Reading Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water from body shape, complexion and presence (traditional Five Elements view, not medical advice) can be deeply enriched by incorporating the ancient practice of I Ching Divination.

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I Ching Divination Basics is a practical English-language series on Six Lines Divination (Liu Yao) and Wen Wang Gua, updated two to three times per week. Each post turns one core idea into something you can apply in a real reading. Expect clear terminology, short explanations, worked mini-examples, and quick exercises. We move from concepts to verified practice, one cast at a time.
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I. Foundations

Part 2: Five Elements

2.5. Five Element Body Types

(This is a very brief summary of traditional Five Elements body reading in Chinese metaphysics. It is used for observing temperament and energetic tendencies. It is not a medical framework, and it is not a standard of beauty or moral judgment. All body types are valid and worthy of respect.)

Wood

Strong Wood:
The body tends to be tall, slim and upright, as if growing upward. Shoulders and back are open and relaxed, limbs are long and well-proportioned. Hair and beard are often smooth, glossy and full, with a sense of vitality. Sitting and standing postures are open and natural, not curled up. The walk has rhythm, and the voice is smooth and free, with a gentle but steady strength. Overall, the impression is of someone orderly, flexible and growing.

Weakened Wood:
The body is usually thin and small, a bit fragile, with less muscle tone. Hair may be sparse or dry, suggesting weaker qi and blood. Speech is soft and low, the voice is fine and breath is short. Movements and posture are unstable, the person may sway when standing or sitting, giving a floating and less grounded feeling.

Fire

Strong Fire:
The shape often appears narrower at the top and broader at the bottom. The head looks relatively small, shoulders can be narrower, while the lower body is solid and stable, forming something like an inverted triangle. The space between the eyebrows may be narrow, with bright, intense eyes. Steps are quick and light, reactions are fast. When Fire is balanced, expressions are vivid, speech is slightly fast but still coherent. When Fire is too strong, hair can be coarse, the face flushed or reddish, emotions easily stirred, and speech becomes very fast and forceful, leaving a strong impact on others.

Weakened Fire:
The body often looks dark and thin, or dry and undernourished. The face lacks brightness and may carry a restless look. Speech becomes scattered and incoherent, jumping from point to point without a clear line, and the expression shows anxiety. It is hard to keep attention focused on one task for long.

Earth

Strong Earth:
The face is broad, the nose is full, and the features look thick and substantial. Skin tone often leans toward yellow or earthy. The flesh is soft but not flabby. The voice is deep, heavy and stable, with a slower pace but clear weight in each sentence. Movements are unhurried, the person prefers calm and stillness to constant activity. The overall impression is steady, reliable and grounded, someone who can be trusted to hold things together.

Weakened Earth:
The complexion appears dull or grayish yellow, and the face often carries a worried or sad expression. Smiles are less natural. The whole person seems to lack energy and drive, often tired or low in spirit. Actions feel heavy and reluctant, as if walking while carrying a burden.

Metal

Strong Metal:
The features are clear and well-defined, with a sense of structure and edges around the eyes, nose and jaw. Skin tends to be fair or bright, and the surface looks tight and firm. The voice is clear, bright and penetrating, speech is crisp and decisive, without too many extra words. The body is strong, with a solid frame and firm bones. Movements are efficient and to the point. When Metal is excessive, the body may become heavy or obese, shoulders and back thick, the whole presence powerful and sometimes a bit imposing.

Weakened Metal:
The body is often small and thin, or poorly proportioned. Qi and blood feel weak, and the face may look tense or pinched, as if the person is under constant pressure. The frame is not strong, endurance is low. The voice lacks power and clarity, without the bright metallic quality, and people may feel that this person has less energetic protection or inner armor.

Water

Strong Water:
The face is often round or has soft curves, with gentle lines rather than sharp edges. Shoulders are relatively narrow, the waist and torso are flexible. When standing or walking, the body likes to sway slightly, creating a soft, flowing feeling. The voice is mild and smooth, with a rounded tone and a bit of stickiness between sounds. Skin is fine, delicate and moist. When Water is well balanced, the person appears gentle, adaptable and receptive. When Water is too much, the body can easily become plump or rounded, giving a very soft, enveloping impression.

Weakened Water:
The body is often shorter and smaller, with a dull or uneven complexion and less balanced proportions. The whole appearance can feel very contracted and withdrawn, as if the person is always holding themselves back. Movements are closed and reserved, arms and legs do not stretch out freely. The complexion is dull and the eyes may avoid contact, revealing a strong sense of insecurity and reluctance to show the true self.