The yin-yang symbol shows us that an abundance of yin gradually turns into yang until there is an abundance of yang. Then the yang in excess starts to turn into yin and the cycle continues. We are now leaving summer, a time of exuberance and outward flowing energy. Summer is when many of us are most active; traveling, swimming, hiking, and meeting people at outdoor events. Late summer marks the culmination and slowing down of this energy.
The seeds that we planted in the Spring are ready to be harvested and processed for storage. Historically this was a time of community coming together to nourish and support each other. As the days shorten we spend more time in stillness. Some of us look forward to Autumn and chill evenings in front of a fire with close friends.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine this time is associated with the Earth element and the Spleen and Stomach meridians. When we work with these meridians in acupuncture we are not just working on the pathway to address physiological issues. The meridians are also linked to psychological, energetic, and spiritual strengths and weaknesses. The energetics of the Earth element, Spleen, and Stomach are about nourishment and generosity. This is a good time to reflect on these qualities in ourselves and our lives.
When the movement of these meridians is healthy we are able to experience empathy and sympathy with healthy boundaries. When imbalanced we become more enmeshed and codependent, which blocks our natural growth and creativity. When we care for others are we able to do it in a healthy way; not over-giving at our own expense or giving & guiding where it is not wanted. We often think that being caring is about the heart, but the heart is fire and passion. It is the energetics of the Earth organs and meridians that provide us the means to nurture others.
The Stomach meridian is about breaking down information into parts, while the Spleen is about reflecting on experiences and ideas and creating something new. Imbalance in Spleen energetics can result in overthinking and over processing of information without efficiently turning it into something usable. In this way Earth element energy is about taking ideas and dreams and turning them into reality.
From the perspective of chakras the Earth element corresponds with the 5th:Throat chakra and the 3rd:Solar Plexus. Are you in your power? Are you able to recognize your authentic desires and turn them into reality?
What are ways to work with your Spleen and Stomach Meridians?
You can sign up for my online class Meridians: Massage & Activate where I will continue to drop videos and guides on working with the meridians. It is a monthly subscription with full access to all materials as I upload them.
Resource:
Dechar, L. E. (2021). Kigo: Exploring the spiritual essence of acupuncture points through the changing seasons. Singing Dragon, an imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
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