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The Wood constitution
is symbolized by a tree because it not only yields to the wind, but is
strong, durable, and flexible. A healthy tree possesses a well-developed
root system; a healthy person is well-grounded in his personality; strong,
but also flexible.
The Chinese associate decision-making
and the abilities of planning and judgment with the digestive system. The
body part or organ associated with the Wood constitution is the liver and
gall bladder. Anger and resentment are said to damage the liver and gall
bladder.
Conditions traditionally known to arise
from Wood imbalances include hypoglycemic syndrome, premenstrual syndrome,
structural weakness, allergies, Raynaud's syndrome, and depression.
Herbs
for Wood Imbalances
 The
Fire constitution is associated with warmth and light. Fire, like
our minds, illuminates and sheds light on a darkened world. It's lively,
full of imagination and vitality. When kept under control, fire is very
useful. However, it will dominate and consume if not kept in check.
The circulatory system and the upper
parts of the body are associated with the fire element, because heat
rises. The heart is seen by the Chinese as the home of insight and
understanding. Courage is also associated with the heart.
Excess fire leaves one "out of touch
with reality" and living in a dream world. It can also result in excessive
imagination and the over pursuit of perpetual happiness. Not enough Fire
may leave one unable to accomplish goals, antisocial, and with a fear of
trying something new.
Conditions traditionally known to arise
from Fire imbalances include insomnia, paranoia and anxiety, restlessness,
heart palpitations, flushed face, and weakened sexual response.
Herbs
for Fire Imbalances
 Often
referred to as Mother Earth, the Earth constitution is the
grounding element. It keeps our feet planted on a strong foundation by
nourishing and providing us with food, clothing, and shelter. Human
characteristics associated with the earth constitution include being
stable, basic, deep-rooted, centered, and fertile.
The Earth constitution represents the
spleen. The spleen is the nurturer. The emotion connected with it is
anxiety.
A person who is too "earthy," or
"motherly," might have a tendency to worry too much about others.
Conversely, a person who is deficient in the earth element may be nervous,
flighty, unstable, imbalanced, or otherwise "unearthed." They may not have
nurturing emotions.
Conditions traditionally known to arise
from Earth imbalances include weight control, digestive disturbances, low
energy, poor circulation, food allergies, and weak muscles.
Herbs for Earth Imbalances
 The Metal
constitution is important for our defense. Metal invokes images of
substance, structure, and strength. The Metal constitution provides us
with strength to protect ourselves. This constitution represents the
lungs, skin, and mucous membranes (which line the respiratory system and
digestive tract) which act as a shield to protect our body from harmful
invaders.
A breakdown in the Metal constitution
would be associated with weakened immune response, an inability to stand
up and defend oneself, or an inability to express sorrow and grief.
Excessive Metal may lead to defensiveness, rebelliousness, and an
excessive need to assert one's own opinions. The emotions related to the
Metal constitution are sorrow and grief.
Conditions traditionally known to arise
from Metal imbalances include chronic infections of mucous membrane
(sinus, lungs, colon, vaginal), chronic cough or sinus congestion, nausea,
and skin cysts.
Herbs for Metal Imbalances
 Water
is essential to life. The Chinese consider the water constitution to be
the most basic of all elements. Water is naturally serene and submissive;
although, in excess, water can be as violent and inundating as a flood.
The Water constitution represents the
kidneys. The energy of water is expressed in the flow of blood and lymph
and our own ability to adapt.
The emotion associated with Water is
fear. Excessive fear is thought to damage the kidneys. The adrenal glands
(situated on top of the kidneys) are the glands that respond most
violently to fear. A deficiency in the Water element could lead to a lack
of the ability to change, submit, or compromise. Water flows downward, so
Water imbalances would show up in the lower half of the body.
Conditions traditionally know to arise
from Water imbalances include edema (swelling), urinary tract irritation,
impotence, low back ache, and weak knees.
Herbs for Water Imbalances
It's all a question of balance
The Yin and Yang symbol of balance is central to
traditional Chinese thought. Yin and Yang are the two opposing, yet
complementary sides of nature. Literally, they mean "the two banks of a
river" (or the two sides of a mountain) -- one in the shade, the other in
the sun.
 The Chinese
believe that when the opposites of Yin and Yang are in balance, the body
is healthy; when they are not in balance, illness results. The success of
a Chinese herbal formula lies in its ability to balance the Yin and Yang.
Yin illnesses are those which are
characterized by weakness, slowness, coldness, and underactivity. These
are chronic illness or diseases of deficiency.
Yang illnesses are those
which are characterized by strong, forceful movements, heat, and
overactivity (diseases of excess).
Chinese herbal formulas redress yin/yang
imbalances in the body by supplementing deficient elements. Yang formulas
reduce or relieve the Chi (or life
energy -- usually pronounced "key" -- also spelled "Qi" but pronounced the
same) of the overactive body parts (i.e., pacify the spirit, clear the
congestion, ventilate the lungs, and clear the heat). Yin formulas enhance
or support the Chi energy of the underactive body parts (i.e., generate
the pulse, strengthen the bones, strengthen the weak, warm the center, and
nurture the heart).
Herbs to Balance Yin, Yang, & Chi
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