TTOUCH and Traditional Chinese Medicine

DO YOU LIVE WITH AN EARTH DOG?

To imagine a typical Earth dog think Golden Lab! Earth dogs are often EXTREMELY food motivated and generally have a broad, strong frame, gentle, full lips, mobile skin and a very smiley disposition. They are generally soft in heart, body and soul, and make peaceful, loyal companions. Earth dogs in particular seem to be born with an inherent talent for sitting, pleading with their eyes and drooling (the Earth Phase governs both saliva and the Stomach) as their human companions eat (often guiltily!) even the smallest morsel of food. They enjoy using their mouth to carry things and can be incredibly 'mouthy' as pups often taking a long time to grow out of the chewing phase. When Earth is unbalanced this can result in excessive licking, whining, mouthing, and even biting.

Earth dogs generally make good family pets as they respond well to both children and adults alike. They are tolerant and loving and enjoy taking care of their family - human or canine. However dogs with disharmony in the Earth Phase can be prone to jealous behaviour towards babies, children and other companion animals and may develop issues with the mouth such as food and/or toy aggression. They may become overly protective of their owner, bed, food, toys and territory because they fear the possible threat of deprivation so intensely.

Separation anxiety, excessive whining, and clingy behaviour can be also linked to Earth imbalance as disharmony in the Earth Phase can result in the dog not just needing but craving constant attention. They can become overly anxious and prone to excessive worry. Unbalanced Earth can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, bloat and other digestive disturbances.

The Earth Phase represents maturity. Some Earth dogs can be slow to develop physically, mentally and emotionally, retaining their puppyish appearance and behaviour well into early adulthood. Others can seem incredibly wise and grown up from a very young age.

The Earth Phase is also linked to sweetness and Earth dogs often have eyes that can be described as being like melted chocolate. If Earth is in trouble however the eye can become hard due to the interaction between the Earth and Wood Phases.

As with the Earth horse, the balanced Earth dog enjoys being of service to others. Their even temper, friendly nature and willingness to work can make them invaluable as Guide Dogs, Rescue Dogs, or Pat Dogs. Although not the most agile of dogs, their stamina and strength of character enables them to keep going at a steady pace all day. They benefit from a consistent feed and exercise regime as lack of exercise and inappropriate feeding can make them prone to lethargy and weight problems.

At the time of writing I have just returned from a two-day workshop in Scotland where I had the pleasure of meeting two full (canine) brothers who both, rather appropriately, are excellent examples of the Earth Phase.

One whom I shall call Sam, was laid back, placid, easy going, quiet, relaxed in both body and mind, had the softest, softest eyes, enjoyed contact over the entire body, loved everyone around (particularly when they were eating!) and enjoys staying in bed in the mornings. His littermate Fred was a worrier, was anxious in new situations, was harder eyed, leaned into his owners (and would push and push for affection at home), would rather be up and out in the mornings and had a tendency to choke/vomit after eating. He was reactive to contact on the side of his face and around his mouth and was tighter through the body. Two weeks previously he had bitten for the first time.

The dogs are Golden Retrievers. Same litter, same home, totally different. I am pleased to say however, the dogs were virtually indistinguishable by the end of the weekend. The owners were stunned by the change in Fred and over the moon because they had always had a gut (no joke!) feeling that Fred needed help and not chastising. The owners did the TTouches on Fred, as he felt very threatened if I got too close. Tight muscles softened under their fingers literally within minutes and for the first time ever, Fred enjoyed contact around the muzzle. His eye and demeanour softened and he became less clingy and apprehensive. A happy outcome for all thanks to the TTouch.

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