Five-Element constitution (TCM)

The Five-Element (Wu Xing) constitutional types come from traditional Chinese medicine, a system whose written foundations trace to the Han dynasty (roughly 2nd century BCE). It sorts people into temperament and body-type categories aligned with the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

Drawn from traditional Chinese medicine; it is a classical philosophical framework, not a system validated by modern science. (Traditional Chinese medicine, Wu Xing theory; classical foundations from the Han dynasty (c. 2nd century BCE))

Groups

• Wood — Associated with assertiveness and decisiveness, the Wood type is described as driven, growth-oriented, and inclined to take initiative.
• Fire — Associated with warmth and vitality, the Fire type is described as joyful, expressive, and naturally sociable.
• Earth — Associated with stability and care, the Earth type is described as nurturing, grounded, and supportive of others.
• Metal — Associated with structure and clarity, the Metal type is described as orderly, principled, and refined.
• Water — Associated with depth and stillness, the Water type is described as introspective, wise, and resilient.

Related topics

• Dominant chakra
• Palmistry hand type (chiromancy)
• Human Design type
• Blood-type personality (ketsueki-gata)
• Ayurvedic dosha (Prakriti)

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