How to strengthen your Earth element

[The earth element contains] “our capacity to transform our potential visions, plans and intentions into empowered action and form in the material world” - Lorie Eve Dechar, 2021 (Kigo: Exploring the Spiritual Essence of Acupuncture points through the Changing Seasons)

The earth element includes the capacity for

• critical thought, distinction and analysis

• allowing reflection of experiences and information, to transform them into ideas and imagination

• bringing clear intention, determination and purpose

The earth element in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is related to the Spleen and Stomach, and as such are related to all digestion, assimilation and transportation processes within the body.

The Earth element forms the central axis between idea and action. A balanced Earth element reveals that your words and your actions are in harmony with each other.

An unbalanced Earth element will contain an element of dampness, generating a feeling of heaviness, stuck-ness or sluggish-ness in your life

• Are you procrastinating?

• Are you ruminating over past experiences?

• Are you slow and sluggish in the mornings?

• Do you suffer with bloating or other digestive issues?

• Do you have trouble saying “no” when people ask you to do things for them?

If you answered ‘ yes’ to any of these questions; it indicates the presence of some dampness in your body. Dampness accompanies a weakness within the Earth Element.

Strategies for strengthening your Earth element

Take time for yourself

• Every day, make sure you have at least an hour for yourself, ideally between the hours of 7am - 11am. These are the times where Spleen and Stomach Qi is most active according to the Chinese Medicine clock.

• Use this time to relax and nurture yourself; consider adding one or more of the following to your morning routine:

  • clear your mind by meditating, or journal writing

  • set and focus on your intention for the day

  • listen to music

  • go for a walk, spend time in the garden or in nature.

  • plan your day

Learn to say No

• Avoid over-extending your energies and your time.

• The next time someone asks you to do something; consider the following response: “let me think about it and I’ll get back to you in 24-hours”

  • Use the following 24 hours to work out if you actually have the time and energy to commit to yet another project.

  • Make sure give your response within the 24 hours.

  • Remember that it is okay to prioritise time to care for yourself.

Regular meal times

Your body loves routine. If you are eating your meals at the same time every day, your body will be able to anticipate and enjoy the nourishing foods you are eating.

It’s important to eat in a relaxed manner at a table and away from the TV, computer or phone screens. This helps to keep your attention on the nourishing foods you’re eating and to enjoy the people you’re sharing your meal with.

Regular Acupuncture sessions

Regular Acupuncture allows you time for yourself, to relax and ground your energies. There are a number of acupuncture points combinations that are helpful to

• relieve bloating

• regulate bowels

• aid digestion

• help to quieten a busy mind

Acupuncture is a lovely way to take time for yourself during a workday. It’s chance to re-group, relax, unwind and quieten your mind; so you are able to better handle your work and life commitments.

Chinese herbs may be helpful to strengthen your earth element. Your registered acupuncturist will be able to advise you and to prescribe Chinese herbs are appropriate for your condition.

A question to ponder (which helps to reveal the state of your Earth element): Are your words and actions in harmony and congruence with each other?