Elemental Balance - Earth



Our understanding of the body;
the diagnostic techniques that we use;
the individualization of the diet, supplements and treatments;
are unique to HNNH.


No other clinic,
naturopathic, alternative or otherwise, does what we do.

We have a 3-stage model of how the body works that guides us in understanding you. This model is a result of my experience over the last 20 years, combining my training and experience as a naturopathic doctor, a licensed acupuncturist, and various constitutional systems, BioPhenotype (blood type markers), Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

At the core is your Constitution, a combination of the BioPhenotype and Elemental Balance– who you are when you’re healthy, and therefore what we’re aiming for in your healing. We are not all the same, and without an understanding of what your core needs are, and where you’re heading towards, it’s impossible to know what the body needs to get healthy. Historically there were many healthy cultures that did different, almost contradictory things to stay healthy – how do we know which one should be your guide?


The Earth element is the principle of solidity, mass and volume. It gives structure and form to the world. The Earth is firm, stable and solid. It holds us up, supports us, and gives us the raw materials we need to build and construct.

How to Recognize the Effect of Earth on Your Physique: As Earth encompasses all that is solid and formed, the Earth person’s body is recognized by its comparatively massive quality. The bony frame is large, with thicker wrists and ankles. The hands are muscular and strong. The head is large and square, with a pronounced jaw. The neck is thick and strong,. The chest is deep, the waist thick, ribcage large, the limbs stout. The voice of the Earth male tends to be gravelly, while the female Earth voice is deep and relatively loud.

How to Recognize the Effect of Earth on the Mind and Emotions: The Earth mind is, determined, and methodical. It ruminates as long as needed in order to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. Earth gets their nose in the dirt; they wants to consider the details. Once the Earth person make up their mind, they move forward inexorable. They work tirelessly with patient, steady effort until the task is done. They put in overtime and save the money. Their dreams are practical, long-term and attainable.

Earth is very comfortable in their chair. If there is no pressing work to be done. They can relax with family and be content to watch TV. Exercise for its own sake is an abstract, foreign concept to them, and The Earth easily puts on weight. Even if they become obese, they still appear sturdy and strong. Their round belly is firm and hard. Once they are motivated to work or exercise, they are indefatigable. If they have a project they will work well into the night and awaken early the next morning to get going once again.

The Earth person is generally easy-going, nurturing, and supportive, especially to loved ones and family, toward whom they are kind and forgiving. They keep their poise when others are disturbed. Once crossed, however, they will hold a grievance with the same tenacity that they apply to their goals.

Career Choices for Earth People: The ideal career choice for the Earth person has often to do with the secondary element in the profile. For example, an Earth-Fire person will generally be more motivated to start up a business with an idea toward establishing a lasting legacy that they can pass down to their children. When Water is the secondary element, they will generally be more easy-going. In this case, working with food and running a restaurant may be appealing. Many very fine chefs are of the Earth and Water types, as these groups enjoy an intense relationship to foods, textures, aromas, and flavors. If Air is well represented, they may be drawn to the arts, especially music. Not surprisingly, Earth types like to work the land, and make up a good proportion of farmers. They also have the temperament required to be bureaucrats and accountants. Many Earth people work in the various trades of the construction field. Earth provides the stable energy and endurance required to drive trucks for long distances.

When Earth is in Balance: The balanced Earth person is, well, Earthy, down to Earth, the salt of the Earth. Earth in balance is solid, dependable, hard-working, honest, determined, and loyal. If they eat well and exercise, they are sturdy but not overweight. An Earth is a friend you can count upon when the chips are down, and the person who sticks with you through thick and thin. They strategize for the long haul, and stay with their plan to see it through. They don’t get excited or nervous easily, maintaining composure when others are disturbed.

What Causes Earth Imbalances: The Earth type can be prone to laziness,sinking into quicksand. Earth child requires diligent parents who provide a stimulating lifestyle. Mindless repetition of routine renders them dull and rigid. Heavy, rich foods are Earthy in nature, and can add weight easily to the Earth person.

How to Recognize Earth Imbalances: Earth imbalances are similar to Water imbalances in that both are highly susceptible to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The obesity of Earth is somewhat different, as the Earth frame conveys an impression of strength and force even when excess weight is present. Earth is also susceptible to a dark, apathetic type of hopeless depression where every exertion seems not only monumental, but meaningless. In such cases there is a tendency to overeat and oversleep. Solid tumors and fibroids are common for Earth types.

How to Remedy Earth Imbalances: Earth people need a schedule of activities and stimulation in the form of exercise for the mind and body. The Earth body is sturdy, and can handle vigorous exercise with relatively less risk of injury. The diet should be stimulating and varied.