According to Chinese theory, the world can be viewed as an interrelationship of five elements or phases – fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. This theory is steeped in Chinese culture and is used to describe the macrocosm, such as astrology and world events, as well as the microcosm (e.g. acupuncture point relationships, emotions, and overall constitutions). Each element generates and controls each other, and health is achieved when the energy or qi is able to move through each phase smoothly. Everyone has the energetics of all five phases within their constitution, but one or more of these elements/phases are predominant. Understanding your constitution will help to lay the foundation for health promotion and disease prevention. What is your predominant element?