Hollyhock Presenter & Guest Blogs
Presenter's Blogs · 19th August 2009
Cora Wen - Yoga Bloom
Late Summer in Chinese Medicine
Element - Earth
Color - Yellow
Nature - Yin/Yang Balance
Organs - Stomach, Spleen
Emotion - Worry/Pensive
Taste - Sweet
Condition - Damp
There is an extra season in Chinese Medicine - Late Summer, which begins around the 3rd week of August and lasts until Fall solstice. This is a time which represents Earths ripe fruits and vegetables that are ready to be harvested.
In Chinese Medicine Late Summer belongs to Earth, one of the five elements. Earth sits in the cycle of seasons as a place of still, tranquil energy, and of heat, ripening and fullness. Time slows down and we don’t want to move quickly. This Earth season acts as transition from yang to yin energy, supporting space between the cycle of Spring growth (Wood), active Summer abundance (Fire) and the cool, inward emotions of Fall and Winter (Metal & Water).
In human anatomy, Earth is represented by the Spleen. In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is different than the anatomical spleen (organ function to filter blood). It is responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption; its primary function is to convert food into energy, and is the transporter of Chi, Life Force.
When the Earth element is happy and nurtured, the spleen is healthy, creating good digestion and elimination. The mind is balanced and secure, with a sense of belonging, grounding, and centeredness.
When the Earth element is imbalanced, we may worry or have excessive mental agitation, lack of concentration or memory loss. We may feel needy, compulsive toward food or attention, seeking sympathy or entertainment. Indicators of imbalance in Earth include exhaustion, loss of appetite, poor digestion or loose stools and diarrhea, easy bruising, excess menstrual flow or other bleeding disorders.
Taking care of Earth helps reap your own harvest, to finish projects and the feeling of fulfillment, no longer needing anything more or different. A healthy Earth element helps you feel at home in all situations, so enjoy the fruits of your work and create the space to love, relax, and nourish self, family and friends.
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Element - Earth
Color - Yellow
Nature - Yin/Yang Balance
Organs - Stomach, Spleen
Emotion - Worry/Pensive
Taste - Sweet
Condition - Damp
There is an extra season in Chinese Medicine - Late Summer, which begins around the 3rd week of August and lasts until Fall solstice. This is a time which represents Earths ripe fruits and vegetables that are ready to be harvested.
In Chinese Medicine Late Summer belongs to Earth, one of the five elements. Earth sits in the cycle of seasons as a place of still, tranquil energy, and of heat, ripening and fullness. Time slows down and we don’t want to move quickly. This Earth season acts as transition from yang to yin energy, supporting space between the cycle of Spring growth (Wood), active Summer abundance (Fire) and the cool, inward emotions of Fall and Winter (Metal & Water).
In human anatomy, Earth is represented by the Spleen. In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is different than the anatomical spleen (organ function to filter blood). It is responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption; its primary function is to convert food into energy, and is the transporter of Chi, Life Force.
When the Earth element is happy and nurtured, the spleen is healthy, creating good digestion and elimination. The mind is balanced and secure, with a sense of belonging, grounding, and centeredness.
When the Earth element is imbalanced, we may worry or have excessive mental agitation, lack of concentration or memory loss. We may feel needy, compulsive toward food or attention, seeking sympathy or entertainment. Indicators of imbalance in Earth include exhaustion, loss of appetite, poor digestion or loose stools and diarrhea, easy bruising, excess menstrual flow or other bleeding disorders.
Taking care of Earth helps reap your own harvest, to finish projects and the feeling of fulfillment, no longer needing anything more or different. A healthy Earth element helps you feel at home in all situations, so enjoy the fruits of your work and create the space to love, relax, and nourish self, family and friends.
Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more tips on Yoga and Energy Meridians
