Posted on: Saturday, February 12, 2005

PRESCRIPTIONS
Educate yourself about acupuncture elements

By Laurie Steelsmith

Q. I've heard that in Chinese medicine, your personality is related to the "five elements." What are these, and how do they affect your health?

A. According to the school of Chinese medicine known as Five Element Acupuncture, there are five distinct personality types. Each is represented by one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Depending on which personality type you are, you tend to have certain characteristics. By understanding your type, you and your Chinese medicine practitioner can develop a plan to help you achieve great health.

WOOD

Wood types tend to be ambitious and competitive; they are apt to be leaders in their field or elite athletes. Because Wood types are very driven, they often experience stress-related conditions like high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome, headaches and tight muscles.

FIRE

Fire types are fun, charismatic people with tremendous enthusiasm for whatever they do. But when Fire types have too much excitement in their lives, they are prone to anxiety, insomnia and depression. Meditate daily, eat regular meals.

EARTH

Earth types are compassionate, loving people who tend to be caretakers. When Earth types give too much and neglect themselves, they often experience digestive problems. Avoid sweets, eat cooked foods and maintain healthy emotional boundaries.

METAL

Metal types are self-disciplined, inventive and detail-oriented; they are likely to be artists and intellectuals. When their lives are out of balance, they are apt to have upper respiratory infections like colds and flus. Do regular aerobic exercise and maintain creative outlets for stress.

WATER

Water types are seekers of truth and wisdom; they are strong-willed and they thrive in quiet, tranquil environments. When their health is unbalanced, they tend to manifest conditions associated with the kidneys and bladder. If you are a Water type, you can maintain balance in your life by drinking plenty of fluids and socializing regularly.

FOLLOWING UP

In my previous article, I incorrectly stated that the pharmaceutical drug Bextra had been taken off the market. However, readers should be aware that since the article was published, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest health maintenance organizations, has ordered its pharmacies to stop dispensing Bextra because of its potential harmful side effects. According to a Los Angeles Times report that quoted Kaiser spokeswoman Beverly Hayon, it is the first case of doctors deciding to ban use of a drug that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the book "Natural Choices for Women's Health," being published by Random House in May. Reach her and read her past columns at www.drlauriesteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.