Boosting Fertility According to Your Element: Wood, Fire, Earth, Water & Metal

The Five Elements Theory – comprising Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – is often used to describe interactions between the elements in nature and the life force, also known as Qi, that flows through them. This unique philosophy is not just applied to feng shui and fortune telling but also to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

In TCM, each element is related to different organ networks, colours, emotions, tastes, and sensory organs, which impact your overall health and well-being, including fertility. 

Think of the Five Elements approach as one piece of the puzzle in TCM – it can offer insights into your wellness journey, but the personalities and emotions associated with each element are general guides and may not apply to everyone.

How to determine your element

Determining your element isn’t always straightforward. Most people actually have a combination of elements, with one being dominant and others playing supporting roles.

The most accurate way to identify your element is through a consultation with your TCM physician. During your visit, they will assess different factors to determine it. These include:

• Physical characteristics 

• Emotional patterns

• Health history

• Pulse diagnosis

• Tongue diagnosis

Once you know your element, you and your TCM physician can work together to create a personalised treatment plan, giving you the best chance of achieving your fertility goals.

Wood element

If you’re a Wood element, you tend to have an intense personality. You may be confident and decisive on most days, but you can also be stubborn and controlling. This temperament may sometimes make you overly stressed, which can interfere with your ability to conceive.

In TCM, the Liver corresponds to the Wood element, and Liver-Qi stagnation can cause irregular menstrual cycles with impeded menstrual flow, making it harder for you to get pregnant.

To support your fertility, you should:

• Regulate your stress levels:

  • Try stress-relieving and meditative exercises such as yoga and deep breathing.

• Take care of your Liver:

  • You can support your Liver health through lifestyle and diet changes.

• Try acupuncture:

  • Acupuncture can also help unblock Qi and restore balance to your body.

Fire element

Like blazing flames, Fire-element people can be passionate and excitable but also impatient and easily frustrated.

If you are a Fire type, it is important to pay more attention to your Heart as you could be more susceptible to cardiovascular issues, as well as glandular and immune problems. 

To balance your Fire element, try these lifestyle changes:

• Go to bed early and get adequate rest

• Limit heaty foods and ingredients like chocolate and stimulants

• Opt for more bitter foods, grains, vegetables, and dark leafy greens

You can also consider visiting a TCM clinic for fertility issues – the physician may prescribe Chinese herbal medicine along with other therapies to quell the excess fire.

If you're experiencing fertility challenges, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today. Our TCM physicians will assess your unique constitution and create a personalised treatment plan to support your fertility goals.

Earth element

As an Earth-type, you are easygoing and nurturing but tend to overthink and over-worry, which can contribute to digestive problems, also referred to as “Spleen Qi” in TCM. This Qi is crucial for regulating your menstrual cycle and transforming food into blood and energy to support fertility.

To strengthen your Spleen Qi, TCM recommends:

• Avoid cold and raw food:

  • These can weaken your Spleen Qi, reduce energy levels, and affect your motivation to try for a baby..

• Choose warm foods:

  • For example, spices and broths can support your digestion.

• Consider acupuncture:

  • Acupuncture for fertility can be beneficial too. The acupoint Zu San Li, located on the Stomach meridian, can improve gastrointestinal function as well as manage stress and anxiety.

Metal element

If you’re a Metal type, you are meticulous and organised but can be fickle-minded, sometimes stretching yourself too thin and causing common respiratory problems like sinusitis and asthma to develop.

While your respiratory health does not have a direct connection to fertility, it can take a toll on your overall well-being and affect your mood and motivation to have a baby.

To support your fertility, TCM advises:

• Avoid smoking

• Try exercises that strengthen your respiratory health, such as swimming

• Establish regular mealtimes

• Avoid dairy products and overly spicy food that can put you in a restless state

Water element

Water-type people have strong willpower but are also sometimes timid and deep thinkers. If you fall under the Water element, take note of urinary, genital, and reproductive ailments like infertility.

Your Kidneys are also more prone to health issues, which, from TCM’s perspective, are among the most important organs for conception.

Here's what you can do to enhance your fertility:

• Stay hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of water to support your body’s natural processes and overall health.

• Use gentle cooking methods:

  • Boiling and steaming can help retain moisture in foods.

• Eat healthy foods:

  • Add seaweed, black rice, sesame seeds, and walnuts to your diet.

• Consider acupuncture:

  • Acupuncture for fertility can also be especially helpful, as it balances the Yin and Yang of your Kidneys.

If you want to learn more about your element and how to optimise your body for conception, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. 

Our physicians will guide you through understanding your constitution and recommend specific lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and TCM therapies tailored to your elemental type.

FAQ

Can you have multiple elements?

How can I naturally boost my fertility?

What are the signs of declining fertility?

What should I do 3 months before trying to conceive?

How long does TCM treatment take to improve fertility?

Can I combine TCM with IVF or other fertility treatments?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Specialist Skin Centre. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Specialist Skin Centre today.