Earth Element and the Art of Slowing Down
Chinese Medicine's five elements include Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood and have corresponding organs, seasons, climate, color, emotions, smells, sounds, and tastes. The Five Element theory helps us to better understand and navigate the world we live in.
The Earth Element represents the season of late summer and harvest. Life around us peaked and began the process of winding down in preparation for fall and winter. Less energy is placed on growth, and quiet and calm emerge.
As you may have noticed, the air has become quite heavy and humid since the early days of summer. Interestingly, as much as we dislike the sticky, moist air, it slows us down. It is the impetus for winding down the hustle and bustle of summer and allowing ourselves to just take a moment to "be."
The organs and meridians related to Earth are the Spleen and Stomach and play a massive role in our overall health and wellness. The Spleen is responsible for making our "Qi" and blood, holding the blood in our vessels, and transforming the food we eat into energy. Our digestive and immune systems take a hit when the Spleen meridian is weakened.
Our gut health is critical for a beneficial immune system. The concept is not new, though. One principal school of thought in Chinese Medicine, the Earth School, was founded by physician Li Dong Yuan, 1180 -1251 CE. He believed our digestive system was the center of our health. Western Medicine has caught up with this viewpoint as more scientific evidence emerges on the role of the gut and immunity.
Worry and pensiveness are the emotions related to Earth. Think about how worry creates that "knotted" feeling in your gut. Anxiety, worry, and overthinking wreak havoc on the digestive system. These emotions tax our Spleen and Stomach meridians, weaken the digestive system and make one more prone to digestive upset and fatigue. The Earth element organs are also prone to "dampness," a term used in Chinese Medicine to refer to turbid or pathogenic fluid in the body. Eating the right foods can keep the digestive system in balance.
Earth Element
Organ - Spleen/Stomach
Season - Late Summer
Color - Yellow
Flavor - Sweet / Fragrant
Emotion - Worry
Climate - Humidity
Sensory Organ - Mouth
Direction - Center
Development - Harvest
Tips to Navigate Late Summer
Practice the Pause
Take time to just sit in quiet and observe the stillness of nature.
Soothe the mind through simple guided meditations - I love the Insight Timer App.
Ensure you have plenty of time during fall and winter to rest and make earlier bedtimes as the days shorten.
Take stock in all the abundance you have right now, practicing gratitude for your surplus.
Hold off on major projects until the Spring, which allows for a proper "rest and restore" winter season.
Digestion Health
Earth Element's color is yellow, and the taste is sweet, but….not that kind of sweet, sorry cookie lovers.
Foods to nourish the Spleen and Stomach meridians and strengthen the immune system include root veggies, summer harvested fruits, and healthy grains.
Root Veggies: carrots, sweet potato, yams, yucca, and turnips.
Papaya is known to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, clear "summer-heat," and resolve dampness.
Grains benefit the earth element and nourish the Spleen and Stomach meridians. Add in millet, buckwheat, quinoa, and brown rice.
Echinacea Flower
Gut Health and Immunity
Now is the time to support the immune system with effective Herbal Medicine.
*Yu Ping Feng San, also known as Jade Windscreen, is a fantastic Herbal Prescription composed of Astragalus, White Atractylodes Rhizome, and Saposhnikovia Root. The formula is indicated for patients prone to catching colds or experiencing seasonal allergies.
*Elderberry and Echinacea have become popular herbal remedies for their immune-enhancing properties. Learn more about Elderberry and Echinacea here.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; for educational purposes only. *Always consult a qualified practitioner before taking any supplements. Contact Dr. Jen if you are interested in learning more about herbal Medicine.
Scientific Articles on Microbiome and Immune System
The role of gut microbiota in immune homeostasis and autoimmunity
I always enjoy helping my patients navigate the world of holistic health, acupuncture and herbal medicine. Please reach out for a complementary consultation if you are interested in Chinese Medicine.
Happy Late Summer Sarasota!
Dr. Jen