Elemental Balance - Water

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?

Water is flexible and compliant; it adapts to the shape of whatever container holds it. Water clings to itself, which is why rain falls as drops. In the elemental scheme, Water is the carrier of emotion, and the glue that binds the world together. The Water Element includes all bodily fluids with the ability to flow, and the tendency to collect together.

We all have very compelling evidence of Water this: our own salty tears. Many people have learned to habitually stuff our emotions away, which in effect dams up the Waters within. When the dam gives way and the tears finally flow, we get to feel the power of the Water that holds our true emotions.

How to Recognize the Effect of Water on Your Physique: The skeletal frame of the Water person is fairly substantial, but the musculature is not overly developed. The Water person tends to put on weight that is very soft. The face is round and the arms often lack firmness or definition. For the Water person may find it very hard to remove weight once it is put on. The expressive features of the face are prominent, with soft, Watery eyes and full lips. The voice is smooth, soft and melodious.

How to Recognize the Effect of Water on the Mind and Emotions: The experience of the Water person is dominated by feelings. They are less interested in abstract conversation and long-term objectives, than in how they are feeling at the moment. They like to relax, be comfortable, and “go with the flow”.

The Water person’s life is built around family and friends. Entertaining and serving a delicious meal to others is important. Their feelings are very tied to how the important people in their lives are doing right now. The Water person is compassionate rather than competitive, and wants others to enjoy success as much as they do. When they ask how you are doing, it is out of genuine interest rather than mere courtesy, and they will listen and empathize with your complaints and problems.

Loyalty is very important to the Water person, whether to family, friends, or ideas. Once an idea, norm, cause or custom is adopted, it tends to become fixed.

The greatest gift of Water is unconditional love. Water Woman is the archetypal “Mother Earth”. They are nice to be around, even when they say nothing. It just feels good to be in their presence. If you know a person with genuine love for humanity in their heart, chances are Water is predominant in their makeup. Water can be tolerant and easy-going. “Live and let live” is a Water phrase.

On the flip side, Water people can be smothering with their love. While Water people often make wonderful parents, Water is also the parent who can’t cut the apron strings. They manipulate the family with their tears in order to secure compliance with their wishes. They wants her adult children present for every holiday, and use guilt to get their way. Their love can become needy and greedy.

Water is susceptible to depression. They feel as if they are under Water and drowning in dark emotion. The world becomes dark, and they want to stay in bed, or eat excessively to avoid their overwhelming feelings. Nothing interests them; it all seems so hopeless. They live by their feelings, and if their feelings are hurt by betrayal or insult, it seems too much to bear.

Career Choices for Water People: Water people find their center in the home, and are most likely to be content being a stay-at-home parent. Water also makes a good teacher, as it is patient, nurturing, and compassionate. Restaurant work is a good choice, but the restaurant should be a place where food is prepared and served with love. Water people often have a very keen sense of texture, aroma and taste when it comes to food. Many of the world’s top chefs, particularly those that cook without recipes and create interesting combinations of flavors, are Water types. Water people are often content with routine work as long as the setting and co-workers are pleasant, and they make up the rank and file of many organizations. Since Water flows in the realm of love and emotions, many artists and musicians.

When Water is in Balance: It is relatively easier for a Water person to find balance than it is for Air or Fire , the more volatile elements. Water is adaptable, molding itself to whatever container in which it finds itself. The balanced Water person is loving, kind, easy-going, and tolerant above all, heeding the motto, “Live and let live.”. They have a sensuous relationship with food, and love to gather friends and family around a delicious meal. They are compassionate, and cares for all creatures and the Earth itself.

What Causes Water Imbalances: Water people often have trouble dealing with late winter and spring, when they are prone to colds, flu, and sinus congestion. They may feel particularly lethargic at this time of year, and simply can’t wait for spring and warm weather to come and balance their cold, boggy natures. Oversleeping can create Water imbalance, as Water tends to stagnation if not stimulated. Overeating causes similar problems. A lack of structure in the schedule, and an absence of activity lead to lazy days in front of the TV for many Water types.

How to Recognize Water Imbalances: The most common Water imbalance is obesity, with all of its attendant problems of heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. Water types are particularly susceptible to conditions of excess phlegm in the respiratory tract, such as asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, colds and flu. Cysts are common in the breasts and ovaries for the Water woman. Depression is common for the Water type who has experienced excess emotional pain. The digestion can be slow and heavy, and nausea and constipation are a problem for many Water types. The constipation differs from Air constipation in that the stools are moist rather than hard and dry.

How to Remedy Water Imbalances: Water people need to stay active and stimulated. Intellectual and physical activities are a must. Working up a good sweat through heavy exercise is beneficial, as are saunas and steam baths. The diet should be light and stimulating, high in appropriate vegetables and low in carbohydrates and animal proteins, with moderate spices and no salt. Water people frequently love their homes, and benefit from exerting themselves in the care and maintenance of the home and yard.