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The Five Elements: Understand Yourself and Enhance Your Relationships with the Wisdom of the World's Oldest Personality Type System Paperback – Illustrated, September 27, 2016

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 476 ratings

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The Five Elements brings the wisdom of an ancient healing system to modern readers, helping them understand themselves--why they do what they do--better.

Dondi Dahlin shows us that we are all born with individual rhythms that go beyond the influence of our genes and upbringing. The five elements originated in ancient Chinese medicine over 2,000 years ago--when scholars theorized that the universe is composed of five forces: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Understanding these elements helps us stay in balance physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. By explaining the efficacy of wood, the depth of water, the joy of fire, the compassion of earth, and the wisdom of metal, this book helps people understand themselves and form lasting connections to others, answering the age-old question of why we do what we do.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dahlin encourages readers to reexamine and expand what they think they know about themselves and others by studying the traits of the different five elements. . . . Readers who are open to these teachings and wonder why people do what they do will have their questions answered many times over.”
Publishers Weekly

"With the world becoming ever more hurried and busy, understanding personality differences has never been more important. The Five Elements is a key to this understanding, as well as fun, easy to read, and fascinating!"
—Jack Canfield, coauthor of The Success Principles and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series

"This wonderful book brings ancient wisdom to life and makes it practical for everyone to understand. When you know aspects of yourself and others through nature's elements, how the world and all those who inhabit her work will begin to make complete sense."
—James Van Praagh, TV producer, spiritual medium, and bestselling author of Talking to Heaven

"Dondi is a master of the Five Elements personality system, and presents them in a way we can use in our lives to live more joyfully and understand the steps in our journey. An invaluable book for all of us interested in the wisdom and energy medicine teachings of east and west!"
—Alberto Villoldo, PhD, shaman, healer, and bestselling author of One Spirit Medicine

“This marvelous book teaches you an exquisite system for understanding how you and others operate in all conditions and describes how you can vibrationally call towards you much more of what you desire."
—SARK, coauthor & artist of Succulent Wild Love

"The Five Elements takes an ancient system used in the Chinese culture and puts it in a modern context. This is the perfect blend of the old with the new, a very useful tool everyone can use to find out about themselves and their relationships. Dondi’s enthusiastic style and practical wisdom brings The Five Elements to life!"
—Lisa Garr, host of The Aware Show

"After several decades of media exposure, what more can be written about Chinese medicine? Plenty. Dondi Dahlin's incredible book
The Five Elements is practical, comprehensive, and authentic—not esoteric, fragmented, or a vestige of New Age Pop Psychology. In other words, not only is The Five Elements a book for all seasons, it is a book for all reasons."
Stanley Krippner, PhD, coauthor of Personal Mythology and Haunted by Combat

“Baffling characteristics of friends, lovers, and family become understandable when viewed through the lens of the Five Elements. A dive deep into the time-tested concepts in this book can unlock the full range of your wholeness, harmony, and joy.”
—Dawson Church, PhD, author of The Genie in Your Genes

“Dondi Dahlin’s book is full of ‘aha’ moments and practical and powerful exercises that can be transformative for all personality types. You’ll find the code that will open the combination to yourself.”
—Agapi Stassinopoulos, author of Unbinding the Heart

“Over thousands of years, Chinese medicine not only developed a map of the human body, but also a map of the human spirit. With her brilliant knowledge of the Chinese Five Elements, Dondi Dahlin is the perfect guide to show you how to read your personal map!”
—Jean Haner, author of The Wisdom of Your Face and Your Hidden Symmetry

“Many books about the Five Elements are written academically like a medical text book. Dondi Dahlin, from her years of experience and mastery of this ancient wisdom, has written 
The Five Elements with the layperson in mind, blending Western and Eastern cultures, with ease and fun.” 
—Robert Peng, The Master Key: Qigong Secrets for Vitality, Love, and Wisdom

"Dondi has performed for many celebrities and spent a life in show business. She takes those experiences and combines them with her knowledge of the Chinese Five Elements in intriguing and fascinating stories that will keep you captivated!
The Five Elements is a fun and profound book that may just change the way you look at life."
—Miles Copeland, entertainment executive/founder of IRS Records and manager of The Police and Sting

“If you love understanding what makes yourself and others tick, this is the book for you. Be prepared to want to read
The Five Elements cover to cover in one sitting!” 
—Heather Dane, health coach and coauthor with Louise Hay of Loving Yourself to Great Health and The Bone Broth Secret

"I read Dondi’s new book and could barely keep from laughing out loud in recognition! She achieved her goal of helping me to understand not only how and why I behave as I do, but how I can have more compassion and deeper understanding for how others behave. This book is funny, powerful, and valuable for anyone wondering why we act like we do!"
—Lauren Walker, author of Energy Medicine Yoga and one of Sonima's 100 most influential yoga teachers in America

"
The Five Elements will grow your compassion and appreciation of people. It's simple, yet so profound. It is a thoughtful approach to a time-tested system."
—Homayoun Sadeghi, MD, author of The Art of Healthy Living: A Mind-Body Approach to Inner Balance and Natural Vitality

About the Author

Dondi Dahlin is an award-winning speaker and teacher, internationally-acclaimed dancer, and member of the Screen Actors Guild. With her mother Donna Eden, she coauthored The Little Book of Energy Medicine. Dahlin teaches the five elements at the OMEGA Institute in New York and at Eden Energy Medicine workshops around the world.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ TarcherPerigee; Illustrated edition (September 27, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399176292
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399176296
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.02 x 0.74 x 6.99 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 476 ratings

About the author

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Dondi Dahlin
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Dondi Dahlin grew up in the world of Energy Medicine and show biz. She co-authored The Little Book of Energy Medicine with her mom Donna Eden, and her book The Five Elements became a best-seller when it was released in 2016.

Dondi is a sought-after speaker and MC for conventions and conferences and has been seen on Hay House, Shift Network, OMEGA Institute, Mindvalley, and ACEP. She is also a popular teacher and she travels with her Mom, spreading Eden Energy Medicine and the Five Elements through international workshops.

Along with Energy Medicine, Dondi also grew up in the world of show business. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and won the titles of both “Belly Dancer of the Universe” and “Outstanding Speaker in the Nation.” She has been seen in over 100 commercials, performed in over 30 countries, and is one of the few American dancers to have had a successful career in the Middle East.

Dondi’s home-base is California where she homeschools her son and lives in a 1904 house, which she fought for two years to get historically designated by the city of San Diego.

Go here to take Dondi's popular quiz so you discover your element: www.LearnTheFiveElements.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
476 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and helpful for understanding themselves and others. They describe it as an interesting read with clear descriptions and examples of real-life situations. The book is described as easy to understand and follow, making it enjoyable to read and talk about with others. Readers appreciate the author's eloquent storytelling and creative suggestions and exercises that assist adults in helping children. They also mention that the food content is useful for identifying and nourishing their dominant element.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

50 customers mention "Information quality"50 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful in understanding themselves and others. They appreciate the thorough descriptions and how it sparks great conversations. The book provides recommendations for dealing with certain elements and ways to rebalance.

"This book is a great way to understand your fellow person and family. A must read." Read more

"...Well, this book has liberated me!! I am ecstatic! The thorough descriptions helped, but more importantly, the comprehensive self-tests,..." Read more

"...The book also has what foods to eat and famous people. Fascinating reading." Read more

"easily readable and informative" Read more

32 customers mention "Readability"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and informative. They describe it as a good, solid book with clear language. However, some readers found the information inaccurate.

"...A must read." Read more

"This is a terrific book, I bought one for my mum too. Thinking that I was a water element, I focused on that chapter. Then did the quizzes...." Read more

"...This book is spot on, informative and enjoyable!..." Read more

"...Uh, nothing. There's some good content here, but while she says in every chapter that most people are a combination of more than one..." Read more

14 customers mention "Ease of reading"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and apply. They appreciate the clear explanations of complex concepts with examples from real-life situations. The author provides practical suggestions for ways to use the various element types. The format is easy to follow and navigate, with lots of tips that are doable for real life. Overall, customers say the book helps them recognize blueprints within themselves.

"easily readable and informative" Read more

"...Dondi Dahlin's writing is conversational and easy to understand without prior knowledge of the subject." Read more

"...I really love that the author gives practical suggestions for ways that the various element types can work together in harmony and complement each..." Read more

"...For me this book recognize blueprints within ourselves...." Read more

8 customers mention "Enjoyment"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it informative and engaging, making it fun to talk about with others.

"...This book is spot on, informative and enjoyable!..." Read more

"...Easy to read and to apply. Poetic, entertaining, and thought-provoking!..." Read more

"This book is both informative and entertaining. Understanding the five elements provide a deeper understanding of people and their personalities." Read more

"...We have had hours of fun doing the questions at get-togethers. Sparks some really great conversations." Read more

4 customers mention "Compassion"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's compassion. They say it brings understanding and a greater compassion for all.

"...I feel that, after reading this book, I have a greater appreciation for my fellow humans and that I have a means by which to operate among them..." Read more

"...one more tool to bring all of us to a greater awareness and compassion for one another. Sharon Tawfilis MA, LMFT, EEM-CP." Read more

"...relate, and connect to others in a more authentic and compassionate way...." Read more

"...a crucial time in our culture when bridging understanding and cultivating compassion for each other is sorely needed! Easy to read and to apply...." Read more

4 customers mention "Story quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the stories engaging and informative. They appreciate the author's ability to weave personal experiences into her narratives. The book includes creative suggestions and exercises that help adults assist children.

"...I'm still reading and absorbing the wonderful stories from the author's colorful life as belly dancer, actress, mother, and daughter of a world-..." Read more

"Dondi eloquently weaves interesting stories from her personal experiences while bringing to life an ancient system in modern day language...." Read more

"...Each chapter offers creative suggestions and exercises that assist adults to help children to channel and balance their precious energies!" Read more

"Great combination of quirky stories and actual information about the five elements as they relate to our organs and overall wellbeing." Read more

3 customers mention "Food content"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's food content. They find it informative and interesting, with recommendations for foods to eat. The book helps readers identify their dominant element and nourish it.

"...The book also has what foods to eat and famous people. Fascinating reading." Read more

"...personal examples and tools to help you identify and nourish your particular dominant element...." Read more

"The Five Elements - Juicy, Alive and Informative..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2024
    This book is a great way to understand your fellow person and family. A must read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2017
    For years I've been struggling with the notion that I am supposed to be, in the ancient Chinese “five element” system, an Earth element (or rhythm) person. This was indicated by a quick muscle test method that should have worked.

    I hated the idea. I kicked and screamed over it. How could I be?? But by others I was convinced. Still, I don't have children and never wanted them: I'm not the "earth mother" type that's sometimes described for Earth element people, but I do like to encourage people to become their best selves through my books and healing practices. Is that nurturing? And I have suffered from uterine fibroids, a typical Earth rhythm ailment, making me (when younger, before they shrank a bit) look like a Mother Goddess statue from antiquity, as one young man pointed out. So I've been living under this idea ever since, reluctantly.

    Well, this book has liberated me!! I am ecstatic! The thorough descriptions helped, but more importantly, the comprehensive self-tests, questionnaires, and checklists nailed it. I took the tests, read the descriptions, and was able to definitively declare that my rhythm--my true, happy, quirky self--moves first and primarily in the flow of Water, and shockingly next with the stomping confidence of WOOD! (secondary rhythm), followed by the enthusiastic combustion of Fire (tertiary or third rhythm), with only the occasional drift into the deep compassion of Earth nurturing (fourth).

    I'm still reading and absorbing the wonderful stories from the author's colorful life as belly dancer, actress, mother, and daughter of a world-famous healer (Donna Eden). And I haven't yet made my way to the rich storehouse of info about children's rhythms. But I now know why I have always walked like a Wood (not an Egyptian).

    I thought I simply learned that from my mother, who loved to start wordy, shouting fights. She was the Wood, thought I, trying to force myself into the "Earth" mold years ago. (That takes on new meaning -- earth mold -- but that is indeed how it felt to put myself into the wrong psychological box, moldy!!) I am not one who backs down easily, and I will always speak up for my rights, or others'. It's odd because I love to dance, and my kinds of dancing are graceful, not stomping. But moving off the dance floor? Stomp, stomp, stomp. Haha! Wow, even my secondary element explains so much about who I am. I'm so grateful to this book!

    Understanding that Water is my primary way of relating to and moving in the world has answered so many other questions and dilemmas for me. I feel like someone opened my cage and said, "Yes! Be yourself! It is a very legitimate way to be! You are not crazy! You simply move through life in a way that others may not."

    Second to understanding myself is the breaking light of "Ah ha!" regarding friends and family. "No wonder!!" I keep exclaiming. I will be forever grateful to Dondi Dahlin for sharing her own stories of discovery and for completing the painstaking work to accurately depict the Five Elements of ancient tradition. And to come up with self-tests that have proven, in my experience, far more effective than taking someone else's word for it.

    If you love to discover what makes your own heart tick, you'll love this book!
    14 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
    This is a terrific book, I bought one for my mum too. Thinking that I was a water element, I focused on that chapter. Then did the quizzes. Nope, I am an earth first, water second. Makes me wonder if I am not being true to myself - hmm. Excellent book Dondi, thank you. We do all have the elements but one is primary with one or two secondaries. The book also has what foods to eat and famous people. Fascinating reading.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2016
    easily readable and informative
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2017
    I read this book, exactly as indicated by my Water element,, skipping around and taking it in, matching my friends and family with their own elements. I must say, my skepticism vanished as the personalities of those closest to me were described and explained in surprisingly accurate detail. I gained some much needed insight into some of the more difficult people inhabiting my world, and often found myself laughing and nodding my head in agreement with much that I read. The Five Elements gives you a quick snapshot of personality in a few pages that would take a long time to develop from observation and interaction with a person, giving effective suggestions and direction in dealing with each element type. There are checklists / quizzes to help determine your primary and secondary elements , as well as descriptions of each element's underlying motivations, and behavior under stress or fear. Dondi Dahlin's writing is conversational and easy to understand without prior knowledge of the subject.
    18 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2022
    I have been an acupuncturist working professionally with five element theory for over ten years. This book is spot on, informative and enjoyable! This book brought some life and relatability to the elements- had great personal examples and tools to help you identify and nourish your particular dominant element. I actually got this on audible first as a fun listen and liked it so much I bought the printed copy. This book is great for professionals, their clients and people interested in bringing balance into their lives.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2016
    It is quite rare for a work of non-fiction to be a page-turner that I stay up late reading long after my cherished bedtime, yet this one did just that. It is impressive how eloquently the author communicates the ancient system of the five elements to the modern reader. I soaked up every story, every description, and every idea as though I was dying of thirst and the words on the page were a tall drink of water. Learning about different personality types has never been so FUN! As I read the explanation of each element, I was able to recognize people in my life – or at times myself – and gain a greater sense of understanding as well as greater compassion for us all. I really love that the author gives practical suggestions for ways that the various element types can work together in harmony and complement each other in relationships. I feel that, after reading this book, I have a greater appreciation for my fellow humans and that I have a means by which to operate among them more successfully and more satisfyingly. I wish everyone would read this book and therefore view one another through the elements – what a world that would be!
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
    Good information and worth reading.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Gabriela
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mejor de lo que pensaba
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 5, 2024
    Grata sorpresa la lectura de este libro. La autora de una manera fácil y a veces divertida te lleva de la mano para comprender mejor tus comportamientos y sentires. Me encantó esta herramienta que podemos emplear en nosotros y con la familia para mejorar nuestra relación con uno mismo y nuestro entorno. Lo recomiendo.
  • Tracy Gallagher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love love love this book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2024
    Absolutely loved this book and refer back to it many times 💕💕💕
  • Veronica
    5.0 out of 5 stars buena descripción de los elementos
    Reviewed in Spain on April 5, 2023
    un buen resumen para detectar los cinco elementos en las personalidades, un buen camino para la introspección. La parte final en la que te ayuda a detectar a los elementos en los niños es muy interesante
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast and efficient
    Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2020
    I received the book in pristine condition and m so happy with it.
  • Rosebud
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2021
    I have been looking for a book to explain the Five Elements in a modern way and this did exactly that. I read nearly all of it in one sitting, easy to read and I now have a much better understanding of the Five Elements which is something I've wanted to learn for years. Would highly recommend to anyone who has heard of the Five Elements and wants to understand how they work.