THE EARTH ELEMENT – Finding Nourishment and Balance in Late Summer

We've long been aware of the connection between humans and nature – we share a relationship that is both interdependent and interconnected.

EARTH, WATER, WOOD, FIRE, METAL

These are the five elements that represent everything from a small emotion to a large and destructive tornado. The Five Element theory is the backbone of Chinese medicine and philosophy. Each element within this dynamic cycle manifests through a season, an emotion, a taste, a feeling, etc.

The Earth element represents the center, the place of balance between all other elements. While the other elements correspond to specific seasons, Earth relates to the transitional periods between seasons – particularly late summer. This brief but crucial season bridges the exuberant activity of summer with the gathering energy of autumn. The Earth element correlates to the energetic Yin Yang marriage of two important organs: Spleen (Yin) and Stomach (Yang).*

The Spleen and Stomach are known as the "minister and courtyard of granaries" in Traditional Chinese Medicine – they receive, transform, and distribute the nourishment we take in through food and drink. The Spleen extracts and transforms nutrients into Qi and Blood, while ensuring that organs maintain their proper positions. The Stomach receives food, begins the digestive process, and sends nutritive essence downward. Together, they form our digestive foundation, nurturing not just our physical bodies but also our capacity to process thoughts and emotions.

The Season of Earth

Late summer emerges as the bridge between the fiery energy of summer and the contracting quality of autumn. It is a time of abundance and harvest, when fruits ripen and crops mature. This brief seasonal moment invites us to pause and savor the fullness of life before the gathering inward that autumn requires.

Just as the earth provides stability amidst seasonal changes, the Earth element within us offers a center from which we navigate life's transitions. This season teaches us the art of receiving nourishment and processing it into sustainable energy – a wisdom that serves us in all aspects of life.

Signs of Imbalance

When our Earth element becomes excessive, we may experience bloating, sluggishness, obsessive thinking, or an inability to let go. Physical symptoms can manifest as digestive discomfort, excessive mucus, food sensitivities, or a feeling of heaviness.

Conversely, when the Earth element is deficient, we might experience fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, overthinking, or difficulty concentrating. The body may struggle to extract nourishment from food, leading to various forms of depletion.

Nourishing Your Earth Element

Diet

The taste associated with the Earth element is sweet – not the refined sweetness of processed foods, but the natural sweetness found in whole grains, root vegetables, and autumn fruits. Consider adding these foods to support your Earth element:

• Mildly sweet foods: sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and squash
• Naturally sweet fruits: apples, dates, figs, and grapes
• Grounding grains: millet, rice, oats, and amaranth
• Earth-growing mushrooms: shiitake, reishi, and maitake

Balance is essential – excessive consumption of refined sugars can deplete the Spleen, while cold or raw foods may dampen digestive fire. Opt for warm, cooked foods during seasonal transitions to support digestive harmony.

Lifestyle Practices

To cultivate a balanced Earth element, consider these practices:

• Create moments of stillness between activities – practice the art of pausing
• Establish regular mealtimes and eat mindfully, without distraction
• Ground yourself through connection with nature – walk barefoot on grass or soil
• Honor transitions with small rituals that acknowledge endings and beginnings
• Cultivate compassion for yourself and others without falling into excessive caregiving
• Transform worry into constructive planning through journaling or meditation

Body Balancing Blend Recommendation

Our Body Balancing Blend "Big Sun" supports the Earth element through a carefully formulated combination of herbs that gently strengthen digestive function while promoting energy transformation. This blend contains Astragalus, Cordyceps, Codonopsis, and Licorice Root – traditional herbs known to fortify the Spleen and Stomach systems while promoting balanced energy throughout the day.

Acupuncture for Earth Balance

Acupuncture offers profound support for the Earth element. Through the precise stimulation of points along the Spleen and Stomach meridians, we can address imbalances that manifest as physical digestive issues, emotional overthinking, or difficulties with transitions.

Treatment focuses on points that strengthen the digestive function, resolve dampness, and cultivate the earth-like quality of centered stability. When the Earth element is properly nourished and balanced, we experience not only improved digestion but also enhanced ability to absorb and integrate life experiences.

The golden abundance of late summer reminds us that the Earth element represents our capacity for receiving and transforming nourishment – both physical and emotional. By tending to this element with care and awareness, we cultivate a life rich in stability, nourishment, and the capacity to thrive through life's many transitions.

Book an acupuncture session to support your Earth element balance and enhance your wellness journey through seasonal transitions.

*In Traditional Chinese Medicine, organs refer to energetic systems and functions rather than solely anatomical structures.