5 Element Theory: Season of Wood
5 Element Theory - Season of Wood
Spring Season: March 21 - June 6
Liver & Gallbladder — the liver is associated with the nourishment of ligaments. Liver is associated with the eyes. Red eyes can be a common sign of excess or stagnation in the liver.
Dogs (or other beings) with a constitution of the Wood Element tend to be dominant personalities and to take control of things. They will set the tone and order of things. They tend to claim the alpha role with confidence — especially if you do not. They will generally be very active and full of energy.
Wood dogs can be irritable, snappy, moody, impatient easily frustrated have red-hot flair-ups, and bite with little provocation or warning. Dog’s exhibiting aggressive behavior are likely to be Wood Element.
Deficiencies lead to common ailments associated with Wood Dogs may include:
ACL tears and strains (ligament / tendon)
liver disease
nail and foot pad problems
and anal sac disease
ear and eye issues.
You may see your dog unsettled or waking up 1am to 3am. Wind may further exacerbate conditions associated with the wood element.
These animals may have moist, yeasty, black skin infections in the ears, around the eyes, in their arm pits or groin area, or under the tail. This can be associated with heat in the GallBladder.
Wood generates fire (is the mother of Fire) so Heat is common in the Wood Element. You may see an animal that pants when it’s not hot, seeks cool places to lay, has inflammation in the body, or red-hot flair-ups. These dogs may be hot-headed. Thus it is important to cool these animals through foods and essential oils.
Foods to include: dark leafy greens and cruciferous greens. Blood Tonics to build blood and keep it moving include sardines, egg, turmeric and ginger. Following Like-Supports-Like theory dogs need liver in their diet — generally 5% minimum but maxing out at 10%. Your liver choice should follow the TCM 5 element theory of choosing your liver source.
Spring is considered the season of wind. Seizures are considered to be a form of Wind. Seizures are commonly seen as secondary indicators of Liver Qi Stagnation or Liver Blood Deficiency. See our Seizure Guide for ideas on supporting a dog with seizures.
Wind can also bring itchiness. Think all that pollen flying through the air. With seasonal environmental allergies not only do we need the food base to be refined, we may need to look to herbs & homeopathy remedies for allergies.
Essential Oils helpful for ” Wood Dogs: Ledum, Ylang Ylang, Eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, lime, peppermint, petitgrain, spearmint, chamomile, lavender, palmarosa, thyme, patchouli, rose, sandalwood.
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