Earth Season

We are in a time of transition. In Chinese medicine the Earth Element is a part of the navigation through change, an anchor point between seasons (the last 18 days of each to be exact). It has also been associated with Late Summer, which is a short season between Summer and Fall, that we are in at present.

The energy is more subtle, the light softer, the air has a gentle crispness and moisture is returning. The organs we focus on are the Spleen and lightly the Stomach because of their interdependent relationship.

In The Huang Di Nei Jing, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine it is said:

“The Spleen’s placement is in the middle. It is the Earth.”

When we treat the Spleen we tonify the organ or reduce accumulation like dampness that may be stagnating the harmonious functioning of it. When this organ functions well the Qi (energy) positively affects all of the five Zang Fu organs, creating good health.

Because, “The function of the Spleen is to Transform and Transport the essence of food and fluids to the Stomach. The symbology of the Earth is to nourish all things in nature.”

I ask my patients and myself “how are you nourishing, what choices are you making to sustain gentle seasonal shift?” The steps taken in this time fuel the internal vibrancy of Autumn and Winter. All things are connected in the Tao. Considering how you desire to feel in the coming months sets the actions in place now to support that intention.

With kindness can you navigate your way towards your own wise center, asking to know what the next step towards evolution, harmony and vitality is.