The Five Element Theory
Dr. Sarah H. Garcia DVM, CVA, CERPV
The Five Element Theory was created during the Zhou Dynasties (1046 B.C.E. to 221 B.C.E) to describe the cause of and relationship between the seasonal changes. They also used the theory as a way to understand the universe by categorizing everything into one of the five elements. This theory was later adapted into medical practice and is the foundation of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. It uses the five elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water to describe the relationships between organs within the body as well as the body’s relationship with the “natural world”. The Five Element Theory is used in conjunction with The Ying-Yang theory and The Eight Principles to provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment of disease patterns.
The Five Element Theory is also used to describe an individual’s constitution or personality based on how they interact with others and to their environment. By identifying the dominant element of the individual’s personality, we can look for specific imbalances and make changes to restore balance and overall health.
The Five Element Constitutions
Wood
“The General”
Wood types are confident, competitive, and fearless. They make great athletes! They are sensitive to stress and when unbalanced can become aggressive and irritable. The main organ associated with the Wood element is the Liver. Specific therapies to soothe the Liver can maintain balance and reduce the risk of tendon/ligament issues.
Fire
“The Emperor”
Fire types are easily excited, friendly and playful. They love attention and physical contact. When unbalanced they tend to have behavioural problems such as separation anxiety, hyperactivity and restlessness. The main organ associated with the Fire element is the Heart. In TCVM, the Heart is closely associated with the mind, and therapies to maintain balance in a Fire type will also help to calm the mind and maintain focus.
Earth
“The Nurturer”
Earth types are laid back, easily satisfied, and tolerant. They are good workers but tend to be slow moving and easy keepers! When they become unbalanced, they are prone to gastrointestinal disorders (colic, diarrhea, etc) and obesity. The main organ associated with the Earth element is the Spleen. The Spleen is a major source of energy (Qi) for the body and is considered to be “the root of postnatal life”. Therapies to support the Spleen can maintain balance and provide energy and nutrients to support the entire body.
Metal
“Prime Minister”
Metal types are aloof, independent, and confident. They are rule followers and prefer a predictable schedule. They tend to get upset with change, and when they become unbalanced they are prone to respiratory issues, including asthma, nasal congestion/discharge and upper airway infections. The main organ associated with the Metal element is the Lung. Therapies to support the Lung will maintain balance in these horses and decrease the risk of respiratory disorders.
Water
“Water Manager”
Water types are hesitant, cautious. and nervous. They prefer to stand back and observe their environment and can be fearful of strangers (people and animals). When they become unbalanced, they will display total withdrawal. They are also prone to arthritis, renal disease and reproductive problems. The main organ associated with the Water element is the Kidney. Therapies to maintain balance in the Kidney can support reproductive function as well as maintain strong, healthy bones.
