22/08/2024
Did you know that Late Summer (August and early September) mark the time of the Earth element in Chinese medicine? Read on if you want to find out more about how you can support your body at this time of year .
The Earth element in Chinese medicine governs the Spleen and Stomach, and these two organs are the stars of the digestive system in Chinese Medicine. The Stomach is the workhorse, but the Spleen is the storehouse. Problems associated with the spleen include too much worry, overthinking, ruminating, bloating, poor digestion and metabolism, water retention, loose or watery stools, lack of appetite, cravings for sugar and carbs, low energy, and feeling tired but not better with rest, and feeling tired after eating to name a few. The Stomach is associated with the mechanical breaking down of food, preparing your body to convert substance into usable energy. Some problems that can be associated with the stomach include: reflux, heart burn, stomach pain, constipation, insomnia, belching, and feeling like food just sits in your stomach like a ball of lead.
August and early September is the perfect time to get these organs into balance as the Earth element is at its strongest right now. It is harvest time in nature and everything is at its fullest. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms in a way that negatively affects your life, please do get in touch so that we can get your Spleen back in order. If you have a tendancy to “weak” Earth energy or are a Spleen “type” in the 5 element model then now is a good time to come and have some treatment. If you want to do some things for yourself, here are some good Spleen helping foods and activities:
To support your body:
~ Eat warmer foods - begin to slowly phase out the colder, raw diet you may have favoured during the warmer months, as these kind of foods encourage a dampness in the spleen which interferes with it's ability to create and transport qi and blood. Start replacing smoothies and salads with warm cooked meals, soups and stews and aromatic spices like ginger and cardamom - any excuse to start warming up a lovely pot of chai!
~ Indulge your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Dig into the plentiful harvest of root veggies that are available this time of year like, sweet potatoes and carrots. Whole grains like millet and rice also help strengthen the earth element, as do yellow foods (the colour associated with the earth element is yellow) like corn, pumpkin and squash.
~ “Breakfast like a King/Queen” - this saying at breakfast has some truth to it, through a TCM lens. If we look at the meridian clock the stomach meridian is most active from 7-9am, making this the perfect time to eat a substantial meal. Eating something warm helps avoid excess dampness in the system.
~ Consume foods at regular intervals throughout the day. Avoid irregular, excessive eating or too much snacking as these habits can weaken the Spleen's function.
To support your mind:
~ Take time to rest and digest - not only on a physical level but mentally, too. Be discerning about the various aspects of your environment that you take in, from what you watch, to where you go and the things you do. Allowing time to simply digest all of the information and external stimuli you've taken in is very useful. Meditation or slow gentle Yin Yoga can be beneficial too.
~ Stay grounded - the Earth element is all about feeling grounded and centred, so make sure you prioritise activities that encourage this for you. Whether it's a non negotiable daily 10 minute walk in the morning (barefoot on the earth is even better), or a leisurely cup of herbal tea mid afternoon.
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www.blossomtreeclinic.com
