The Chinese were keen observers of nature, and used their observations to develop the five elements to explain the workings of the body, personality, and disease. These five elements of Chinese medicine are EARTH, METAL, WATER, WOOD, and FIRE. These elements are also associated with directions on a compass, with earth being the center, as well as seasons of the year, personality types and many other characteristics. How an individual looks, acts and responds to things in life indicates which element that individual is, and forms the basis for preventive care.