The Chinese developed the five element theory over 3000 years back. The theories of Yin/Yang and the five elements are just two of the main principles in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The theories evolved since the early Chinese observed the changing dynamics of the natural environment. They observed similar dynamics existed between the natural world around them and the functioning of the human body. This monitoring evolved to the five-element theory.
Which Five Element Constitution Is Your Pet?
The five elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These components are all connected through a naturally interacting cycle of support and nurturing. It is poetically said that fire burned and created earthen ash; which gave rise to mountains comprising metal; that parted making way for the water; which gave nourishment to the wood; which continued the cycle kindled the fire.
The five-element theory relates the improving, restraining, and encouraging interactions that naturally occur between these components. Each component is represented by a distinctive set of characteristics like colour, emotion, direction, season, in addition to body organs and tissues among many others.
The properties and relationships that exist between the components, and their corresponding organs, are used to research and demonstrate medical problems. The five component interacting relationship can help to direct the traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) practitioner in treating and diagnosing medical issues.
The five-element concept is also used to describe animal and human personalities or inherent type. By identifying the most dominant element constitution of their pet, the TCVM practitioner can tackle potential imbalances which could happen with that constitutional type.
Based on any imbalances detected in the stream of Qi, or energy, the TCVM practitioner can pick the suitable acupuncture points to stimulate and help restore the body’s own natural balance. These points may be stimulated with dry needle, electro-acupuncture, aqua-acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and other practices.
The five component constitutions and disease predispositions are:
Earth
- Kind.
- Loyal.
- Big head.
- Easy going.
- Easily fulfilled.
- Short sturdy body.
- Nurturing, supportive.
- Prominent musculature.
- Slow reaction to stimulation.
Disease Predispositions: Colic, edema, obesity, masses, diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues.
Metal
- Neat.
- Aloof.
- Leader.
- Confident.
- Good vision.
- Broad chest.
- Good haircoat.
- Broad forehead.
- Good self control.
Disease Predispositions: Cough, skin lesions, frequent colds, nasal Congestion.
Wood
- Big eyes.
- Impatient.
- Easy to anger.
- Thin body type.
- Athletic, competitive.
- Quick, rapid movement.
- Adapts to change quickly.
- Dominant behaviour, enjoys being.
- Alert, very responsive to stimulation.
Disease Predispositions: Stroke, allergy, neurosis, eye issues, depression, hypertension.
Water
- Slow.
- Quiet.
- Fearful.
- Cautious.
- Big eyes.
- Fear biter.
- Introverted.
- Thin, middle size body.
Disease Predispositions: Back/hip pain, infertility, edema, depression, urinary infections, deafness/tinnitus.
Fire
- Small head.
- High energy.
- Strong body.
- Small, bright eyes.
- Difficult to calm down.
- Enjoys physical contact.
- Proficient in competition.
- Easily excited, extroverted.
- Tends to be centre of party.
- Likes stimulating surroundings.
Disease Predispositions: Stroke, restlessness, sudden death, separation anxiety, cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
The Chinese have used acupuncture treatment in both animals and humans for centuries. They identified 173 acupoints in animals. Modern research shows these acupoints are associated with regions of the body that contain a high density of free nerve endings, small arterioles, lymphatics, and mast cells.
The purpose of acupuncture treatment is to restore the natural Qi, or energy flow, and allow for the return of equilibrium. TCVM methods of acupuncture, herbal therapy, food therapy, and Tui-na (a Chinese curative massage-like technique) are used in the prevention and treatment of animal disease. Only licensed veterinarians are entitled to practice acupuncture for animals. It is a really safe medical procedure, which can be carried out on a huge array of animal species.
