Wood: The General

Organs: Liver and Gallbladder

In TCVM the liver is in charge of tendons and ligaments and bosses the other organs around. The wood element opens the eyes. Wood animals are good at the competition and have great musculature, self-confidence, and an air of purpose. The negative side comes when they are prevented from doing what they want and they can become angry, frustrated, or even aggressive.

Prone to:

• Hypertension
• Stroke
• Allergy
• Depression
• Hysteria
• Neurosis and eye problems

Fire: The Emperor

Organs: Heart

In TCVM the heart is considered to be the ruler of general mental state. Fire animals are usually very eye catching and tend to be finer and more delicate. They love attention and are friendly to people. They are playful and love to be with others. Fire animals like to show off and have and audience.

Prone to:

• Heart disease
• Restlessness
• Heat stroke
• Sudden death
• General and separation anxiety

Earth: Feeds Others

Organs: Spleen and Stomach

In TCVM the spleen is in charge of the overall digestive proses, muscle formation, general strength and holding muscles and organs in place. Earth animals tend to be the easiest to train and are sweet natured and very food motivated. Earth animals are safe, grounded, reliable and dependable. They like to be comfortable and working hard is not appreciated.

Prone to:

• Worry
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Edema
• Cholic
• Diarhea
• Obesity

Metal: The Prime Minister

Organs: Lungs and Large Intestine

In TCVM the lungs function is to move water throughout the body and to acquire and distribute cosmic Qi (oxygen). Metal animals like a regime and order. Training should be regular, routine and scheduled. Metal animals associated with strength and accuracy, they are also polite and see extreme behaviors as breaking the rules.

Prone to:

• Nasal congestion
• Frequent colds
• Cough
• Skin issues
• Constipation

Water: Water Manager

Organs: Kidney and Bladder

In TCVM the kidneys govern water, flight or fight, bones, sex organs, hormones and the essence of life. It is important to start training at an early age to help them overcome stressful situations and to introduce them to as many people and environments as possible. Increasing water pets self confidence will help their personality bloom. They respond best to positive reinforcement, as punishment can worsen bad behavior. Water pets take a long time to gain trust, and if they are rushed, they will run, both mentally and physically.

Prone to:

• Lower back and hip pain
• Infertility
• Edema
• Depression
• Urinary infection
• Deafness
• Panic attacks