Celaunds.com

Tech which makes Sense

The Chinese developed the theory of the five elements more than 3,000 years ago. The theories of Yin / Yang and the five elements are two of the most important principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Theories evolved as the ancient Chinese observed the changing dynamics of their natural environment. They observed that a similar dynamic existed between the natural world around them and the functioning of the body. This observation became the theory of the five elements.

The five elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. All of these elements are linked through a naturally interacting nurturing and support cycle. It is poetically said that the fire burned and created clay ash; which gave rise to mountains containing metal; that they separated giving way to the water; that gave sustenance to the wood; that continuing the cycle lit the fire.

The five element theory relates the naturally occurring enhancement, restriction, and promotion interactions between these elements. Each element is represented by a distinctive set of characteristics such as color, emotion, direction, season, as well as body organs and tissues among many others. The properties and relationships that exist between elements and their corresponding organs are used to explore and demonstrate medical conditions. The five-element interaction relationship helps guide the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Physician (TCVM) in the diagnosis and treatment of medical problems.

The theory of the five elements is also used to describe human and animal personalities or constitutional type. By identifying the pet’s most dominant build element, the TCVM practitioner can address the potential imbalances that could occur with that build type. Based on any detected imbalance in the flow of Qi, or energy, the TCVM practitioner can select the appropriate acupuncture points to stimulate and help restore the body’s own natural balance. These points can be stimulated with dry needle, electroacupuncture, aquatic acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and other techniques.

Examples of five-element constitutions and disease predispositions are:

The constitution of wood

  • Dominant behavior, enjoy being the first
  • Quick and fast movement
  • Impatient
  • Athletic, competitive
  • Easy to anger
  • Alert, very sensitive to stimuli
  • Adapts to changes quickly
  • Slim body type
  • Large eyes

Disease predispositions:

  • Hypertension
  • Career
  • Allergy
  • Neurosis
  • Depression
  • Eye problems

The constitution of fire

  • High energy
  • Easily excited, outgoing
  • Enjoy the physical contact
  • Tends to be the center of the party
  • Hard to calm down
  • Competent in competition
  • Likes stimulating environments
  • Strong body
  • Small head
  • Small bright eyes

Disease predispositions:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Restlessness
  • Career
  • Sudden death
  • Separation anxiety

The Constitution of the Earth

  • Parenting, support
  • Loyal
  • Easy going
  • Easily satisfied
  • Slow response to stimuli.
  • Nice
  • Short and robust body
  • Big head
  • Prominent musculature

Disease predispositions:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Edema
  • Diarrhea
  • Colic
  • Obesity
  • Masses

The constitution of metal

  • From distance
  • Good vision
  • Confident
  • Leader
  • Cleansed
  • Good self control
  • Wide forehead
  • Broad chest
  • Good coat

Disease predispositions

  • Nasal congestion
  • Frequent colds
  • Cough
  • Skin lesions

The Constitution of Water

  • Fearful
  • Cautious
  • Introvert
  • Quiet
  • Slow
  • Scary biter
  • Medium-sized slim body
  • Large eyes

Disease predispositions:

  • Back / hip pain
  • Sterility
  • Edema
  • Depression
  • Urinary infections
  • Deafness / Tinnitus

The Chinese have used acupuncture therapy on both animals and humans for thousands of years. They identified 173 acupuncture points in animals. Modern research reveals that these acupuncture points are associated with areas of the body that contain a high density of free nerve endings, small arterioles, lymphatics, and mast cells.

The goal of acupuncture therapy is to restore natural Qi, or energy flow, and allow balance to return. TCVM techniques of acupuncture, herbal therapy, food therapy, and Tui-na (a Chinese technique similar to therapeutic massage) are used in both the prevention and treatment of animal diseases. Only licensed veterinarians are eligible to practice animal acupuncture. It is a very safe medical procedure, which can be performed on a wide variety of animal species.

Dr. Carson received her DVM from the University of Florida and recently completed the acupuncture internship program at UF Veterinary Medical Center. She is certified in both acupuncture and TCVM tui-na techniques by the Chi Institute. He currently operates an equine acupuncture practice in Orlando, Florida and also practices integrative small animal medicine in Orlando and Lake Mary, Florida. She can be reached at [email protected].

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *