According to traditional Chinese medicine's five elements theory, a horse is influenced in varying degrees by five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Horses whose constitutions are strongly influenced by one element will tend to have medical conditions associated with the systems governed by that element. Many horses are influenced by multiple elements, but it can be fun to determine which element most aligns with your horse's personality. Below is a list of some of the traits associated with each element when the individual is in a healthy, balanced state, as well as the most common issues that arise when that element is out of balance. Do any of these sound like your horse?WoodThe main organ associated with the wood element is the liver. Wood governs the storage of blood, maintains smooth flow of qi, nourishes the tendons and ligaments and opens to the world through the eyes.Balancedcompetitive/decisiveassertive, confidentdominantaggressivestrong, fearlessathletic stamina WoodUnbalancedtendon/ligament problemsliver problemsred eyesirritable or easily angeredseizure activityhoof/nail and foot problemsFireThe main organ associated with the fire element is the heart. Fire governs the blood vessels, houses the Shen (mind,) controls sweat and opens to the tongue. FireBalancedlivelyplayfulcommunicativefriendly/affectionateloves to be pettedcenter of attentionsensitiveUnbalancedbehavioral problemsseparation anxietyrestlessness/hyperactivitymental disturbanceheart problemstongue ulcerationspooky behaviorEarthThe main organ associated with the earth element is the Spleen. The earth element governs transporting and transforming functions in the body. It also controls the blood, muscles and limbs. The earth element opens to the mouth and lips.Balancedrelaxed, laid backfriendlyloyalslow and consistentserene and balancedgood appetiteeasy keeperUnbalancedloss of appetitediarrheacolic/ abdominal painmuscle atrophyobesitygum diseaseexcessive worry EarthMetalThe main organ associated with the metal element is the lung. Metal governs qi and respiration. It regulates water passage, controls the body surface and opens to the nose.Balancedloves orderobeys rulesaloofquietindependentdisciplined attitude MetalUnbalancednasal discharge or congestionsinus problemscoughasthma/ trouble breathingupper airway or lung diseaseweak voicedry hair coatWaterThe main organ associated with the water element is the kidney. This element stores the prenatal essence (jing), governs the body water, controls the bones, urinary and reproductive systems, and opens in the ears. WaterBalancedcareful, cautioustimid, shyself containedhides or runs awaymeditativelong life span Unbalancedarthritis or disc diseaseurinary problemskidney problemshind end weaknesswithdrawnpoor growthdeafness, bad teethreproductive problems Having fun trying to figure out your horse? For more extensive reading on how the five elements align with personality types, please click here.
