Five Element Acupuncture: Water, The Philosopher

The Wood element

Wood

The Pioneer

Full of vision, drive and fresh starts. You can see where things could go, and you love to make it happen.

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Season: Spring
Colour: Green
Your hours: 11pm to 3am
Flavour: Sour
Emotion: Anger, and its healthy side: getting things done
Organs: Liver and Gallbladder

Your gifts

Great at planning and making decisions
Brave enough to stand up for what matters
A natural motivator who gets things moving

When Wood is out of balance

You might notice:

Feeling stuck, frustrated or impatient
Getting snappy when plans are blocked
Feeling tense and wound up

Simple tips for Wood

Move every dayA brisk walk, a stretch or a yoga class keeps Wood energy flowing.
Get outside and go greenWoods, parks and gardens are Wood’s happy place.
Plan, but leave room to flexWood loves a plan. Bending a little stops you snapping.
Add something sour and greenLemon in warm water in the morning, and plenty of leafy greens.
Be in bed before 11pmIn Chinese medicine, Wood’s hours are 11pm to 3am, when the body rests and restores.
Let off steam the healthy wayExercise, journalling or a good chat beats bottling it up.

The Fire element

Fire

The Spark

Warm, fun and full of heart. You light up a room and bring people together.

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Season: Summer
Colour: Red
Your hours: 11am to 3pm
Flavour: Bitter
Emotion: Joy
Organs: Heart and Small Intestine

Your gifts

Making people feel seen and loved
Bringing laughter and fun wherever you go
Big-hearted and generous with your warmth

When Fire is out of balance

You might notice:

Swinging between highs and lows
Feeling lonely or let down by others
A busy mind that won’t switch off at night

Simple tips for Fire

Plan something fun every weekJoy is Fire’s fuel, so put it in the diary.
Protect your downtimeBalance all that socialising with quiet time just for you.
Wind down before bedScreens off and lights low an hour before sleep helps Fire settle.
Spend time with people who fill your cupAnd gently step back from the ones who drain it.
Add a little bitterRocket, watercress, green tea, or a square of dark chocolate.
Laugh oftenA comedy, a silly friend, a dog walk. Fire loves to laugh.

The Earth element

Earth

The Nurturer

Kind, grounded and caring. You’re the one everyone turns to, and home is wherever you are.

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Season: Late summer
Colour: Yellow
Your hours: 7am to 11am
Flavour: Sweet
Emotion: Sympathy, and its shadow: worry
Organs: Stomach and Spleen

Your gifts

Making people feel looked after
Steady, loyal and dependable
Creating a sense of home and belonging

When Earth is out of balance

You might notice:

Overthinking and worrying
Looking after everyone except yourself
Craving sweet things and comfort

Simple tips for Earth

Eat warm, regular mealsSit down to eat, ideally without a screen, and chew slowly.
Make breakfast countIn Chinese medicine, Earth’s hours are 7am to 11am, so start the day well fed.
Let others look after youAsk for help. You give so much, so let some come back.
Get groundedGardening, cooking, or walking barefoot on the grass.
Choose naturally sweet foodsSquash, sweet potato, carrots or a baked apple instead of sugary snacks.
Park the worriesWrite them down before bed, so your mind can rest.

The Metal element

Metal

The Alchemist

Wise, thoughtful and true to your values. You see what really matters and bring quality to everything you do.

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Season: Autumn
Colour: White
Your hours: 3am to 7am
Flavour: Pungent
Emotion: Grief, and its gift: letting go
Organs: Lungs and Large Intestine

Your gifts

High standards and an eye for quality
Seeing the deeper meaning in life
Calm, clear and principled

When Metal is out of balance

You might notice:

Being too hard on yourself
Finding it hard to let go of the past
Feeling a little distant or alone

Simple tips for Metal

Breathe deeplyA few slow breaths each morning. Metal is all about the breath.
Get fresh air every dayCrisp autumn walks are made for you.
Declutter a littleClear one drawer or shelf at a time. Letting go feels good.
Let good be good enoughNot everything needs to be perfect.
Add warming, pungent flavoursGinger, garlic, onion and a little spice.
Notice beautyArt, nature and small daily rituals feed Metal’s spirit.

The Water element

Water

The Philosopher

Deep, determined and wise. Still waters run deep, and you have reserves others never see.

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Season: Winter
Colour: Blue and black
Your hours: 3pm to 7pm
Flavour: Salty
Emotion: Fear, and its gift: courage
Organs: Kidneys and Bladder

Your gifts

Determination and real staying power
A deep, curious and creative mind
Calm in a crisis

When Water is out of balance

You might notice:

Running on empty and pushing through
Feeling anxious or fearful
Finding it hard to rest or slow down

Simple tips for Water

Rest before you’re exhaustedYour reserves are precious, so top them up often.
Keep warmEspecially your lower back and feet. Water feels the cold.
Take a late-afternoon pauseIn Chinese medicine, Water’s hours are 3pm to 7pm, so that afternoon dip is your cue for a break.
Choose gentle movementSwimming, yin yoga or tai chi suit Water beautifully.
Eat warming, nourishing foodSoups, stews and broths, and drink enough water.
Go to bed earlier in winterFollow nature’s lead and rest more in the darker months.

The Water element: The Philosopher

Ready to find your element?

Wood

Your gifts

When Wood is out of balance

Simple tips for Wood

Fire

Your gifts

When Fire is out of balance

Simple tips for Fire

Earth

Your gifts

When Earth is out of balance

Simple tips for Earth

Metal

Your gifts

When Metal is out of balance

Simple tips for Metal

Water

Your gifts

When Water is out of balance

Simple tips for Water

Get your free Water guide

Your elemental mix

Want to know your element for real?

Meet the other elements

What is Five Element Acupuncture?

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