Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
After looking at several products, I realize that all of my elements are out of balance, is there anyway to get all elements back in balance at the same time?
A: It is not uncommon for many of us to be elementally out of balance. With our stressful daily lives, irregular diets, and adverse lifestyles we tend to throw our elements out of balance very quickly. To try and correct all of the elements at the same time is actually not recommended as this may have adverse effects. When the five-element cycle is out of balance, we tend to develop excess and deficiency patterns.
My suggestion is to first identify the most exuberant excess patterns and treat them by balancing their corresponding elements. For example, wood element is most often exuberant in our lives and requires soothing and regulating. Then look into those elements that are depleted; begin to strengthen and tone them. This can be done through diet, nutritional supplementation, and also through tai chi and qigong exercises.
The most common sense advice I can give you is to lead a moderate life and avoid severe ups and downs, both emotional and physical. You can begin your balancing journey with your local acupuncturist who can provide a specific path to harmony with treatments, dietary and lifestyle advice, as well as exercise recommendations.
