5 Element Theory: Season of Earth For Dogs
The Season of Earth prioritizes the Spleen / Pancreas and Stomach.
Mother Earth — September 8 - 21, December 8 - 21, March 7 - 20, and June 7 -20. It’s the period between the seasons when we return to the earth for grounding, reset and renewals.
Time of day — 7am - 11am may be a time when issues seem to be worse.
It’s a time of year you may see digestive issues flair up. The spleen is involved in sugar metabolism & the breakdown of food for digestion. The spleen is associated with controlling blood levels, filtering the blood and plays a key role in a strong immune system.
Physical Traits: Easy-going, laid back, & sociable. They have a strong desire to please. Dogs will be very obedient and highly sensitive and in-tune with their guardian’s mood and emotions. These dogs may have low energy and fatigue easily.
Dogs with earth constitution make loyal companions, bond deeply, and are often service dogs or therapy dogs. They offer support, and nurturing and are typically great with children.
Organs: Spleen/Pancreas & Stomach
Disease: Digestive and Gastrointestinal Issues, Diarrhea, and food allergies are common. Obesity can be a problem and must be carefully managed.
Color Yellow.
Common Breeds: Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
When Out of Balance: these dogs will take on too much stress, worry about their owners, may become very needy, clingy, or even possessive of their people. May experience stress-induced diarrhea, vomiting or food issues.
Dogs with excess --may be overweight/obese, have nausea, vomiting, gassy, constipation. Fatigue easily. They worry, seem unable to concentrate, or become obsessive. Look for signs of thick, sticky coating on the tongue.
Dogs Deficient may have shortness of breath on exertion, loose stool, dry skin, poor appetite. Look for paleness in the tongue.
We should look for a change in how things “taste” — primarily a desire for more sweetness. We may see issues with blood sugar management. Thus, the mouth is the orifice associated with Earth & saliva may become increased or decreased. Your dog may start to smell “sweet” perhaps overall so. Muscles are the primary body part associated with Earth — you may notices changes in muscle tone.
5 Element Theory suggests we feed dogs seasonal root vegetables. Roasted beets in moderation can reduce inflammation & lower blood pressure. Roasted Carrots can decrease the risk of heart disease and inflammation. Turnips are draining and reduce swelling. Consider a vegetable medley in your homemade recipe or some occasional bonuses in your dog’s meal.
For the Earth Element, we may need to be in the more neutral foods but also consider tonifying blood
Proteins include: beef, heart, bone marrow, liver, pork, sardines, oysters
Fruits include: dates, figs, raspberry, pomegranate, pineapple
Vegetables Include: beet root, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, pumpkin, potato
Tonifying Veg alfalpha sprouts, beet root, carrot, dark leafy greens, keep, parsley, kidney beans, spinach. Depending on Excess or Deficiency there are more specific fruits and vegetables to consider.
Essential Oil Choices For Earth Dogs
Cypress, Pine, Cedarwood, Palo Santo, Vetiver, Idaho Blue Spruce, Balsam Fir, Frankincense, Rose. Northern Lights Black Spruce
Sacred Mountain, Grounding
The season of earth happens between each season transition, lasting for 2 weeks. This is the time for you to get proactive with any animal (or yourself) that may need additional support for the upcoming seasons.
Journaling your dog’s behavior and health patterns is a great way to consider changes that will help support their wellbeing.