Earth Energy
As we move into late summer or harvest season (around September and early October), we are entering the time to harness our Earth Energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), This transitional season holds a unique energy that affects both our physical and emotional well-being, and in my opinion is one of the most important times of the year to eat and live seasonally.
In this blog, we will explore how to live in harmony with the late summer season, incorporating TCM principles into various aspects of our lives – from diet and lifestyle to emotions and exercise.
How to eat in Late Summer
In TCM, late summer corresponds to the Earth element, which governs the digestive system. During this season, it's important to nourish and support the two main digestive organs (the spleen and stomach) to maintain optimal health. Here are some dietary guidelines to follow to nourish the digestive energy:
Balance and Moderation: The digestive energy can easily get overwhelmed by overeating, or tough to digest foods. This leads to a lower efficiency of energy production! Favor a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as grains, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins. Avoid extremes in temperature, overly greasy or raw foods, and excessive consumption of sweets or dairy products as these are harder to digest.
Warm and Cooked Foods: As the weather begins to cool, focus on incorporating warm and cooked foods into your meals. Think of the stomach as a bubbling soup on the stove - the more raw and ice cold drinks you put in there, the more fire it takes to get back to warm goop. Soups, stews, and lightly sautéed vegetables are excellent choices to support your digestive fire.
Spleen-Friendly Foods: The best foods for the earth energy are - you guessed it - from the earth. Opt for foods that are supportive of the spleen, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, squashes, and whole grains like brown rice and oats.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance your dishes with herbs and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. These ingredients help stimulate digestion and circulation.
Lifestyle Advice
Living in accordance with the late summer season involves more than just dietary adjustments. Incorporate these lifestyle practices to promote balance and well-being this season:
Routine and Rhythm: The earth energy thrives on a consistent daily routine that includes regular meal times, exercise, and sleep.
Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, chewing thoroughly, and paying attention to the flavors and textures of your food. This aids digestion, easing the pressure on the stomach and spleen, and enhances your connection to what you are eating.
Earth-Centered Activities: Engage in grounding activities that connect you to the earth, such as gardening, hiking, or simply walking barefoot on natural surfaces. These practices help strengthen your connection to the earth and therefore the earth energy inside you.
The Emotions: Worry
TCM recognises the strong connection between emotions and physical health. The emotion that most effects the digestive energy is worry. Think about ‘digesting a thought’ over and over in your head in the same way that the stomach churns food over and over.
Nurturing Yourself: Embrace self-compassion and self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, meditating, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Harmonising Worry: To prevent or reduce the emotion of worry or overthinking, practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
Cultivating Gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the abundance in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal or expressing appreciation daily can help shift your focus toward positivity.
The best ways to move your body this season:
Qi-Gong and Tai Chi: Engage in gentle, flowing exercises like qi-gong or tai chi. These practices promote the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body, enhancing overall well-being.
Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the pleasant September weather by enjoying outdoor activities in nature like hiking, cycling, or yoga in natural surroundings. Connecting with nature further strengthens the Earth element.
Moderation and Intuition: Listen to your body's cues and avoid excessive or strenuous workouts. Instead, focus on exercises that cultivate mindfulness and promote relaxation. We are starting to slightly pivot from the energetic heights of summer towards the slowness and hibernation of autumn and winter.
Summary
As late summer gracefully unfolds, let us embrace the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to harmonize our bodies, minds, and spirits. By aligning our diet, lifestyle, emotions, and exercise routines with the principles of TCM, we can create a sense of balance and well-being that carries us through this transitional season and beyond. Through mindful choices and a connection to the Earth element, we can truly thrive in late summer's nurturing embrace.
How to Book an Appointment
If you are interested in having some acupuncture to help work through some fatigue, IBS, malaise and heaviness in the body, or any other symptom arising for you this season, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us. If you feel acupuncture is right for you, you can book your appointment now.
The information in this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.