Do you sometimes wish you were more like other people who possess certain qualities that you just don’t seem to have? Well, chances are, you are not energetically ‘wired’ the same way, and that’s exactly the way Nature intended…
According to Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, each person possesses a unique combination of the 5 Elemental Energies - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water - which shapes their character and influences their behaviour.
Just as the 5 Elements express themselves in a kaleidoscope of ways in Nature and the seasons and in the greater Universe, they are present in our various body organs and systems, and even in our emotions. (For a general overview of the 5 Elements, check out my previous article How to Balance your 5 Elements with Qigong.)
What many people don’t realise is that the 5 Elements also show up as different personality types or ‘archetypes’ and that they have a strong guiding influence on our lives.
We can, in fact, consider our own unique blend of the 5 Elements as the blueprint for our ‘natural self’, and Qigong as a practice of getting back in tune with our true essence.
We will usually have one dominant Element that influences us the most. Sometimes, there will be two or possibly three Elements that combine to become our driving force.
When we know our dominant energy or energies, we can tailor our Qigong practice to optimise the flow of Qi within us and the harmony and well-being we feel.
Let’s take a look at the characteristics, gifts and challenges of each of the 5 Elements personality types:
The Wood Element PERSONALITY TYPE (THE PIONEER)
Individuals with a dominant Wood personality type are often creative, ambitious, and determined. They possess a strong drive for success and are constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. Wood types are natural leaders and excel at planning, organizing, and implementing their ideas.
However, Wood individuals may also struggle with impatience, frustration, and anger when faced with obstacles or setbacks. They can be prone to overworking themselves and may experience difficulties in expressing their emotions effectively.
To find balance, Wood types should focus on cultivating patience, flexibility, and emotional awareness through Qigong exercises and mindfulness practices.
The Fire Element PERSONALITY TYPE (THE WIZARD)
Those with a dominant Fire personality type are often warm, enthusiastic, and passionate. They are charismatic and have a natural ability to inspire and motivate others. Fire types are highly sociable and enjoy connecting with people on a deep, emotional level.
On the other hand, Fire individuals may struggle with impulsivity, restlessness, and anxiety. They can be overly emotional and may experience difficulties in setting boundaries and maintaining stable relationships.
To find balance, Fire types should focus on cultivating inner peace, self-discipline, and emotional stability through Qigong exercises and meditation practices.
The Earth Element PERSONALITY TYPE (THE PEACEMAKER)
People with a strong Earth Element are often nurturing, supportive, and grounded. They possess a natural affinity for creating stability and harmony in their environment and are often drawn to roles that involve caring for others. Earth types tend to be practical, reliable, and have a strong sense of empathy. Strengths of the Earth Element include patience, perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility.
However, Earth types can also face challenges such as indecisiveness, worry, overthinking, and a tendency to become overly involved in other people's problems. They can be prone to self-doubt and may experience difficulties in setting personal boundaries.
To balance the Earth Element, individuals can practice Qigong exercises and personal development techniques that promote self-confidence, assertiveness, and emotional independence.
The Metal Element PERSONALITY TYPE (THE ALCHEMIST)
Individuals with a strong Metal Element are often characterized by their discipline, organization, and focus. They possess a natural ability to create structure and order, and are often drawn to roles that require precision and attention to detail. Metal types tend to be rational, analytical, and have a strong sense of justice.
On the other hand, Metal individuals may struggle with rigidity, inflexibility, perfectionism and a tendency to be overly critical of themselves and others. They can be prone to isolation and may experience difficulties in expressing their emotions effectively.
To find balance, Metal types should focus on cultivating openness, flexibility, and emotional awareness through Qigong exercises and communication practices.
The Water Element PERSONALITY TYPE (THE PHILOSOPHER)
Those with a dominant Water personality type are often intuitive, adaptable, and wise. They possess a deep understanding of human nature and are skilled at navigating complex situations and relationships. Water types are introspective and contemplative, often seeking solitude and quiet reflection.
However, individuals with a strong Water Element may also struggle with fear, indecisiveness, and a tendency to become overly passive or withdrawn. They can be prone to self-doubt and may experience difficulties in taking action and asserting themselves.
To maintain harmony, it's essential for Water types to cultivate their personal power through a healthy lifestyle, proper hydration, and engaging in Qigong exercises that promote relaxation and stress relief.
Qigong exercises to harmonize the Five Elements
Qigong exercises are designed to balance the energy in your body and help bring your Five Elements into harmony. By practicing Qigong, you can help to enhance the strengths of your dominant element and minimize the weaknesses. For example, if you have a dominant Wood Element, practicing Qigong can help to enhance your ambition and competitiveness while minimizing your tendency towards anger and impatience.
Some examples of Qigong exercises for cultivating and harmonizing the Five Elements include:
· Wood Element: Liver and Gallbladder Exercises, which focus on stretching and expanding the body to promote growth and creativity.
· Fire Element: Heart and Small Intestine Exercises, which involve opening and closing the chest to stimulate the circulation of Qi and blood.
· Earth Element: Spleen and Stomach Exercises, which involve gentle, grounding exercises to promote stability and nourishment.
· Metal Element: Lung and Large Intestine Exercises, which focus on breathing exercises to enhance lung function and promote purification.
· Water Element: Kidney and Bladder Exercises, which involve flowing movements and deep breathing to promote relaxation and adaptability.
Identifying Your Dominant Element
There are three main ways to identify your dominant element and gain insight into the unique blend of the 5 Elements within you.
One way is to take a 5 Elements Personality Type questionnaire that will prompt you to reflect on your natural tendencies, strengths, and challenges. There are several excellent books with questionnaires included in them, such as ‘Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine’ by Beinfield & Korngold, ‘The Five-Element Solution’ by Jean Haner and ‘The Five Archetypes’ by Carey Davidson. Alternatively, you can try one of the many free self-assessment quizzes available on the internet.
A more traditional, and less subjective, approach is to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner for a professional diagnosis. Experts in this field use a number of tools to assess the quality and quantity of your Qi, or life force energy, which may include analysing your complexion, face, tongue and body shape. Their prescriptions for restoring balance usually incorporate Qigong exercises, along with acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and/or nutritional recommendations.
Another quicker and more direct option for determining your driving-force Element/s is to have a 5 Elements Profile Akashic Reading. This is an intuitive reading that goes straight to the Source - your Akashic Record - where all the energetic information about your Soul is held. An Akashic Reading will give you the exact percentage mix of the 5 Elements you were born with and reveal to what degree you are currently expressing your ‘natural self’ and where you may be out of balance.
Balancing YOUR 5 Elements for INNER & OUTER HARMONY
Embracing your unique 5 Elements personality type can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness. By understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, you can learn to cultivate balance and harmony within yourself and your relationships.
Combining this level of personal insight with the practice of Qigong, provides all that you need to leverage the full potential of the life-force-energy that flows through you. It enables you to find acceptance and joy in being who you were meant to be, and to thrive in every area of your life, in your own unique way.
About the author: Kerrie Womersley is a Certified Advanced Holden Qigong Teacher and Advanced Soul Realignment ‘Akashic Records’ Reader, helping people discover their true Divine nature. Connect with her by visiting www.findyourselfnow.com.
The Find Yourself Qigong Online Studio is a safe and sacred space, especially for empaths, introverts and highly sensitive people who struggle with the negative energy of others and their environments. Become an Online Studio Member and refine your natural intuition for a divinely inspired life.