5 Element Theory: Season Of Water For Dogs
The Season of Water Prioritizes the Kidneys, Bladder and Adrenals
Welcome to Winter — The Season of Water — The Time of Renewal
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, 5 Element Theory it is believed that all living beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of nature. As winter brings colder temperatures and shorter days with less daylight, we are reminded to slow down, reflect and focus on recharging and preparing for renewal.
According to this philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are the source of Jing energy or the essence of life. The kidneys store all of the reserve Qi in the body to be used in times of stress and change, to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully.
Honoring Winter’s cycle it is essential to nurture and nourish the kidney Qi (Jing). The dog's body will instinctively express the natural principles of winter: rest, reflection, conservation, and storage. Your body does too if we listen. We tend to stray far from nature’s rhythms and get on the hamster wheel of life. Use this information to consider your needs according to 5 Element Theory.
It is an ideal time for us to proactively include foods and essential oils or herbs that support the kidneys, bladder and adrenals. If you notice changes in your dog’s kidney, bladder, adrenal patterns or behaviors these are clues to you to take action.
All 5 Elements are part of the whole — when any element is out of balance, all others are affected. Balance is important to the full cycle of nature.
Period: December 22 - March 6
Element: Water
Winter is Yin in nature. It is cold, damp, dark, and contracted, stationery.
Organs: Kidney, Urinary Bladder, Adrenal Glands
Taste: Salty
Senses: Hearing
Time of Day: 3pm - 7pm / Afternoon Early evening may present worsened symptoms
Sound: Groaning, Complaining
Color: Blue or Black (think tongue, circulation)
Smell — Putrid
Tissues: Bone, Marrow, Teeth, Nerves
Emotion: Fear and Depression, Shock, Panic attacks
Behaviors Associated with — shying away from hands close to their ears or lower back, shaking or rubbing head or side of the face on the carpet, excessive rolling on the back, scratching ears slowly with groaning, separation anxiety, aggression when touched on the lower back, skin flinching on the lower back
Dogs With Excess Water may present with kidney health issues, seems cold to the touch, and seek out warm places to lay or snuggle under the blankets. Circulation may be reduced and you may see them coiled into little balls trying to stay warm.
Senior dogs especially may present with more Yin behavior than they have previously. They may prefer their foods warmed — both in temperature and in energetics.
The autonomic system may be in a more sympathetic state — the dog may seem more in “fright” mode and seem immobile or fearful.
A Dog Deficient of The Water Element presents with pain in the back and joints, reduced or darkened urine, a red tongue, agitation, restless, less tolerant,, anxiety, gray prematurely, and difficulty relaxing. Dehydration may be present. Yin Deficiency may begin to look like heat.
When Deficient — imbalances may have begun in other Elements.
A Dog in Excess of the Water Element may present with weakness, fatigue, cold limbs, frequent urination, edema / water retention, reduced appetite with symptoms worsening in the morning.
When in Excess — imbalances may be created in Fire and Earth.
For Balanced and Deficient Dogs / Seniors this time of year may call for:
Bone Broth, Stews, Warmed Meals, High Moisture Meals
Warmer Proteins: Lamb, Venison, Organic Chicken, Eggs, Kidney (like supports like)
Warming Essential Oils: Ginger, Juniper, Cinnamon, Coriander, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Black Pepper
Warming Roots: Ginger, Turmeric, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots Parsnips, Rutabagas
Herbs / Even Herbal Teas & Tinctures: Ginger, Turmeric, Juniper, Nettle seeds, ashwagandha, nettle infusion, ginger infusion, parsley, golden rod infusion, Solomon's seal infusion. (Choosing or making infusions further supports moisture in the kidneys and bladder)
Other: Raw Goats Milk, Sardines, Reishi Mushrooms, Ground Almonds, Ground Flaxseed
If you think your dog is in Excess during this time of year, we may need to focus on feeding for one of the other elements to achieve balance.
Supporting Dogs Who have Kidney Health Issues or CKD may look a bit different. Read More:
Proactive and Supportive With Your Dogs Kidney health and consider our Kidney Detox and Cleanse Guide.