The waning days of summer known as “Indian Summer” is the perfect time to nurture your Earth element.  Earth, the source of all of the other elements of  Metal, Water, Wood and Fire follows the continuous, circular ebb and flow of life, death and rebirth.  We owe our level of grounded ness to the relationship we have with “Mother” Earth.  When our Earth is balanced we experience stability, nourishment, equanimity and equilibrium. The organs associated with the Earth element are the Stomach and Spleen.

  The Stomach’s role is to pass food energry to the Spleen that then transports the nutritive energy to the rest of the body.  Known as the Rotter and Ripener, the Stomach culls essential nutrients and makes it ready to be passed on for distribution by the Spleen.  If this function is not working, whatever we take in will not be digested properly.  Symptoms from indigestion to over thinking, obsessing and worrying can indicate a poor Stomach function. 

  Weak Spleen Qi can lead to slow digestion,  fluid accumulation and a feeling of heaviness.  Spleen Qi is responsible for keeping  “blood” in the vessels and organs in place.  Bruising easily, ”flooding” during your period and prolapsed organs may also indicate weak Spleen Qi. 

Do you ever experience muzzy-headedness, loss of appetite, energy lows and/or gain weight?  Here are 5 simple tips you can incorporate right now to support your Stomach and Spleen and help keep them healthy and happy:

     1.  The peak time for Stomach Qi is between 7:00-9:00 the perfect time to eat a nutritious breakfast.  A coffee and donut won’t make the Stomach Qi very happy.

    2.  Chew your food slowly.  The first part of digestion happens when the enymes in your saliva mix with your food.  Gulping your food by-passes this important first step.

    3.  Drink liquids separate from your meals for the same reason as #2.      

    4.  Eat smaller portions.  It takes a lot more energy for you to digest a big meal resulting in feeling tired afterward, especially if you’re prone to sugar ups and downs.

     5.  “Sweet” is the flavor associated with the Earth.  Include healthy “sweet” foods in your diet like fresh fuit and root veggies like butternut squash or yams.   

If you’re still having digestive problems you may want to visit your local acupuncturist as they can help with sweet cravings, low energy and other symptoms while re-balancing your Stomach and Spleen Qi.

For any new patient – I’m offering $25 Off your initial consultation and treatment.