Why Does the Intake Form Ask Me About Stress?
Friday, October 8, 2010 at 01:28PM | 2 Comments On my new client intake form, I have a question that asks:
"How do you usually react to stress?"
The choices (choose all that apply) are: worry, fatigue, anxiety, frustration, excitement, depression, over/undereating, anger, other.
Most people check more than one; some are completely stumped.
The reason for the question is that it gives me some indication of where a meridian imbalance tendency may be.
To briefly explain, according the five element theory, which sees all things in the universe as a manifestation along the yin/yang continuum, and more specifically along a continuous cycle of five phases, or five elements, we each have a constitutional tendency toward one or two of those elements. In other words, when are imbalanced... physically, emotionally, spiritually ... those imbalances will usually show up according to the associations of that element.
For example, if one is predominant in Wood or Tree energy, their illnesses or weaknesses will most often show up in the liver or gall bladder, or the ligaments and tendons. And when under stress, they will usually react with irritation, frustration, or anger.
A person with Earth imbalance tends to worry too much when stressed, or overeat (or undereat), as well as experience stomach distress.
This is all information that helps me (and other similar practitioners) understand better how to support you overall, as well as with whatever issue is bringing you into the office.
Interested in learning more about your particular elemental disposition?
Here's an assessment, and here's the book this assessment came from, which can tell you a whole lot more about the five phase theory and how to make it relevant to your life:
Reader Comments (2)
Between Heaven and Earth is one of my favorite books on Five Element Theory as it is so clear and accessible. The characterizations of each elemental type are so spot on! I love the idea of asking people how they react to stress on the intake form. I've read of some teachers consciously provoking stress in students to see how they cope, but as a therapist the closest I come to that is being late for a client - and yes I do observe their reaction. And a recent price hike was a further opportunity to observe... interesting stuff in light of five element theory....
I was thinking of you and wondering if you are familiar with Daverick Leggett's book Helping Ourselves? It is a lovely little workbook about Chinese Food energetics and I often give bits of it to read to clients - I just thought with the cooking classes it might be useful.... Congrats on the classes what a good idea!
xx Paige
Hi Paige! I love that idea of gauging clients' reaction around lateness or price hikes.. very interested in the specifics of those, especially the latter! :)
And no,I've not read that book.. but will definitely look for it! Sounds great and very useful. Thank you for commenting!