Self Diagnosis

​Have a look at the diagram below and see which parts seem most relevant to your personal health (in the physical, mental or emotional areas). You will see the diagram is divided into 5 elements (Water, Fire etc). Choose 2 elements which at this time in your life seem the most appropriate/ problematic/ dominant to your condition (eg problems with skin - Metal element, feeling angry and frustrated alot - Wood element, stomach problems - Earth element).
It is interesting and helpful I believe to be aware of which Elements feel strongest and weakest within ourselves. The Element balance effects our sense of stability and enthusiasm for example, and our ability to make decisions and connect well with others, as well as our physical health. Awareness of our individual balance can help us to understand our reactions and health picture at any given time, and make adjustments as appropriate. Have a look at the diagram here to chart your health currently. 
Grateful acknowledgements for latter diagram based on ‘Shiatsu A Step-by-Step Guide’ (Nicola Pooley)
In a Shiatsu treatment we work to rebalance the Elements in you through the associated energy pathways (meridians) and acu-points.
The Emotional Landscape





The Five Elements AssociationThe 5 Elements are the foundation of Shiatsu and Chinese Medicine. They are relevant to the functioning of the body, and also a useful model for managing cycles of change.
Our bodies are seen as being made up energy which flows through the meridians. The 5 Elements are Water, Wood, Earth, Fire and Metal. Each has a function eg Earth is linked to muscles and digestion, Wood is linked to joints and movement. Each of the Elements has emotional associations too eg Water is associated with Fear, Fire with Joy. If our chi has been unbalanced that can manifest in a physical or emotional way.

Planning. Spring. Green. Anger.Joints and tendons                                   

Belligerence into benevolence
 
Growth and creativity.
Planning and decision making.


Emotional AssociationsCreativity, determination, anger, bitterness, guilt, depression.
Note which season you like, colour you do or do not like, the emotion that resonates with you, the body part association - as a guide to Element dominant with you at this time. We all have each Element in us and their balance shifts in each of us depending on relationships, mood, circumstance, environment, activity etc. Ideally the energy moves freely through the meridians and each Element functioning and nourishing the next  contributes to our good health. Of course we get knocked off balance sometimes. It is good to have ways of understanding why and regaining equilibrium (see 5 Element associations and Activities colour handout).
We can note in ourselves and others which Elements seem strong and which are weaker at any given time. By looking at ways of nourishing each Element and the balance of each in our lives, we can improve our health and confidence.
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