The Earth Element

Widad Nash Author

The Earth Element follows the Fire Element Phase. It is the period of harvest, relating to late summer. This is when we reap the bounties from our actions of the Fire phase. This is a period of abundance and nourishment. Our careers advance, our families grow and we settle into our homes. It is a season of transition and transformation when the energy begins to shift from the peak of yang to the beginning of yin.

The Earth Element is nourished by the Fire Element supporting metabolic processes which influence digestion, nourishment and transformation of food nutrients for the body .

According to the Chinese 5 Elements Theory the Earth Element starts on May 21- till August 2

The earth element is the primary stabilizing force, the nurturer and stable center of all elements. Earth provides a state of grounding; a reliable, consistent belonging that anchors us as we navigate through our lives. Earth can also be associated with the change in seasons and with late summer, a climate of dampness and humidity , sweet flavor, digestive health and the opposing emotions of sympathy and anxiety.

According to TCM, the Earth element manifests in our body through The Spleen/ Pancreas & Stomach, which are the organs responsible for extracting nutrients from food and distributing them throughout the body, both on a physical and metaphorical level:

Worry, anxiety, and overthinking are the emotions which correlate with the spleen /Stomach.

If you constantly worry or over-think things (especially negative thoughts!), or get anxious easily, these conditions may deplete the Spleen/stomach and later become an imbalance or function disorder!

Experiencing any emotions chronically or excessively can damage Spleen/Stomach and digestive health, as the digestive system processes not just the food you eat, but the thoughts and emotions that you internalize.

Yellow is the color of the Earth Element, The mouth is the sensory organ related to the Spleen/Stomach.

If you have any mouth issues, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, it may be a sign that your Stomach function is compromised.

The muscles are the tissue associated with the Spleen/Stomach. If your muscles are weak and underdeveloped, or if they cramp or tire easily, you may have a Stomach or Spleen dysfunction.

The taste that corresponds to and supports the Spleen/Stomach is sweet, If you crave sweets, perhaps your Stomach needs support! The taste of sweet naturally supports the healthy function of your Stomach. The Stomach loves warm and not cold. Reducing intake of cold drinks will support healthy Stomach function.

The spleen plays an important part in the body's immune system and acts as a blood filter, removing old blood cells, bacteria, and impurities from the body it is also associated with thinking, studying, and memory

Earth people tend to be nurturing, attentive, considerate, supportive, agreeable, sympathetic and sociable. They like to be relaxed and poised. They have a gift for establishing and sustaining relationships, and the ability to nurture and promote connectedness with each other and our world.

Harmony, togetherness and unification are their guiding principles.

Psychologically when out of balance, the earth person may over extend themselves in order to be all things to all people.

They may also doubt themselves and become worried and obsessed, or become meddling and overprotective with Smothering attention:

Their memory and concentration may weaken:

The need to feel supported or cared for when distressed is a very basic human need, that in itself is not pathological. The extent to which someone is affected in these areas varies according to the person’s physical, mental and spiritual health.

Physically, when out of balance the earth person may develop lethargy, indigestion, unruly appetite, water retention, and muscle tenderness, pale lips, or bruising.

Simple Tips for everyday Earth Element Health

Don’t worry, be happy! Worry, anxiety, and overthinking are the emotions that when in excess have an impact on your digestive health. It can be easy to dwell on past regrets or future worries, but it is important to focus on the present moment. Staying positive and grateful for what you have can help you let go of negative thoughts and enjoy your life.

SELF CARE – Make some time each day to care for your own needs, not the needs of others

AVOID CLUTTER – Earth people tend to like to accumulate things . Clean up living and working spaces.

Foods to Support The Earth Element Health

Digestive processes are warm transactions and ask for all food to reach a temperature slightly higher than core temperature for effective transformation of nutrients.

Steaming, simmering and some stewing are ideal at these times. Consider avoiding raw and chilled foods to keep the stomach from overheating and the spleen from weakening.

Many foods have an essence that supports the Stomach, especially yellow or orange foods, harvested in the late summer or root vegetables that grow directly in the ground. Sweet corn, pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato are excellent options.

For additional support of your digestive system health, also consider fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi to help replenish the friendly bacteria in your gut.

Eat Mindfully: By paying attention to portions and slowing down when you eat, you can help the spleen.

If possible have your dinner by 6 or 7pm. This gives your Stomach a chance to rest along with all your other organs! If you eat a lot or heavy foods at night, then you are making your Stomach work overtime when it should be resting.

Years of extensive research has shown that connecting to the Earth’s natural energy, by walking barefoot on grass, sand, dirt or rock can help with chronic inflammation diminish chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, Lower stress and promote calmness in the body by cooling down the nervous system and stress hormones and relieve muscle tension. It can also help to improve sleep

When your bare feet your skin comes in contact with the earth, free electrons are taken up into the body. These electrons could be referred to as nature’s biggest antioxidants and help neutralise damaging excess free radicals that can lead to inflammation and disease in the body.

This connection is referred to as Earthing or Grounding.

No matter what your age is or health status you will benefit from a daily dose of Earthing!

Categories: : Earth Element, The Five Elements