The Five Elements
Earth
The Earth animal is exemplified by the rolly labrador who has an insatiable appetite, and who tends to be overweight as a result. Earth animals are eager to please, loyal, obedient and very sensitive to their human companions moods and stress levels. The earth animal loves to take it easy and is the proverbial “couch potato” If too stressed, this animal often develops vomiting and diarrhea.
The earths organ is the Spleen (pancreas), and stomach. These 2 organs are responsible for receiving and processing the food eaten into Gu Qi (food energy) and from there Gu Qi is transformed into the protective immune system, Qi that propels the body forward, and finally, if the diet is good, and there is Gu Qi leftover, into postnatal Jing (essence). This last part is particularly important as postnatal Jing is what extends our quality and quantity of life. It is important that the Spleen is happy, otherwise, the other organs suffer. To help promote health for the Earth animal, it is very important that damp and cold are avoided. Warm temperature foods that are drying in nature, served at a warm temperature are imperative to support the spleen. Excellent foods for the Earth Animal are Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Herring, Mackerel, Green beans, Squash, Carrots, Turnips, Sweet potatoes, White potatoes, Oatmeal and Rice. A moderate amount of exercise daily, with 2 to 3 days of heavy exercise keeps the Spleen from becoming stagnant, and accumulating damp and phlegm. | Metal
The Metal Animal tends to be more aloof and removed from the action. They are not fearful, but don’t want to engage in group activities. They are the pensive animals, and tend to be very smart & able to figure things out well. Metal Animals like to have a schedule and follow the rules of the house very well. They are disciplined and will complete tasks they take up with gusto. They have a symmetrical body and an excellent hair-coat in good health, but when they are not well tend to have a very dry hair-coat. These pets tend to have a harder time dealing with grief and sadness, and take longer to go through the grief process. They also tend to have chronic respiratory issues, like sniffles, asthma, and bronchitis. They also tend to constipation as the large intestine is the husband to the lung. Both the lung and the large intestine are sensitive to drying out, and as a result, these pets need to eat moistening foods like pork, duck, and greens, as well as blood tonics like beef, sardines and Brown Rice. To promote health, add tofu, cabbage, corn, figs, honey, and garlic. Provide a diet that is home cooked to maximize moisture, and during the heating & cooling seasons, consider using a humidifier periodically to help prevent drying out too much. |
Water
The Water Animal in balance is careful, curious, meditative, slow, consistent, and self reliant. Out of balance they are fearful, hide from strangers, and may snap if they are hiding under something and someone pulls them out. They are often classified as “fear Biters” at the veterinary office, but would never bite at home unless cornered. Left to their own devices, the will carefully observe a situation, and then interact. While these pets are loving, they are not the type to fall all over themselves to shower you with attention. Often have rear end weakness or pain, urinary tract issues, and are often deaf. The Kidney and Urinary Bladder are associated with the Water element, and we often see infection in either of these western organs, or kidney failure as the animal ages. The Kidneys also store Jing or Essence, and provide the Yuan or Source Qi that powers the body. Keeping the Kidney cool and moist are important to support the Water Element. Offering whole wheat, millet, brown rice, any type of bean, peas, Sweet potatoes, spinach, asparagus, beets and celery are helpful. Proteins like rabbit, pork, eggs, dairy, and white fish are good. | Wood
The Wood Animal is the general in the house. He wants to make sure things are done on time and in the right order, and that everyone is acting properly. Out of balance, the Wood animal will snap or scratch if they do not want to do what is being asked of them. They may pick fights with other animals, and they tend to growl especially around food or other important resources or even their person, if they feel another animal is attempting to horn in. At their best, Wood animals are great leaders and make sure their “soldiers” are taken care of. At their worst, they make snap judgments that may reult in serious injury.
Wood animals tend to have issues with ear infections, skin issues between the toes, groin, armpits, and eye issues. Often they will have liver or gall bladder disease, as these 2 organs are associated with the Wood element. Because the Liver is considered to store the blood in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, blood diseases like autoimmune hemolytic anemia are associated with the liver out of balance. Stiffness, joint problems, and seizures are also associated with liver out balance. Because the liver is often Blood deficient, Beef, rabbit and chicken are good choices, as are millet, brown rice, carrots, celery, broccoli, spinach, and chard. Seaweed helps keep things moving as well. moderate exercise and a “job” are important to help keep these animals happy. |
Fire
The Fire Animal is the most outgoing pet you will ever see. These guys are the life of the party and believe everyone should stop and talk to them, and bask in their glory and beauty. When Mom or Dad are away, the Fire animal is often anxious, hyperactive, barking, and sometimes destructive. When their people come home, they are greeted as if they have been gone for weeks. The Fire Animal also tends to dream and cry in her sleep, and is sensitive to over-heating. Problems later in life often include heart issues, circulatory issues, and worsening separation anxiety.
The Fire element’s main organ is the Heart, but the Pericardium that physically protects the heart serves as an emotional buffer as well. The Small intestine is the husband organ for the heart, hence poor digestion for those that are hyped up all the time. The Shen, or mind, is housed in the heart, so if there is too much heat in the heart, or too much heat from the liver, the Shen goes up and wanders around, doing things it shouldn’t, and causing reactions to a situation or environment that are not useful to the animal.
In general, focusing on cooling the Fire animal is very important. Beef, Turkey, White fish, duck, and rabbit are good proteins. Cooling green leafy vegetables, celery, asparagus, millet & barley are excellent as well. Providing a calming environment, and regular exercise are important, but not constant full bore exercise, though your pet may want this, as it overheats Fire.
The Fire element’s main organ is the Heart, but the Pericardium that physically protects the heart serves as an emotional buffer as well. The Small intestine is the husband organ for the heart, hence poor digestion for those that are hyped up all the time. The Shen, or mind, is housed in the heart, so if there is too much heat in the heart, or too much heat from the liver, the Shen goes up and wanders around, doing things it shouldn’t, and causing reactions to a situation or environment that are not useful to the animal.
In general, focusing on cooling the Fire animal is very important. Beef, Turkey, White fish, duck, and rabbit are good proteins. Cooling green leafy vegetables, celery, asparagus, millet & barley are excellent as well. Providing a calming environment, and regular exercise are important, but not constant full bore exercise, though your pet may want this, as it overheats Fire.
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