can help restore harmony to the Wood Element by stimulating specific points along its meridian. This can support emotional clarity, physical flexibility, and the strength to move forward with purpose. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply in need of direction, balancing the Wood Element can help you reconnect with your goals and regain your flow.

​​

The Fire Element

​

In Five Element Acupuncture, the Fire Element governs the heart, pericardium, small intestine, and the body’s internal and external temperature regulation. It is associated with the emotions of joy and happiness and plays a vital role in our ability to connect with others.

​

Fire corresponds with the summer season, a time of warmth, sociability, and vibrant energy. Individuals with a strong Fire constitution are often passionate, expressive, and naturally drawn to social interaction—they’re the ones who light up a room and thrive on connection.

​

When the Fire Element is in balance, it supports healthy relationships, emotional warmth, and a sense of joy. However, when out of balance, a person may struggle to connect with others or, conversely, rely heavily on social interaction to feel fulfilled. This can lead to feelings of isolation or sadness when alone, with socialising sometimes used to mask deeper emotional needs.

​

The tongue is the sensory organ linked to the Fire Element, representing our ability to communicate and express ourselves. Imbalances may show up as difficulty speaking, digestive issues, or emotional disconnection.

​

Acupuncture can help restore harmony to the Fire Element by calming excessive energy or gently reigniting it when depleted. By working with points along the Fire meridian, treatment can support emotional wellbeing, enhance communication, and help you reconnect with your passion for life.

​

The Earth Element

 

In Five Element Acupuncture, the Earth Element governs the stomach and spleen and is associated with the emotions of worry and pensiveness. Like Mother Earth herself, this element reflects our ability to nurture, support, and care for others.

 

Individuals with a strong Earth constitution are often deeply compassionate and generous. They love to help, often putting others’ needs before their own. When in balance, they offer grounded support and emotional stability. However, when the Earth Element is out of balance, they may struggle to set boundaries—finding it difficult to say no, becoming overly sympathetic, or absorbing the emotional burdens of those around them. Conversely, a lack of empathy or difficulty connecting with others may also signal that the Earth Element needs nourishment.

 

Earth types are often home-loving and may form strong attachments to possessions, sometimes leading to clutter. Digestive issues, weight fluctuations, or poor appetite can also arise when worry and overthinking settle in the stomach—creating sensations like knots or churning thoughts that disrupt digestion and cause discomfort.
The mouth is the sensory organ linked to the Earth Element, symbolising our ability to nourish ourselves—both physically through food and emotionally through self-care.

 

Acupuncture can help restore harmony to the Earth Element by calming the mind, supporting digestion, and encouraging emotional balance. Treatment along the Earth meridians can ease worry, strengthen boundaries, and help you feel more centred and supported.

 

The Metal Element

 

In Five Element Acupuncture, the Metal Element governs the lungs and large intestine, and is associated with the emotions of grief and sadness. Like precious metals and gemstones, individuals with a strong Metal constitution often present as refined, composed, and well-organised. They value simplicity, clarity, and integrity.

 

Metal types are typically polite and measured in their communication—able to express themselves with calm precision. While they may seem reserved or difficult to connect with on the surface, they are often seeking a deeper connection to something greater than themselves, whether spiritual, philosophical, or emotional.

 

When the Metal Element is in balance, it supports healthy boundaries, emotional clarity, and the ability to let go of what no longer serves us. When out of balance, individuals may struggle to release grief or sadness, which can feel heavy and descend through the lungs like a weighted breath. This imbalance can also make it difficult to embrace new beginnings or take in fresh experiences.

 

The nose is the sensory organ linked to the Metal Element, representing our ability to breathe in life and perceive the world through scent. It’s no coincidence that loss of smell was a common symptom during respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. The Metal Element also influences the skin, and imbalances may manifest as conditions such as eczema or other dermatological issues—often seen alongside respiratory disorders.

 

Acupuncture can help restore harmony to the Metal Element by gently releasing emotional blockages and supporting the lungs and large intestine. Treatment along the Metal meridians can create space for healing, allowing grief to move through the body and making room for renewal and inspiration.

 

The Water Element

 

In Five Element Acupuncture, the Water Element governs the kidneys and bladder and is responsible for regulating the body’s fluids and the emotion of fear. Water is a powerful force—sometimes fast and strong, other times calm and still—and these qualities are reflected in people with a Water constitution.

 

A balanced Water Element supports resilience, intuition, creativity, and a calm, thoughtful nature. Water types often face life’s challenges with quiet strength and determination. However, when out of balance, fear can take hold—causing individuals to feel insecure, withdrawn, fatigued, or even paranoid. Fear tends to sink downward, placing strain on the kidneys and often manifesting as a dull ache in the lower back.

 

Imbalances in the Water Element may lead to symptoms such as low libido, poor memory, thinning or prematurely greying hair, weak bones, reproductive issues, fluid retention, and incontinence. The ears are the sensory organ linked to the Water Element, and ear-related health concerns may indicate a weakening in this system. The skin and bones are also influenced by Water, making it essential for overall vitality and structural integrity.

 

Acupuncture can help restore harmony to the Water Element by gently stimulating points along its meridian. This can ease fear, support kidney and bladder function, and help the body regain its natural flow and strength.