What Season Are We In?
Chinese medicine provides the missing link for dog owners when we try to diagnose symptoms of disease we see that don’t fall into any particular pattern. The Five Element Theory, which underlies Chinese Medicine, is the basis for acupuncture, herbology and other disciplines. Based on the concepts of balance and harmony and yin and yang (complementary opposites), this theory teaches that the constant ebb and flow of the energies of the universe influence health. Imbalances of these energies create disease.
Through centuries of observation, the Chinese learned that there was a direct correlation between the seasons and the prevalence of certain diseases. Patterns emerged when studying seasons, lifecycles of plants and animals and comparing them to their human counterparts. So the natural elements, the seasons and the human body became linked. This linkage included the major body organs. Paired at different seasons were yin and yang organs. The solid yang organs, found on the back of the body, are paired with hollow or yin organs, found mostly in the interior and front of the body. These organs are in turn paired to seasons, colors, emotions and the time of the day when symptoms are worse. Certain food groups support these organs.
Energy Flow
Perhaps the main difference between Western and Chinese medicine is Qi (pronounced Chi,) considered the life or vital force of the body. This force is “switched on” at birth and extinguished at death. Qi travels around our bodies in a systematic way, stimulating and balancing each system. Ill health is a sign this force is in need of treatment.
The Five Elements
Each season is assigned an element, as shown in the chart. Aren't there just four season? The fifth season is the solstice period occurring between the four "standard" seasons. The Chinese found when the energy of the season is in the corresponding organs, diseases of those organs are more prevalent. By treating a weak organ during the time when the Qi is in that organ, a cure can take place. Treatment any other time of the year can achieve relief, but no cure.
Meridians
Qi moves through the body and uses channels of energy called meridians. These follow the energy flow from one organ to another and are linked the same way as the five elements. Meridians are the connection between one set of organs and another. This system is the outward connection to the inner organs. A kink can interrupt the energy. What is a “kink”? It can be a scar that goes across one of the lines of energy to a major organ, causing it to function incorrectly. An example of this is a scar caused by the removal of the front dewclaws. That point on the front leg is the major acupuncture treatment point for the large intestine. This meridian is used to treat skin problems, allergies and pain. Dogs that have had their front dewclaws removed have a scar. This “kinks” the line of energy of the meridian, and therefore these dogs have a tendency toward more skin problems and can be more pain sensitive than dogs with their dewclaws intact.
Your dog will tell you
Your dog does a wonderful job of diagnosing and treating himself. I am sure you have observed your dog scratching, nibbling, licking or biting at parts of his body. He is telling you something. If the behavior happens once or twice, there is no need for concern. But if your dog repeatedly goes after the same spot, he is trying to stimulate the energy in a particular set of organs. It’s all so exact!
How to Read/Use the Chart
This chart gives a short version of the interpretation of the Five Element Theory.
For example, in spring when energy is in the liver and gallbladder, pulled muscles or injured tendons are common. The expression of the liver is in the eyes, and often a blue/green discharge is seen in the corner of the eye. The nails also reflect the health of the organ system, and brittle, chipped or lined nails all indicate the liver is not functioning at full capacity.
The theory is a helpful way to help diagnose your dog. Once you have diagnosed the difficulty (often with your veterinarian), you can help by using the foods listed under the organ system and adding it to your Viand diet. The amount added should be small, especially when dealing with grains. Be more generous with meat.
We have also added supplements most helpful to those organ systems. By using them and rotating them through the year, you can prevent many of the common illnesses that plague our dogs.
Regarding Supplements:
Caution: As with all supplements, a small amount is good; more is not better. These supplements are very potent. Most of the herbal supplements can be used three to four weeks at a time. After that, either rotate, or stop altogether.
Conclusion
The first step in rehabilitating a dog is to cleanse the system of toxins and to bring the body back into balance.
Dogs are often misdiagnosed as aggressive, fear biters, hyperactive or incorrigible, when in reality there is an underlying physical cause.
Dealing with dogs that show continuous sickness or have behavioral problems requires the owner to act like a detective. Not giving up on a dog until a logical conclusion has been reached is our philosophy.