Season of the Earth Element
It’s late summer, the season of the Earth element! In Chinese Medicine theory, each of the five elements has a corresponding season. The Earth element belongs to a “fifth season”- one with no exact start or end date- but rather, spans from the hazy days following the peak of summer to the start of fall. During this earthy time of year, we focus on the digestive system, nourishment, and stability.
The Spleen and Stomach is the organ pair that belongs to the Earth element, and they play a very important role in our overall health and wellbeing. So much so, that in 1180 CE, famous Chinese physician Li Dong Yuan founded the Earth School because he believed that the etiology of most diseases were a result of injury to the digestive system. According to this school of thought, the Spleen and Stomach are at the center of one’s health. The Earth School teachings remain relevant in today’s practice, especially in light of the recent research on the relationship between gut health and our immunity.
Here are 7 ways you can support the vitality of your Earth element and the wellbeing of your mind, body, and spirit:
1. Be brainy. In Chinese medicine theory, every organ “houses” a spirit, which corresponds to a certain aspect of our psyche. Our thoughts, mental capacity, and intellect relates to the spirit of the Spleen, called the Yi (which translates to Intellect). Grab a book, learn a new language, pick up an instrument, do a crossword puzzle. Being intellectually stimulated and using that noggin will support your Spleen Qi (that gut-brain connection)!
2. Say yes to sweet. Sweet flavors, in small amounts, favor the Spleen and Stomach (sadly, we are not talking about ice cream). Sweet foods that strengthen the Earth element include whole grains like millet, sweet rice, and quinoa, yams, and sweet potatoes. Enjoy the sweet fruits and veggies that are in season and available in the late summer harvest. (See our seasonal recipes here!)
3. Beware of dampness. In Chinese Medicine theory, dampness is a pathogenic factor that harms the Spleen and Stomach qi and disrupts the digestive process. Dampness can be a direct result of a diet that includes too much dairy, refined sugars, or fatty and greasy foods. Too much cold, like icy beverages and excess raw foods, can add insult to injury and cause damp-cold stagnation in the digestive system. Bloating with pain, foggy-headedness, diarrhea, nausea, and lethargy immediately after eating are signs of damp stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach channels. Aromatic spices like ginger, cardamom, and fennel can help resolve damp stagnation and ease a troubled tummy.
4. Sing like no one’s listening! Every element has an associated sound, through with it expresses itself. The sound of the Earth element is “singing”. Whether your stage is the shower, the car, or a stadium, get those vocal chords warmed up and sing your heart out!
5. Be worry-free. Of course, this is easier said than done. “Worry” is the emotion that relates to the Earth element, and this includes circular thinking, obsessive thought patterns, and anxiety. Too much worry depletes the Spleen qi, and can give rise to a number of physical ailments, such as a nervous stomach, no appetite, weight gain or loss, poor memory, lethargy, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other inflammatory disorders. To protect the Earth element and support gut health, engage in activities or wellness practices that help liberate your mind from worrisome thoughts, and do your best to avoid emotional eating.
6. Find your center. The Earth element is about stability, nurturance, caregiving, and bounty. Find those activities that help you feel centered and grounded; focus on what nourishes and fulfills you and those you care about. With Fall just around the corner, the season of “letting go”, we will soon think about the things we have too much of (perhaps there is too much bounty!) and begin the process of releasing, clearing, and simplifying.
7. Acupuncture, herbs, and oils can help! The transition from summer to fall can be tough, and some people may worry or dread this time of year. Resistance to the changing seasons can cause stagnation in the body and weaken the immune system. Acupuncture can help ease you through the transition, while supporting your immune system and strengthening your Spleen and Stomach qi.
For a daily Earth-strengthening fix, try patchouli. This essential oil enters the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach channels, making it the perfect essential oil to use in late summer to support the Earth and Metal element. This aromatic oil harmonizes the digestive system and soothes an upset stomach. Often, patchouli is used in the first trimester of pregnancy to treat morning sickness. On an emotional level, patchouli can help the body transform and release pent-up emotions, which may otherwise injure the Spleen and Stomach Qi.
The popular Chinese Herbal formula Yu Ping Feng San, “Jade Windscreen”, tonifies the Lung and Spleen Qi and resolves dampness. It also protects the exterior from “wind invasions”, meaning, things that we can catch: colds, flus, and viruses. This three-herb formula includes the adaptogen astragalus, and is taken preventatively to boost the immune system. Taken as an herbal tea or pill, Yu Ping Feng San is great for teachers and students who need to keep their immune systems strong, and for those who anticipate an allergy season coming up.
Chinese Medicine proposes that we will feel our best if we live according to the seasons. In the late Summer, it is the Earth element that is the most active, and also the most vulnerable. With appropriate diet and lifestyle adjustments, we can cultivate a healthy Earth element, a strong gut, and optimal immunity.
