The 5 Elements in Children
The 5 Elements, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood are a part of Chinese Medicine theory. They relate to the seasons and weather patterns making up the natural world and are also expressed in humans. The 5 Elements are connected to the acupuncture points and channels, organs, senses, emotions and behaviours as well as other signs, symptoms and patterns of health.
Although we express all elements one will be core to our true nature and is defined in early childhood. The Elements can become clear to me when I ask the child questions about what they like doing, what matters to them, what symptoms that they need help with, where they feel emotions in their physical body. I also assess the pulse and look at the tongue as part of my diagnosis.
When I treat a person's core Element with acupuncture (needles or non needle techniques) I see the most positive change in their overall health picture. I believe this allows the child to thrive and literally 'be living in their element'.
Children are rapidly growing and in various states of flux especially through puberty, which lasts about a decade! Parenting requires nurturing, flexibility, patience and adjusting approaches to individual children. Understanding how your child expresses their Element can provide insight into how you can support your child's physical, mental and emotional health from a Chinese Medicine view.
Here I share a little insight into the 5 Element types in children. Some of these charcteristics may be true for your child but they will also have their own unique way of expressing their core Element into the world.
FIRE CHILD
These are the children that ooze charm and melt hearts with their smiles and dimples. Like opening a window on a sunny day these children have alot of warmth and love.
They value friendships, like to be liked and long to be loved. They are fun to be around and have an optimistic mindset.
When out of sorts or tired they can loose their sparkle, be oversensitive, deflated and feel emotionally hurt easy.
To nurture and support a Fire Child acknowledge their sensitivities, give them lots of cuddles, attention, fun and laughter.
EARTH CHILD
These are the nurturing empathitic children who care deeply. They like to please!
When thriving they stand on their own two feet, are happy little homebodies, have a good relationship with food and can concentrate well.
When out of sorts or over tired they can cling to you, over think and worry especially at bed time. They want lots of sympathy and can be picky with their food. They can have tummy aches.
To support an Earth Child give them a listening ear and oodles of nurturing.
METAL CHILD
These children have an eye for quality in things and life and have a healthy dose of self worth. They are happy in their own company as it is how they replenish their energy. They need to be inspired, can be inspirational and strive to be good/better at what they do.
When out of sorts or over tired they can be critical of self and others, not feel good enough, withdrawn, sad and uninspired.
To nurture and support a Metal Child show interest in what really matters to them and remind them of their worth. Allow them alone time to recoup.
WATER CHILD
The wise owls, deep thinkers, old souls. They go at their own pace, know when rest is required and they like winning. You will find they thrive in water or being near it. They can be brave, determined and stable.
When out of sorts or overtired they can be scared, anxious and fearful about future events. They can seem lazy but they are often just exhausted.
You can nurture and support a Water child by allowing them ample rest, adjusting to their pace (within reason) and creating an environment where they feel safe and secure.
WOOD CHILD
The little planners and organisers who have the right amount of assertiveness. They adapt to change well, stand up for right and wrong and are natural leaders. These kids have a good sense of where they are heading in life.
When out of sorts or overtired they can be either disorganised or very complient. They can be moody, irritable, angry or tense and get fed up easy.
You can nurture and support a Wood child with movement, exercise and adventure. Help them find a balance between freedom and boundries.
For more information about treating your child please contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation before booking in.
I studied the 5 Element style of Acupuncture along with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in my inital training at The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) Reading, UK, graduating in 2005. I have since gone on to study Paediactric Acupuncture with Rebecca Avern and I am a member of The Hub of Paediactric Acupuncture (HOPA)