How the Earth teaches us to embrace and accept our inner capacity

Late Summer, the time of the Earth Element in acupuncture theory, is a time to connect with the gifts and vastness that the earth provides for us.  This is a time when the Yang (active/expansive) energy of the Spring and Summer seasons start to wane, and the Yin (passive/contracting) energy starts to express itself.  One may feel this energetic "drop" as the evenings of late August and early September become cooler and more still. 

The Earth element is also associated with the transitions between all the seasons, which speaks to its centrality and the sturdy foundation it provides in times of change.  Late Summer in some regions of the world is characterized by dampness and moisture, and ripening - things feel, look, sound, and smell more alive.  It's a wonderful time to savor the ground that holds us up - activities like digging toes in the sand, going on a hike, or gardening are great ways to connect with Earth.

Folks with a strong or dominant Earth element tend to be pensive, seek full understanding, and provide care and comfort to those around them.  I think of the abundance and generosity of the Earth as personified by the Tree character in the children's book, "The Giving Tree," by Shel Silverstein.  What stands out about her generosity is that not only does she give her branches, her fruit and leaves, and her trunk, but also her presence and capacity to listen to the Boy's story at every stage of his journey.  As the reader might grow impatient with the Boy's numerous complaints, the Tree patiently and non-judgmentally holds space to hear him out.  Most importantly, she offers what she can, but knows her limitations.  By the book's end, the Boy - though fatigued - seems to come to a new acknowledgement and appreciation of this.

The importance of finding a quiet place to sit and rest

I think of the Boy as representative of the human experience.  Sometimes, if our Spleen qi is deficient - often from expending too much energy while maybe neglecting our limitations - we find that we are susceptible to feeling fatigued and drained, overwhelmed, and worrisome.  The Earth element is associated with the Spleen and Stomach organs, which help our bodies transform and transport the qi we acquire from food and drink into fuel to keep us going.  The direction of the Spleen channel is upward, and it is associated with the muscles and flesh, so when it is deficient, we might experience symptoms of prolapse, a "sinking" feeling in the lower abdomen, or discomfort or weakness in the lower extremities. 

The most important and effective ways to maintain the health of the Spleen and Stomach include nourishing meals and rest, and regularity is critical.  The function of the Spleen/Stomach pair is likened to a simmering "pot," that is most balanced when it is warm, but not "bubbling over" or overheated.  The Spleen is associated with the color yellow and the sweet flavor, so root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, golden beets, rutabagas, or butternut or yellow squash, turmeric, and ginger are great to incorporate in a warming stew to rebalance and nourish the digestive “fire” that is governed by the Spleen/Stomach organ pair. 

The Spleen energetically plays an important role in blood production and our ability to focus, so engaging in plenty of exercise can help to clear the mind and excessive pensiveness, and get blood flowing to nourish the vital organs.  Meditation also helps to calm the mind and activate the parasympathetic nervous system to help us move out of our protective yet reactive "fight or flight" mode and into our restorative "rest and digest" state of being.  If this is difficult, we might ask ourselves "Why am I so busy?" and "Do I really need or want to do this?" or "What do I need to feel more vital and empowered?" 

Even just taking a few moments to connect with one's breath on a regular basis can radically transform and expand the body's capacity for healing. 

Thank you for reading and stay safe and well.

Sincerely,

Cara Mafuta Raboteau, L.OM.