Five Elements Body Types: Eating Right for Your Body Type
Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body differently than modern medicine. When the body is broken down to its core, its tiniest molecules can be classified as energy. This means every element of the universe resides within the human body. The energies within the body must be a perfect synergy of elements. This allows for balance, longevity and harmony between the body and mind.
The food we put in our mouths can either fuel us or slowly kill us. Knowing the five elements body type allows for choosing the right foods to remain healthy and strong throughout life.
Five Elements Body Types
Wood Element
Wood body type tends to be slender with a long face, body and fingers, similar to a tree. The liver, gallbladder, tendons, ligaments and sinews are all controlled by the wood element. Recommended foods for the wood body type include anything sour, and green foods with stalks. Make sure to exclude alcohol, processed foods, high fat foods and most dairy, as these foods can restrict the free flow of energy and blood, while wreaking havoc on the function of the wood element.
Fire Element
Fire body type tends to possess a pointy nose, chin and top of the head. The fire element body is shaped like a torch, pointed on the top, narrow at the bottom and flared in the middle. The fire element handles the circulatory, glandular and immune systems. This includes the heart, small intestine and the lymphatic system. Recommended foods for the fire body type include bitter foods, grains, vegetables, dark leafy greens, beans and seeds. These foods tend to keep the fire at bay, avoiding an overabundance. Foods to avoid include chocolate, salt, meats, stimulants and hot spices.
Water Element
Water body type has a tendency towards “thickness.” The face tends to be large and round, with a wider base, while the body is full. The water element rules the kidneys, bladder, bones, nerves and teeth. Recommended foods for the water element body type include pure water (not what is contained in juices, coffee, etc.), blue, purple and black foods, root vegetables and seaweeds and seafood. Foods to avoid include sugars, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, frozen and excessively raw foods.
Earth Element
Earth body type tends to be short in stature, with a short body, short fingers and neck. The face tends to be square, while the body is pear shaped with rounded buttocks. The earth element rules the digestive and structural systems within the body. This includes the stomach, spleen and muscles. Recommended foods for the earth element body type include root vegetables, leafy greens and light proteins such as legumes and fish. Use sparingly refined carbohydrates, dairy, iced drinks and processed foods as they gunk up the digestive system and overtax the spleen and stomach.
Metal Element
Metal body type tends to have defined facial features and broad, square shoulders. However, their features tend to be thin in nature, such as thin lips and eyelids. The metal element rules the intestinal, respiratory and skin systems, as well as assisting with the immune system. Recommended foods include those that have a dispersing effect and promote energy circulation. Foods sour in nature are best for this body type. Also foods high in minerals like leafy greens and vegetables are good choices. Using sparingly foods like dairy, red meat and bitter foods.
Once we know our elemental body type, we can effectively nourish our body without wreaking havoc.
Five Elements Body Types: What Element are you?
Take this quiz to find out, what element are you, and receive custom recommendations for diet, acupressure and yoga.
For more information, contact us at Integrative Acupuncturist in Montpelier and Williston, Vermont.
