Earth Element and Spleen Health
In terms of Chinese Medicine, we are currently in the season of the Earth element. It is that time of the year when the hot expansive summer (Yang) is starting to wane, the days are getting shorter, and we start moving toward a cool internal-focused winter (Yin).
Earth is represented by Indian Summer, when we have hot days and cool nights. Our gardens are ready to harvest. There is abundance dancing around us; all we need to do is receive.
I am taking a 12-month class with Robert Peng called "The Way of Virtue". Over 100 students diligently meet every Sunday online to activate acupuncture points, detox organ systems, and nourish each organ's Qi. Using breath and chanting, we open the energy flow in the 12 major organ meridians to increase physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual alignment.
The last four weeks have been focused on the Earth element, specifically the Stomach and Spleen meridians. I have come to understand that many of my physical and emotional complaints are related to imbalances in these meridians.
I share in case these symptoms resonate with you.
Emotional aspects of Earth
When Earth is constricted, it is difficult to digest what is happening in life. There is a ruminating mind, trying to make sense of the world, worrying about what could be. There is a tendency to give yourself away, taking care of others to your own detriment. When the Earth is out of balance, a person feels unsupported and has difficulty in being able to receive.
When Earth is healthy, there is a feeling of abundance: an awareness that you already have access to anything you could possibly need. With a quiet and clear mind, you are able to prioritize and receive.
Eating French fries? Your body can absorb the nutrients you need from those fries.
Lonely? You are able to receive deep fulfilling love from the relationships you already have.
Financially strapped? You have the clarity to prioritize and find that you have enough financial means for anything that you need.
A stable and supportive Earth reminds that you are abundant, right here in this now moment.
Physical aspects of Earth
The Earth element includes the digestive organs: spleen, pancreas, stomach, mouth. Earth brings nourishment into the muscles and transports Qi and blood throughout the body.
When the Earth element is constricted, physical ailments include:
Bloating and gas after eating
Swollen tongue upon waking, with scalloped indentations from the teeth
Edema (swelling in the extremities)
Weakness in the muscles
Anemia
Insomnia
Acid reflux
Cold extremities
For the last 20 years, I’ve experienced difficulty sleeping and indentations in my legs from socks. Is it possible I need to nourish my spleen?
I’ve spent the last 10 years restricting food (gluten free, dairy free, etc) to reduce bloating. Is it possible I just need to nourish my spleen?
Recently, my tongue has been scalloped with indentations from my teeth. Apparently my spleen could use some support!
A Metaphor to explain the function of the Earth element
Master Peng describes the stomach as a cooking pot, in which you put the raw vegetables to make soup. The stomach is meant to break down these vegetables into smaller, digestible pieces.
The spleen produces heat to boil the water. This heat cooks the food, which empowers the stomach to blend and process with ease.
When food is placed in a pot of cold water, the stomach cannot fully break it down into absorbable pieces. The food remains raw. If the spleen doesn't effectively heat the contents of the stomach, raw food enters the intestines, where it ferments, causing bloating and gas.
In our modern lifestyles, we enjoy the invention of the refrigerator. With ice water and ice cream and refrigerated watermelon, the spleen has to work harder to heat the stomach.
When we eat salads and raw vegetables, the spleen must create the heat to digest the meal.
If you are struggling with bloating, consider reducing your consumption of cold or raw foods, and lean towards warm and cooked foods.
Sweets and the Earth Element
In Chinese Medicine, each element is associated with a taste. The Earth element loves sweetness, which strengthens the Earth Qi. Natural sugars help the spleen to maintain body fluids, drawing moisture and nourishment deep into the muscles and tissues.
We can drink a glass of water, but it may not absorb into the body. The fastest way to absorb water is to support the spleen! Drink water that is room temperature or warmer (so the spleen doesn’t need to heat it!) and eat your water in the form of fruit! The natural sweetness of fruit draws the moisture deeper within the body.
Are you saying that sugar is good for me?
We must be careful about the quantity and type of sugars we consume. When we eat refined sugars and syrups, it breaks down into acids, leading to acid reflux.
If you have acid reflux symptoms, eliminate the refined sugars from your diet. In my personal experience, too much fruit causes acid reflux as well. Be aware and play with the quantity of sugars that your spleen and stomach can handle!
How to bring Earth into balance
Since learning from Master Peng, I am implementing his Spleen-Stomach healing recommendations. It may take time to see the results, but I am confident this will be helpful on my healing journey!
Eat cooked foods (halt consumption of raw foods)
Drink room temperature or warmer water (avoid ice in drinks)
Reduce sugar intake (for me this includes refined sugars, syrups, alcohol, and natural sugars)
Drink Ginger Tea with honey once per day to bring heat to the spleen (fresh or powdered ginger root in a cup of water, boil 5-8 minutes, strain, add 1 tsp of honey for absorption and enjoy!)
Meditate (calm the mind)
Spend time in joy (reduce time spent contemplating and worrying)
Create healthy boundaries with those around you
Tap or massage some of the spleen and stomach acupoints (reach out to me for specifics)
I will share updates throughout this healing journey.
May you have healthy and easeful digestion!
