According to traditional Thai medical theory, the human body is composed of four elements: earth, water, wind and fire. Each person’s main element is derived by the month of birth. However a person's characteristics may be the same or different from what they were before birth. Such characteristics depend on many factors such as the way a person is brought up, their eating habits and their surroundings. These factors can cause one’s element to change meaning that an illness of a person could be of both fire and wind elements. Normally, each person’s element does not change during their first six years of life.

Our body is the best healer with its sole purpose to keep us healthy. If the ability to repair itself is weakened, this is the point at which we become vulnerable to illness and unhappiness. To achieve optimal good health, the four elements of the body must be in perfect harmony and balance.

The elemental balance may be lost due to diet, lifestyle as well as the state of mind. External factors – the changes in the weather and seasons, pollution, living and working environments will also affect this balance. The aim of ‘Food for Elements’ is to overcome imbalances by means of diet changes that will provide the body a chance to regain its strength so that healing takes place naturally and effectively.

Characteristics of Element

A sample menu for earth element Yam Huaplee Mixed Spicy Salad of chicken banana bud coconut milk and fresh herbs Pad Kana Pla kem Sautéed Young Kale Vegetable with salted fish meat and oyster paste.

Earth element
People born in November, December or January

• Physical characteristics: Dark complexion, thick and dark hair, big and strong bones and joints, muscular and powerful voice.
• Vulnerabilities: Heart condition, nutrition and fiber in intestine.
• Illinesses: Skin disease, heart diseases, tumors and hemorrhoids.
• Optimum diet: Sweet, oily or salty tastes will balance the earth element

A sample menu for water element Koong Pahd Broccoli Fried Fresh Shrimps with broccoli garlic and oyster sauce. Orange Juice

Water element
People born in August September or October

• Physical characteristics: Good figure, healthy complexion, watery eyes, silky hair, tolerant to heat and cold, good sexual feeling, rather inert.
• Vulnerabilities: Water controlling of the body such as nasal mucus, phlegm, enzymes,
  urine, etc.
• Illinesses: Respiratory problems, digestive problems and urination problems.
• Optimum diet: Dishes with a sour or bitter flavour.
  

A sample menu for wind element Yam Taklai Kai Tohd Fried Chicken Spicy Salad with fresh thin slices and lemon grass. Watermelon and Lemongrass Juice

Wind element
People born in May, June or July

• Physical characteristics: Tall and thin figure, loose joints, dry and rough skin, jealous, timid, easily get bored, intolerant to cold, insomnia, talkative, low voice and low sex drive.
• Vulnerabilities: Heart beat, circulation and the nervous system.
• Illinesses: Nervous tension, blood circulation, emotion and mind.
• Optimum diet: Hot and spicy dishes are best for balance. Perhaps those thus identified, should settle in Thailand and be healthy!
  

A sample menu for fire element Pahd Fugthong Fried Pumpkin and sliced pork with garlic pepper coriander root. Popular around Thailand. Yam Pukboong Tohd Krob Chicken spicy salad with crispy fried convolvulus vegetables and condiments.

Fire Element
People born in February, March and April

• Physical characteristics: Thin figure, impatient, intolerant to heat, often hungry, enjoy eating, soft hair, bald, premature aging skin, early grey hair, bad body odor, moderate sex drive.
• Vulnerabilities: Bile system and temperature control of the body.
• Illinesses: Bile clogged, damaged liver, indigestion, fever.
• Optimum diet: Food is best eaten cold with bland flavours and bitter taste.
  

So there you have the basics. Remember that the birth date information is only a guide. The four elements exist within the medium of an abstract inspiration which would roughly translate as space or the ether: therefore the way we live and the pressures to which we are inevitably subjected can transmute our original bodily predilections into another form. Whilst dietary prescriptions will be the primary means of rectifying physical afflictions we also need to reflect on our lifestyle and consider whether it is in synch with our personality and predisposition.

Information and photo provided by Sukko Cultural Spa
Tel: +66 (0) 76 263 222, +66 (0) 76 264 533
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