The 5 Element Constitutions and Depression (from the Northstar Behavioral Conference)

Here is Tim’s presentation from the 2017 Northstar behavioral health conference in conjunction with the JBER, Alaska military hospital,

​https://youtu.be/egCofT5uemY

​This 20-minute lecture and slide presentation explains how practitioners of Chinese medicine use the 5 constitutions, or patients' inherited pattern of organ dominance to help prevent and relieve depression.

It is designed to help increase your understanding of the basic principles of Chinese medicine, its modalities, diagnostics, and treatment methods that can help you achieve health and balance based on your constitution.

The 5 Element Constitutions: Earth, Metal, Fire, Wood, or Water. This means that one organ system is dominant throughout your life, affecting what type of physical and emotional issues you are likely to face when dealing with prolonged stress.

About 14 minutes into this presentation, Tim shows ways you may manage frustration and depression based on your constitution.

​What constitution do you think you have?

Wood types tend to be driven to "get things done", have a slight greenish tint to their skin, and are prone to anger and irritability.

Earth types enjoy comfort and food, tend to nurture others, have fleshy skin, and may feel worried or obsessed on a through that circles when stressed.

Metal types are very structured, tend to be pale-skinned, and may feel grief or get mentally lost down paths.

Water types prefer to move smoothly through things, are philosophical, and tend toward feel sad or fearful under stress until they can move smoothly again. They have long torsos and can be long-lived with large ears, (a sign of abundant kidney chi, like Warren Buffet).

Fire types are creative and move quickly between things. They may have thin, red, or curly hair and are often chatty. They may get anxious under stress.

In modern life, many people accumulate mental stress that can promote frustration and depression. We hope you enjoy this presentation and learn new tools from the 4,000-year-old traditions of Chinese medicine to live well with a balanced and healthy mind and body.