Embrace the Earth Element

A Chinese Medical Perspective on Health + Wellness in the Late Summer

"In its central position the Earth is the pivot for all of the other Elements which encircle and spin around it. It is a place of stability within the body, mind, and spirit. From this stable anchor, change and growth can take place. Our food can be transformed and processed by the Stomach and Spleen and turned into qi that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit” - Angela Hicks, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons.

In Chinese Medicine theory, there are five natural elements that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.

Late summer’s ASSOCIATIONS IN CHINESE MEDICINE

ELEMENT: earth

YIN ORGAN: spleen

YANG ORGAN: stomach

EMOTION: worry

SPIRIT: yi (intellect)

CLIMATE: humidity

COLOR: yellow

TASTE: sweet  

SENSE ORGANS: mouth

TISSUES: muscles  

VIRTUES: empathy, nurturinG

The long, endless days of summer are winding down and we find ourselves transitioning into the season of the Earth element- the season of harvest. It’s time to take stock in the celebration and abundance of summer and let that nourish our body and mind.

Earth is a gentle rolling hill, a long golden beach, or a staggering mountain range. Within us, Earth is family and friends. It is the fabric of life that we create and nurture with integrity. The season The Earth element belongs to a “fifth season” that spans from the hazy days following the peak of summer to the start of fall. During this time of year, we focus on the digestive system, nourishment, and stability. 


The Spleen and Stomach

The Spleen and Stomach meridian systems belong to the Earth element, and they play a very important role in our overall health and wellbeing. So much so that in 1180 CE, famous Chinese physician Li Dong Yuan founded the Earth School because he believed that the etiology of most diseases was a result of injury to the digestive system. According to this school of thought, the Spleen and Stomach are at the center of one’s health. The Earth School teachings remain relevant in today’s practice, especially in light of the recent research on the relationship between gut health and immunity. 

The Spleen is in charge of making our body's qi and blood, which are the vital substances needed to stay healthy. Additionally, the spleen “holds” the blood in the vessels, and ascends energy to prevent prolapse of various organs like the uterus and bladder. Most importantly, the Spleen transforms the food we eat into energy and transports that nutritive energy (“ying qi”) to other parts of our body. When the spleen is weak or out of balance, various health issues from digestive to gynecological to emotional arise.

In Chinese medicine theory, every organ “houses” a spirit, which corresponds to a certain aspect of our psyche. Our thoughts and mental capacity relate to the spirit of the Spleen, called the Yi (which translates to Intellect). The Yi influences our capacity for studying, concentration, memorizing, etc. With school back in session, supporting the spleen Qi is essential!

The emotion associated with the spleen is worry. With its connection to the mind and thinking, the Yi is be prone to worry, anxiety, and overthinking. When caught in this loop, spleen Qi deficiency symptoms arise, like digestive weakness, IBS, and fatigue. Meditation and calming the mind are very important for spleen health.

The Earth element relates to issues of dampness (humidity, heaviness, phlegm) - the climate of late summer. Dampness shows up in the body in many ways: physical fatigue, mental fatigue, worry, digestive problems, and muscle weakness to name a few. Because the spleen and stomach meridian systems are particularly impacted by dampness, food therapy becomes so important to keep everything on track.

Seasonal Wellness

In Chinese Medicine, we take seasonal changes as opportunities to better our health and prevent disease. Just like the seasons cycle, our health is not a fixed state. When there are changes in nature, it’s important that we adjust to the natural rhythms and flow of the earth. Addressing our health in this way will help us cultivate balance, harmony, and holistic health throughout the year.

Now is the time to reinforce the vitality of the earth element and spleen Qi- acupuncture, food therapy, and mindfulness are particularly supportive.

“Earth generates Metal”. Fall is the season of the metal element and the lung meridian system- and of course, when colds, flus, and seasonal allergies circulate. Cultivating a balanced earth element and strong Spleen qi in the late summer contributes to a stronger immune system and healthy lungs in the fall. Preventative medicine is the best medicine!

“Knowing how to treat the center is knowing how to bring all networks into balance.” - Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644)

Here are some tips to boost the vitality of your earth element and the wellbeing of your mind, body, and spirit:

Warm it up. The earth element thrives on a nourishing diet, and nutritional therapy related to the Spleen is key for maintaining good and balanced health. Cold raw food creates dampness in the spleen, which interferes with its role of the transportation and transformation of nutrients and energy, and its ability to produce qi and blood. This leads to a variety of health imbalances. Maintaining warmth in the Earth center of the body is very important.

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to phase out your consumption of cold raw foods, including smoothies, ice water, and salads. Dairy, refined sugars, and fatty and greasy foods also contribute to dampness. Do include warm, cooked meals. Aromatic spices like ginger, fennel, coriander, caraway, and cardamom help to warm things up, resolves dampness, and strengthen the spleen Qi.

Say yes to sweet. Sweet flavors, in small amounts, favor the Spleen and Stomach (sadly, we are not talking about ice cream).  Sweet foods that strengthen the Earth element include whole grains, like millet, rice, and root vegetables, such as yams, sweet potatoes and carrots. Enjoy the sweet fruits and veggies that are in season and available in the late summer harvest.

Don’t skip breakfast. According to the Chinese Medicine clock, the Stomach has optimal digestive capacity between 7-9am. Your meal should be substantial and fortifying. A good breakfast strengthens the stomach and spleen qi and yang for the day. Optimal breakfast foods are energetically warming foods, prepared with warm cooking methods that stimulate the body and do not spread dampness. A favorite in Chinese Medicine food therapy is breakfast congee, a highly nourishing and healing way to start the day.

(get our congee recipe here!)

The color of the Earth is yellow. The Su Wen Chapter 10 states that, “yellow corresponds to the Spleen”. Eating foods that are yellow and orange are especially supportive for Spleen health. Examples include squash, sweet potato, yams, corn, papaya, and carrots.

Find your center. The Earth element is about stability, nurturance, caregiving, and bounty. Seek activities that keep you centered and grounded; focus on what nourishes and fulfills you and those you care about. With fall just around the corner, the season of "letting go", we will soon think about the things we have too much of and begin the process of releasing, clearing, and simplifying. 

Be mindful about what you mentally ingest. As our focus turns to the health of our Spleen and Stomach organ systems and its relationship to the "Yi"- our mind and intellect- we need to be mindful about what we MENTALLY ingest, as well. This is a perfect time of year to think about our relationship with social media and the news and to create boundaries around screen time. 

And finally- sing like no one’s listening! Every element has an associated sound, through which it expresses itself. The sound of the Earth element is "singing". Whether your stage is the shower, the car, or a stage, get those vocal chords warmed up and sing your heart out!

CONSIDER ACUPUNCTURE, HERBS, AND OILS TO HELP

The transition from summer to fall can be tough, and some people dread this time of year. Resistance to the changing seasons can cause stagnation in the body and weaken the immune system. Acupuncture helps our body and mind move effortlessly with seasonal changes.

For a daily earth-strengthening fix, try patchouli essential oil. Entering the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach channels, this oil resolves dampness and phlegm and harmonizes the digestive system. On an emotional level, patchouli can help the body transform and release pent-up emotions and calm a worried or restless mind. We also like neroli for tonifying spleen qi, soothing a nervous stomach and easing anxiety, and grapefruit for uplifting the spirit and resolving stagnation caused by food and dampness.

There are many helpful herbal formulas for fortifying the Spleen qi and balancing the earth element, and the best option for you should be determined by your acupuncturist. Some formulas are better for draining dampness, and others for building Qi and blood, treating digestive weakness, or calming worry and anxiety.

Try acupressure on acupuncture point Spleen 9 (Sp-9 Yin Ling Quan), located on the inside part of the lower leg, in the depression of the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia below the knee. The easiest way to find the point is to run your thumb up the edge of the bone on the inside of your lower leg until it falls into a hole- if the point is active, it will feel tender. This is THE acupuncture point for resolving dampness anywhere in the body. Gently press on this point for 20-30 seconds to help relieve abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas pains, and lethargy after eating. This point also helps treat edema, swelling, thirst and urinary difficulty. And if you find yourself trapped in a cycle of worrisome or anxious thoughts and circular thinking, press on Spleen 9 to help break the pattern and bring ease to a worried mind. 

Chinese Medicine proposes that we will feel our best if we live according to the seasons. In late Summer, it is the Earth element that is the most active and also the most vulnerable. With appropriate diet and lifestyle adjustments, we can cultivate a healthy Earth element, a strong gut and optimal immunity. 

Spring Wellness + the Wood Element

Ahh, Spring- an expression of life at its strongest, and time for our energy reserves harnessed in the winter to be put into action.

The wood energy of the season wants to rise up, push through, and get things done. It’s active and energetic, and supports vision, creativity, and leadership. This is the time of year we would work on any blockages so we can have access to all that great energy. After all, the themes of the season are growth, rebirth, and renewal.

But what happens when this energy that allows for movement and progress- both internally and externally- is thwarted or constrained?

With the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-home, stay-safe orders, we are living in uniquely challenging times right now. And most likely, many of us are experiencing an imbalance in the wood element because that rising energy can’t express itself the right way.

The result is QI STAGNATION and it feels like anger and irritability, depression, mood swings, migraines, pain, tension and tightness (especially in the neck, shoulders, and sides of the body), PMS and worsening cramps, excessive sighing, and indigestion. For the creative types- you may be experiencing “writer’s block” or lack of direction/ vision/ focus.

In Chinese Medicine theory, the wood element belongs to the spring season and its related meridian system pair is the Liver and Gall Bladder. Together, these organs are responsible for the smooth flow of qi and blood in the body and regulates emotions. They are our “first responder” channels to the stresses in our lives. The wood element teaches us about flexibility and adaptability.

The teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine can support the body, mind and spirit in the midst of change. Now is the time to focus on balancing the wood element and the Liver/Gall Bladder organ system in order to help our body respond in a healthy way to stress and change.

Here are some easy self-care tips to practice at home:

GET MOVING. Moving that stuck energy can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths (Liver and Gall Bladder energy can get stuck at the diaphragm), going for a walk (the type of exercise associated with the wood element), or stretching (the tendons and sinews are ruled by the Liver and Gall Bladder meridian systems).

Pay particular attention to the sides of your body, the IT band, the ribs, your jaw, your hips, your shoulders… areas where the Liver and Gall Bladder channel run. If these areas are feeling particularly tight, focus your breaths and release work to those stuck spaces. Triangle pose, side stretches, psoas releases, and gentle twists are good options. 

USE ESSENTIAL OILS. Lavender, peppermint, chamomile, lemon, and bergamot essential oils move Qi in the liver and gall bladder channels. Wood oils like sandalwood and vetiver are especially nourishing and grounding. Use in a diffuser, apply topically (be sure to dilute your oils if using on the skin), apply a drop under your nose, or steam in the shower.

FOCUS ON FOOD THERAPY. Similarly, lemon water and peppermint or chamomile tea will help move stagnation in the Liver/Gall Bladder channels. The wood element likes sour food (like kimchi and yogurt) as well as light meals with lots of greens (the color of the wood element). Bitter greens (dandelion, nettles, and arugula ) are particularly cleansing for the liver and gallbladder and promote better digestion. These food choices compliment the ascending, regenerative qualities of spring and keep the liver and gall bladder clear and healthy.

Note: Too many rich, heavy, greasy foods congest this organ pair and impair their ability to effectively circulate qi and blood. This congestion is referred to as “damp-heat accumulation” (think: gallstones, high cholesterol, plaque in the arteries, or inflammation). 

GET YOUR ZZZ’s. The wood element loves movement, but this movement won’t feel great if we’re not getting enough sleep. Sleep is an essential time for replenishment and for the liver to recover from the stresses of the day.

LEARN ACUPRESSURE. Using acupressure is a great way to get qi moving and support your general wellbeing. A powerful combination to move qi everywhere in the body is known as “The 4 Gates” and uses acupuncture points Large Intestine 4 (LI-4) and Liver 3 (Lr-3). Note: do not use this combination during pregnancy.

• LI-4: located between the thumb and pointer finger, LI-4 is THE point to treat colds and flu, and boosts the body’s defenses against recurrence. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory point, relieves pain (especially in the head and face), and has a calming/analgesic effect.

• LR-3: located between the big toe and second toe, Lr-3 an essential point to move Qi and keep energy flowing, especially during stressful times. This point releases both physical and emotion tension to reduce stress, anger, and depression, blood pressure, pain, and menstrual cramps.

(related article: “7 Acupressure Points for Stress Relief” and “5 Acupressure Points for Immune Support”).

TRY HERBAL MEDICINE. You can also try Chinese herbal medicine! A favorite formula for moving qi, relaxing the Liver, and nourishing blood is Xiao Yao Wan, “Free and Easy Wanderer”. Contact your acupuncturist to see if this formula is right for you!

Acupuncture 101: The Basics

Acupuncture is a holistic medical practice that originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It uses sterile, hair-thin needles to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

The medicine is based on the understanding that health is achieved through balance. Symptoms like indigestion, headaches, or irritability indicate something is a little out of wack: there’s an imbalance in the body that needs to be addressed.

As your acupuncturist, our job is to determine the specific pattern of imbalance causing your symptoms and get to the root of the issue. When we treat the root we can address a wide range of symptoms and many seemingly "unconnected" issues in a single treatment!

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is translated as “vital energy” or “life force”, and is the most important concept in Chinese Medicine. Qi is the basis of all phenomena in our universe. In our body, Qi is both form and function; refined energy and functional activity. The primary goal of acupuncture is to move and balance qi in the body to restore harmony and promote health.

Qi circulates along a meridian system. The meridians are like a giant web, linking different parts of the body together. Every organ has its own meridian system that traverses a certain area of the body.

The flow of Qi in the meridians concentrate at certain areas- these are the acupuncture points. When everything circulates properly, we don’t feel it, and we are balanced and strong. But when it gets blocked or becomes deficient, it causes pain, dysfunction, depression and disease.

When needled, acupuncture points can regulate the way in which the body functions, improving basic life functions like sleep and digestion, bringing us back to homeostasis.

Acupuncture has been repeatedly proven to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain and increase blood circulation.  From a Western medical view, acupuncture points are sites to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This stimulation boosts the body’s natural pain killers and feel-good chemicals like endorphins.

Acupuncture can correct minor imbalances before they become chronic or pathological. You don’t have to have something that needs to be “fixed” in order to get acupuncture! While acupuncture excels at treating symptoms, it’s an amazing ally for preventative health. If you have no “symptoms” and want to stay that way, you’re an ideal candidate for acupuncture!

Treatments are relaxing, restorative, and nourishing. Even first-time clients with needle fear are surprised by how quickly they feel relaxed! Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and virtually painless. A slight ache or pinch will quickly dissipate. There may be a pulling sensation called “de qi” (“grabbing of the qi”), which many clients like to feel (“it’s working!”).

Today, the benefits of acupuncture are recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which lists the following symptoms, diseases, and conditions to be treated effectively by acupuncture. (Amazingly, Chinese Medicine works on physical, emotional and mental levels, offering a full spectrum of healing.)

Musculo-Skeletal: arthritis, back pain, neck pain, muscle pain, muscle weakness, muscle cramping, sciatica

Digestive: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion

Gynecological: premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, infertility

Emotional: anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, neurosis

Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat: cataracts, poor vision, toothache, gingivitis, tinnitus

Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, common cold, sinusitis, smoking cessation, tonsillitis

Neurological: headaches, migraines, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson’s Disease, post-operative pain, stroke

Miscellaneous: addiction control, athletic performance, blood pressure regulation, chronic fatigue, immune system toning, stress reduction

Winter and the Water Element: A Chinese Medical Perspective to Seasonal Wellbeing

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons.

In Chinese Medicine theory, there are five natural elements that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.

WINTER’S ASSOCIATIONS IN CHINESE MEDICINE

ELEMENT: WATER

YIN ORGAN: KIDNEYS

YANG ORGAN: URINARY BLADDER

EMOTION: FEAR

SPIRIT: ZHI (WILLPOWER)

CLIMATE: COLD

COLOR: BLACK/DARK BLUE 

TASTE: SALTY  

SENSE ORGANS: EARS

TISSUES: BONE  

VIRTUES: STRENGTH, COURAGE, WISDOM

Right now, we are in the best season to slow down and conserve our energy. While the lowcountry might not have winter’s snowy and still landscape, the cooler and darker days invite this meditative space to rest and reflect.  Whatever your “winter hibernation” might look like (hello, sweatpants and bottomless cups of tea!), it’s essential that you take this time to replenish your resources that have been used throughout the year. 

“It is the concentrated, internal force of winter that enables a seed to burst forth in spring growth.”

The energy of winter is deep and potent. With rest, there is work going on, but inside- energy is collected and held in reserve. This deeply nourishing Yin time gives us the needed energy, vision, and purpose with which to emerge into spring- a season of growth, renewal of spirit, and fresh starts.

In this most Yin season, there is an energetic predisposition of retraction as our Qi flows more deeply inside us.  There is a depth to the season that invites us to connect with the core of our being and untouched emotions. There is death in nature and less activity to induce stimulation and excitement. For some, the qi of the season can easily contribute to depression, loneliness, and seasonal affective disorder. Others may feel relief for an opportunity to pause and do internal work. 

Wherever you fall in the transition to the cold winter months,  the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine supports the body, mind and spirit in the midst of change. In preparation for winter, our focus turns to strengthening the water element’s organ system pair, the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder, and practice that which we observe in nature: stillness and conservation.  

The Water Element

Winter is ruled by the water element: the most nourishing and essential substance for life. This element stores much of people’s reserves of energy. That’s why rest is crucial in the winter. This time of year, over-work and lack of sleep easily depletes the water element and the kidneys, especially. 

The wisdom of water is to flow.  Water moves effortlessly and takes the exact form of whatever contains it. A balanced water element is able to move smoothly through the season with strength, courage, and willpower. There’s a sense of flow and ease, and an alignment to one’s purpose or destiny.

There is depth, darkness, and mystery to water. The emotion associated with the water element is fear. In appropriate amounts, fear is essential to survival because it enables us to navigate situations with care and caution.  When the water element is out of balance, one might experience excess fear, phobias, and lack of courage. 

The Kidneys + Urinary Bladder

The kidney and urinary bladder are the organ systems that belong to the water element. Likewise, both play an important role in fluid regulation. There are acupuncture points along their meridians that can be used to fill the reserves and tap into that place where our real strength, courage, and wisdom reside.

In Chinese Medicine theory, the kidneys are the storehouse of our vital energy and our Jing, or Essence. Jing relates to our genetics and governs growth, reproduction, and how we move through the cycles of life. Our bones, joints, teeth, ears, brain, and marrow are influenced by the kidneys. 

The kidneys (called the Storehouse of the Vital Essence) ignite all processes and functions within the entire body, mind, and spirit. They provide the driving qi- energy and will power- needed to overcome obstacles and press forward to accomplish our goals in life and live out our fullest potential. We draw upon the energy reserves of the kidneys just by the virtue of living, working, and aging. 

The kidney acupuncture meridian begins at the bottom of the foot and travels up the inside of the leg to the pelvis, low abdomen, and ends at the chest. Our body will let us know when we are exhausting these reserves because symptoms along the channel will arise, such as low back ache, weak knees, frequent urination, and menstrual or fertility issues. Other signs of imbalance include: exhaustion, autoimmune flare ups, very low motivation, excessive fear and anxiety, and skeletal disorders.

The urinary bladder is compared to a reservoir where the waters of the body collect. Its acupuncture meridian is the longest of the body: beginning at the eyes, the channel travels over the head to the back of the neck, down the sides of the spine to the sacrum, to the backs of the knees, down the calves, to the ankles, ending at the outside of the little toe. Physical signs of imbalance include back pain, bladder pain, vertigo and headaches, vision issues, and urinary incontinence. Due to this organs’ role of “holding on” to urine, emotional signs of imbalance relate to this “holding on”: grudges and jealousy, in addition to fear.

Winter is an opportunity to focus on the health and spirit of the kidneys and urinary bladder, restore their resources and better manage our reserves. Slowing down, getting plenty of rest, eating well and in-season (more on winter-time foods below), drinking lots of fluids, and adapting a restorative wellness routine will support these organ systems and boost their vitality. 

Seasonal Self-Care

The classic texts of Chinese Medicine urge us to follow the cycle of the seasons in order to stay healthy. The Huang Di Nei Jing ("The Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor"), contains some of the oldest teachings about winter and its relationship to the Kidneys:

“During the Winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home, and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rives freeze and snow falls. This is a time when yin dominates yang. Therefore one should refrain from overusing the yang energy. Retire early and get up with the sunrise, which is later in Winter. Desires and mental activity should be kept quiet and subdued, as if keeping a happy secret. Stay warm, avoid the cold, and keep the skin covered. Avoid sweating. The theory of the Winter season is one of conservation and storage. Without such practice the result will be injury to the Kidney energy. This will cause weakness, shrinking of muscles, and coldness; then the body loses its ability to open and move about in the Spring.”

Maintaining an appropriate balance between activity and rest is crucial to the health of the water element. In addition to the advice from the classic texts, here are some self-care tips to follow for the winter months ahead:

~ Food therapy: focus on foods that share the qualities of the water element. Colors are dark, taste is salty, content is hydrating and nourishing. Examples include: nuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, salt water fish, seaweed, dark colored berries, root vegetables, whole grains, stews and soups. We are also including mostly warm and cooked foods, and limiting cold and raw foods. Use warming spices like garlic, ginger, and cardamom.

~ Adaptogenic herbs strengthen the kidneys and adrenals, boost immunity, lift depression, ease anxiety, and help the body adapt to stress. Holy basil, ashwaghanda, astragalus, oat straw, and rhodiola are herbs that can be taken daily as supplements or tea. It’s best to consult with a health care practitioner before adding supplements to your wellness regimen. (Recommended reading for adaptogenic recipes: “Beauty Water: Everyday Hydration Recipes for Wellness and Self Care” by Tori Holmes- available in our shop).

~ Essential oils like geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine, and basil can be used in a diffuser to strengthen the water element. The floral oils are mostly middle or base notes, resonating with the deeper layers of our selves. Floral oils nourish yin, lifts the spirit, and connects with our inner beauty and essence. Basil is used in blends for fatigue, depression, focus, and memory. 

~ Winter is time for internal work. Schedule more time to discover yourself through reflection. Meditation, yoga, journaling, dreamwork, and breathwork are great winter activities. 

~ We become naturally inclined to seek out things that bring us light and joy this time of year, like holiday parties, dinner with friends, and outdoor winter adventures. Keep your gatherings simple and relaxed. The season calls for making deeper connections with those close to you, but without overextending yourself. A mindful balance of Fire (yang, activity, joy) and Water (yin, stillness, introspection) can be helpful to our psyche and wellbeing!

~ Take care of the kidney and urinary bladder acupuncture meridians. Important acupuncture points along these channels are at the feet, knees, low back, and neck. These points are used to strengthen kidney and urinary bladder function, support immunity, and treat emotional imbalances of the water element. Keeping these areas warm and covered will maintain the integrity of the channels and keep you well physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Sources:

Hicks, Angela. “Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture”. (2004).

Swanberg, Sarah (L.Ac.). “A Patient’s Guide to Acupuncture: Everything You Need to Know”.

“The Season of Winter”. http://www.5elements.com/docs/elements/water.html.

'Tis the season of fall... and it finally feels like it!

by Andrea Geiger, L.Ac.

Fall is the season of slowing down, contracting inward and beginning to store. It is the time to reserve our energy, to organize, set limits and heed boundaries. The endless energetic days of summer are over, we feel a call to refocus and shift inward. We also see this shift reflected in nature. Days are starting to shorten, leaves are turning, and crisp early mornings are becoming more frequent. As we adjust, so does nature.

Season of Dryness

It is also the season of dryness. In Chinese Medicine, the Fall is associated with the element of Metal. This element possesses the quality of healthy dryness, balancing the dampness of the Earth element. However, when the Metal element becomes out of balance, it has a tendency to move towards the extreme of its nature...you begin to feel dry. This can adversely affect each person individually, but some of the symptoms include dry cough, constipation, dandruff, dry skin and flare-ups of eczema, or a lack of moisture to your eyes, nose and mucous membranes.  

The Body's Organs

Metal is also the organs of the lung and large intestine. These organs rule our ability to release and eliminate in a healthy way. Fall is the time to purify the body by letting go of anything that does not serve us. These organs  also play a vital role in a strong immune system. In Chinese medicine, the lung circulates the "defensive qi" that protects the body from pathogenic invasions.     

How to Maintain Balance

It is important to stay in balance with the dryness of the Metal element and support the lungs and large intestine organs during this season. Some helpful tips for Fall:

• Stay hydrated - it is important to combat the dryness by drinking plenty of water (no ice!). Enjoy a warm cup of water with lemon and honey every morning to start your day off right.

• Put on a scarf - you can catch a cold or flu through the back of your neck, as in Chinese medicine it is said that wind or cold can invade your body. Sounds like an old wives tale! But, I find covering up your neck with a scarf can make a big difference in maintaining your health.

• Get out in nature and breathe - open up those lungs and drink in the fresh air! Take a walk and relish in the change of the seasons.

• Eat warm foods - time to cook and incorporate seasonal vegetables as well as pungent food and spices like ginger, garlic, onions, horseradish, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and turmeric. Don't forget your bone broths!

• Use essential oils - there are many options out there to boost your immunity throughout the Fall season. Pick your favorite single oil or blend (Frankincense, Tea Tree, Vitality, Thieves, On Guard, etc.) and use daily.

• Regular acupuncture treatments - Acupuncture is an important avenue to stay healthy through the change of the seasons. It can help our body transition with more ease! And, don't forget at the first sign of a cold or flu...please come in for acupuncture!

9 Self-Care Tips for Fall

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons.

In Chinese Medicine theory, there are five natural elements that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.

Fall’s Associations in Chinese Medicine

element: metal

yin organ: lungs

yang organ: large intestine

emotion: grief/sadness

climate: dryness

color: white 

sense organs: nose

tissues: skin

yin organ time: 3-5am

yang organ time: 5-7am

virtues: purity, self worth, receptivity, inspiration

The fall welcomes the metal element. Trees drop their leaves, days are shorter and cooler, and pumpkin spice lattes replace iced mochas. We depart from the expansive, endless days of summer and hunker down into routine and structure. While some of us long for summer’s sun, fun and freedom, others feel exhilarated by the crispness and structure promised by fall. 

Wherever you are in the seasonal transition, the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine supports the body, mind and spirit in the midst of change. In preparation for Fall, our focus turns to strengthening the metal element’s organ system pair, the Lungs and Large Intestine, and practice that which we observe in nature: letting go. 

Along with your seasonal acupuncture tune-up, consider these 9 self-care tips for a healthy fall:

1. Practice letting go.

   Come fall, we may feel the weight of excess accumulation from the summer in the form of mental and physical clutter. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, it’s time to shed what no longer serves us. Whether it means cleaning out a closet, winding down a relationship, or ending a habit, finding ways to let go will help ease the transition into fall.

2. Protect your neck.

   In Chinese Medicine theory, “wind is the cause of 1,000 diseases”. Wind enters the body at the back of the neck, and causes conditions that develop quickly, like colds, flus, headaches, and sore throats. Temperature fluctuations that are typically seen this time of year make us even more susceptible to wind. Remembering to wear a scarf or hoodie offers extra protection against wind invasions.

3. Practice deep breathing.

   The Lung organ system is most active during fall- who doesn’t love taking deep breaths of fresh, crisp autumn air? Deep, cleansing breaths are necessary for stress release, clear thinking, and proper physiological functioning. Deep breathing exercises stimulates lung qi, which contributes to a strong immune system and an uplifted spirit. Tip: include chest opening essential oils like pine, eucalyptus, grapefruit, or frankincense into your breath work practice.

4. Do some grief work.

   Grief is part of the qi of the season and the emotion associated with metal and the lungs. It’s natural to feel some sadness this time of year. There is decay in nature, and a strong sense of letting go as nature prepares for new life. Acknowledging feelings of grief and creating a practice around it will allow feelings of sadness and loss to move through in a healthy way.

5. Connect with what inspires you.

   Inspiration is the yin to eliminations yang. While the theme of fall is to let go, inspiration is an important virtue of the metal element. The job of the lungs, after all, is to “inspire”! Whether it’s revisiting a book or podcast, going to the art museum, or picking up your yoga practice, connecting with what inspires you will support the spirit of the lungs and help you feel uplifted during the shorter days to come.

6. Sip on spices.

   The flavor associated with the fall is “pungent”, which means aromatic and spicy. Pumpkin spice lattes and chai teas fall under this category. Spices likes cinnamon, ginger, clove, and anise help clear the lungs from congestion and phlegm, open the airways, and stimulate proper respiratory functioning. It’s important to keep the lungs strong as they are the first line of defense against illness.

7. Eat well.

   So long, salads and watermelon! Eating raw, cold-natured foods during the cooler months contributes to damp accumulation, which feels like congestion, heaviness, and lethargy. It’s time for nourishing soups, stews, and stir-frys. The color associated with fall is white, so try including white and spicy foods like scallions, leeks, horseradish, onion, and garlic into your cooking.

8. Soothe dryness.

   The climate associated with fall is dryness. While the lungs mostly prefer to be dry, too much dryness disrupts proper lung functioning. Chapped skin, a scratchy throat, and dry nasal passageways are signs of lung dryness. To nourish the lungs and keep the membranes healthy (which is essential for optimal immunity), make sure to stay hydrated (this is easily forgotten when days are cooler). Other ways to soothe dryness: sip honey in hot water, take elderberry or black cherry herbal syrup, eat mucilaginous (slimy) foods like okra and eggs, use a humidifier, and lather up with almond or coconut oil.

9. Get organized.

   Who enjoys shopping at the Container Store as much as I do? Ok, maybe the thrill of new bins and desk organizers isn’t your thing. But if there’s a time of year to finally get things in order, here it is. The metal element thrives on structure and organization. Organization creates space for ideas, inspiration, and planning. For more on this, check out our related article: Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Tidy Up ( and Other Lessons from the Metal Element)

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Tidy Up (and other lessons from the metal element)

We’re all familiar with spring cleaning, but fall is a perfect time to de-clutter and tidy up! Here’s why:

Fall welcomes in the metal element phase. In Five Element theory, each element (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood) has special associations with particular areas of life, certain emotions, personalities, shapes, colors, seasons, and organ systems in the human body. Understanding the five elements allows us to bring harmony in our home and in ourselves. The metal element is all about a lesson in letting go.

The metal element represents transformation. Fall is a season of transition, the time in between summer and winter, when yang transforms to yin. You can see this transformation happening in the environment: leaves fall off the trees, and the days are shorter and cooler. Resonating with the energy of the season, it’s natural to feel that urge to transform our own living space, as well.

The power of metal is decrease. After the growth of spring (wood), the abundance of summer (fire), and the harvest of late summer (earth), we come to fall (metal), a time to decrease. When summer transitions to fall, we can feel the weight of excess accumulation in the form of mental and physical clutter. Decluttering our space will help to let go of excess and find levity in our space.

The metal element likes structure. Following the endless summer days, fall brings back routine and structure. The school year begins, summer travel ends, and its back to the day planner. The metal element thrives with structure, organization, and methodical planning. Now is the time to bring that metal energy into your home!

In her book “The Holistic Home”, Laura Benko explains that fall is a time of harvesting and gathering your ideas: “Use this time to prepare yourself for future goals like researching for a book, collecting ideas for redecorating, or planning a wedding or trip.” Decreasing clutter invites space that fosters ideas, planning, and preparation.

(Note: if you need some organizational or decor ideas, consider incorporating some metal element feng shui. The color of metal is white, and its shape is a dome. Incorporate items made of metals, rocks, and minerals into your home. Examples are bronze picture frames, stainless steel kitchen containers, white desk organizers, and geode bookends).

Grief is the emotion of metal. Fall is the season when the qi (energy) moves inward, and days become shorter and darker. Grief is part of the qi of the season: there is decay in nature, and a strong sense of letting go as nature prepares for new life.  Cleaning out our closets can allow feelings of sadness and loss to move through in a healthy way.

The Metal element organ systems inspire and let go. The lungs and the large intestine are the organ systems associated with the metal element and the fall season. The lungs are about inspiration, and the large intestine is about elimination.  Our lungs take in cleansing breaths and exhale carbon dioxide. The large intestine eliminates waste from digestion.  Both organs let go of toxins and absorb essential nutrients needed for life. 

Staying in sync with the seasons, we should bring this theme of discernment into our home come fall.  What is valuable, what is not? Consider the energetics of the lungs: cleansing, purification, and inspiration. Create a space that inspires you! Consider the energetics of the large intestine: elimination. Let go of excess and things that are no longer needed, and tackle spaces that make you feel weighed down. 

Chinese Medicine proposes that we should live in harmony and balance with the cycles of nature.  Fall is about shedding our leaves and letting go. If we resist or act counter to what is happening naturally in our environment, our body, spirit and mind can suffer. Benko explains, “de-cluttering your mind, body, spirit and home is essential to living life more fully. It’s easier to feel joy, to think with clarity, and to make your goals happen.”

We acquire a lot of material possessions during our lifetime. Many spiritual teachers recommend that people continuously let go and pass through life, contrary to our tendency to hold, posses, and hang on to things. When we hold on to things for too long, there is lack of movement and change, and the Qi (energy) in our home becomes stagnant and our personal energy can feel compromised.

Qi stagnation can feel like stress, frustration, or irritability. Particularly in the fall, if the movement of lunq Qi is impaired, this feels like asthma, shortness of breath, chronic coughs or colds, or chest tightness. Stagnant large intestine Qi can cause abdominal pain or constipation. Creating movement and space in our home promotes the healthy flow of Qi in our environment and in ourselves, and supports a balanced metal element.

Organizing, decluttering, and perfecting the home will come more naturally to people with more metal energy in their elemental make-up. Hello, Marie Kondo! But achieving a minimalist, highly organized space is not for everyone. The fall clean-up is more about cleaning out your closets, creating a space where you feel inspired, a space where you can BREATHE, a space that feels lighter, and a space that fosters the qi of ideas and creativity to flow.

Resources:

Benko, Laura. “The Holistic Home: Feng Shui for Mind, Body, Spirit, Space” (2016).

Hicks, Angela. “Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture" (2004).

Morris, Laura. “Clutter vs. Mess”: www.mindfuldesignschool.com. March 4, 2019.

The Spirit of the Small Intestine Acupuncture Channel

"The Small Intestine is responsible for receiving and making things thrive. Transformed substances stem from it."

- Su Wen, Chapter 8

In Five Element theory, each of the five elements has a correlating season and organ system pair. For the Fire element, the season is Summer and the organ systems are the Heart and Small Intestine. All of the body's organs represent "Officials", and each play an important role in keeping us physically, mentally, and spiritually balanced. 

In the Summer, the Fire element organs are the most active and therefore need the most attention and care. Here, the spotlight is on the Small Intestine- one of my favorite channels to use for clearing summer-related heat and dampness, and improving mental clarity, calming the spirit, and supporting digestion and gut health. She is small but she is mighty!

The role of the Small Intestine is to sort the pure from impure. 

This Fire element organ is a bit of an alchemist! It receives material and transforms it, and through the process of separation, sorts what to keep and what to discard. Everything we eat and drink passes through the Small Intestine and is transformed and sorted out through the process of digestion. Nutrients are absorbed into the blood and waste is eliminated. 

The Small Intestine’s ability to separate pure from impure also works on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. In our fast-paced world, our minds have a lot to sort out! With constant input from 24/7 headlines and social media feeds, we have to be able to sort out what serves us and what does not. We have endless decisions to make and a million ways our choices are being influenced. A healthy Small Intestine system gives us the ability to clearly see our choices and make decisions. It gives us the power to find a way to extract what's good and discard the rest. 

What do we take in and what do we leave out? What should we absorb, what to eliminate? Because the Small Intestine's job is to separate the pure from impure, it also has the important role of discrimination. But as we are constantly faced with so many choices and influences, this can become an overwhelming task for the Small Intestine to take on.

When overwhelmed, the job of the organ Officials become impaired. When the Small Intestine can no longer discriminate, people can become easily confused or indecisive. We can feel ambivalent, and not even be able to see what we are supposed to be choosing from. We can feel mentally foggy, unable to make decisions, or evaluating what to do next.
 

Similarly, the food we take in impacts the spirit of the Small Intestine. When overwhelmed with junk food and empty calories, the Small Intestine struggles to decipher what to keep as nourishment and what to let go of as waste. Our gut heath can become compromised, digestion impaired, and immune system out of whack. 

How can we support the spirit of the Small Intestine?

 The goal is not to go towards extreme purity (of food, exercise, water, spiritual practice, etc), as this also creates imbalances. The goal is to cultivate awareness, listen to our body, and strive for balance in our busy lives. Eating well, self-care, acupuncture, sleep, healthy boundaries, exercise, meditation… any of these practices will help support the spirit and health of the Small Intestine organ system.  

Here are some of our favorite acupuncture points to support the Small Intestine:

Small Intestine 4 (SI-4) “Wrist Bone”: Located on the wrist bone below the pinky finger, the Source Point of the Small Intestine is excellent for strengthening and calming all aspects of the organ. It improves a patient’s well-being and ability to separate pure from impure on all levels. It promotes peristalsis, supports a healthy gut lining, and stimulates the immune system.

Small intestine 5 (SI-5) “Yang Valley”: Located just below SI-4, the Fire point of the Small Intestine channel invigorates the Small Intestine and enables people to acquire greater mental clarity and calmness. It guides appropriate decision making, helping the Small Intestine to separate the pure from impure. This point also aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, and is effective for clearing heat and dampness from the body, 

Small Intestine 11 (SI-11) “Heavenly Ancestor”: Located on the center of the scapula (shoulder blade), this one of the most important spirit points on the Small Intestine channel. This point is used to help clear the internal mental and spiritual chaos of someone who has lost clarity and certainty. This point opens the chest and calms an anxious heart (the Yin organ pair of the Small Intestine). 

References:

Gumenick, Neil. "Spirit of the Points: The Small Intestine". Acupuncture Today, July 2019.

Hicks, Angela. "Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture". Elsevier Limited 2004.

It's All Connected: The Amazing Meridians

It may seem strange, at first, that when you get an acupuncture treatment for a backache we needle a point behind your knees, for a toothache we needle a point on your hand, or for gall bladder stones we needle a point on your foot.  

What makes it possible for points on the wrist to treat pain in the chest, or,  points on the back to treat the brain and mood disorders is a distribution network in the body called meridian systems. 

The meridians are like a giant web, circulating qi and blood throughout the body and linking different parts of the body together. 

Every organ has its own meridian, or channel, that traverses a certain area of the body. The flow of Qi in the meridians concentrate at certain areas- these are the acupuncture points. When needled, acupuncture points can regulate the way in which the body functions and has been shown to effect the electrical and nervous systems of the body, impact neurotransmitters, and reduce substance P (which is responsible for the sensation of pain).  

There are hundreds of acupuncture points located all over the body, from head to toe. How do we choose which points to use? 

Based on a person’s health history, chief complaint, tongue and pulse diagnosis (that’s a big, fascinating topic for another time!), and channel palpation (pressing along the channels to find areas of tenderness or pain), we establish a Chinese medical diagnosis and select a unique group of points that work together to treat the patient’s symptoms and their underlying cause. 

This is why acupuncture is a “root and branch medicine”. 

A treatment plan for a migraine may include points that stop pain and reduce tension (the symptoms, or "branch"), in addition to points that target the underlying pattern of imbalance, or root cause, such as Liver Qi stagnation. A treatment plan for allergies may use points to open the sinuses and stop sneezing (the branch) and strengthen deficient Lung Qi (the root). 

We consider which channels and organ systems are affected, and often chose local and distal points as part of your treatment plan. 

Remember: every part of your body is connected by the meridian system! 

Locally, acupuncture points can move qi and blood, stop pain, increase circulation and decrease inflammation at the site of injury or disease. Distal points will open the affected channels to move pain out, encourage circulation along the entire channel, and strengthen channel deficiencies.

The Gall Bladder meridian, for example, descends from the head and temples to the ribcage and hips, and then travels down the legs to the fourth toe. Needling Gall Bladder points on the feet can treat issues at the opposite end of the channel, like head aches, gall bladder disease, and rib pain. 

Each point has its own special action on the body, and each point works at both a physical, mental, and spiritual level. 

The location of the point, its associated organ system and meridian, and even its name indicates what that point can do. Acupuncture point Pericardium 6 (PC-6), is a point along the pericardium channel which begins at the middle finger, travels up the arm and ends at the center of the chest.

Anatomically, the pericardium is the membrane that surrounds the heart. In Chinese Medicine theory, the pericardium is called “the heart protector”. The name of this particular point, “Inner Gate”, refers to how the heart regulates its boundaries: what gets let in, what gets let out. The point functions to open the chest, stop chest pain, circulate heart qi and blood, and calm anxiety. It’s location over the median nerve at the wrist makes it a great point to treat carpel tunnel syndrome and other arm and wrist issues.

Acupuncture allows us to access our health and wellness from a holistic perspective. It acknowledges that everything is connected, and that it is possible to address multiple issues with one singular treatment!

Autoimmune Conditions + Chinese Medicine

Autoimmune disorders affect many individuals, posing daily physical and emotional challenges, sometimes to the point of disability. The spectrum of autoimmune disorders range from mild to severe, examples including allergies, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and lupus.

Under normal physiological functioning, our immune system protects us against harmful and toxic substances like viruses and bacteria. In an autoimmune condition, however, the immune system has an inappropriate reaction against healthy cells and tissues and attacks the body. Consequently, autoimmune disorders affect the bones, joints, skin, blood, and organs.

Doctors often will prescribe medications that provide symptomatic relief of inflammation and pain, as well as immunosuppressant drugs to control the immune system. Those with autoimmune conditions commonly experience fatigue and mental-emotional distress along with other physical symptoms.

As a holistic medicine, acupuncture is a very helpful ally in the treatment of autoimmune disorders because it addresses both the root of disease and the associated physical and emotional symptoms.

In Chinese medicine, autoimmune disorders arise when patterns of disharmony in the body cause the immune system to act out of balance. The goal of acupuncture treatments is to bring the body back into balance, alleviate pain, and strengthen and regulate the immune system. For those on immunosuppressant drugs, acupuncture becomes an important adjunctive therapy to encourage healthy functioning of the immune system in the long-term.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine also promote restful nights, which is essential for maintaining and restoring good health. Studies have shown that lack of sleep increases pro-inflammatory processes of the body that cause pain and inflammation, the major symptoms of autoimmune disorders. 

The Divergent Meridians

In Classical Chinese Medicine, your practitioners may choose to work with the Divergent Meridians, a channel system that is especially helpful for autoimmune disorders. The name of this system speaks to exactly what it does: the meridians “divert”, or re-direct, pathogens away from attacking healthy cells and tissues. Using this meridian system protects the joints, bones, and organs from the autoimmune processes.

In theory, the Divergent Meridians deal with our Wei Qi and our Yuan Qi. Wei Qi can be likened to our immune system, protecting and defending the body from disease and pathogens. Yuan Qi refers to our constitution, and the things that make up who we are: our DNA, genetics, and our vital organs.

Working at the Wei Qi and Yuan Qi levels, the Divergent Meridians represent the process of autoimmune disorders, where the immune system (Wei Qi) acts out of balance and threatens the body’s organs and vitality (Yuan Qi).

As a treatment option, the Divergent Meridians are a fascinating channel system and relate to the complex nature of autoimmune disorders.

Acupuncture for Emotional Balance

Chinese Medicine offers an opportunity to improve your mental and physical health and to help you understand how your physical and emotional symptoms are related.

With a strong treatment focus on the connection between emotions, stress, trauma, and physical pain, acupuncture effectively addresses general health, emotional, and psychiatric concerns. Acupuncture is a “root and branch” medicine, meaning it treats the symptoms of a disorder as well as its underlying cause.

In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions and mental functions are viewed as components of Qi (the body’s vital energy) and blood. There are acupuncture points along meridians located all over the body that affect the brain and mental activity. The goal of treatment is to correct the movement of qi and blood in the meridians and bring balance back to the mind, body, and spirit.

Acupuncture induces a relaxation response, has been shown to affect the nervous system, and positively impacts neurotransmitter activity. Acupuncture can also help regulate the hormones, immune system, digestion, nutrient absorption and metabolic activity as well as modulate the body’s inflammatory response, all of which, when impaired, can influence one’s emotional wellness.

Acupuncture can help treat a wide range of emotional and psychological disorders, from mild to debilitating, including:

Depression * Anxiety * Panic Attacks * Fears and phobias * Lack of motivation * Hopelessness * ADD/ ADHD * PTSD * Eating disorders * Addiction * Stress* Insomnia * OCD * Borderline Personality Disorder * Bipolar Disorder

Auriculotherapy and the NADA Protocol

Ear acupuncture, or auriculotherapy, is based on the principles of Chinese Medicine and is especially effective in the treatment of addiction, mood disorders, PTSD, and pain. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) developed a 5-point ear acupuncture protocol specifically for the treatment of addiction, which is used by more than 2,000 drug and alcohol programs today. We offer ear acupuncture to those struggling with addiction or an emotional crisis.

While acupuncture will not, of course, change the circumstances of a person’s life, it does provide a foundation for recovery and rehabilitation, in addition to empowering the individual to create change. Acupuncture can work synergistically with other behavioral therapies.