17 January, 2023

January 17th can be just a date to you. However, in the Five Element tradition, it is the first day of transition from Fire/Summer to Metal/Autumn in the southern hemisphere (and from Water/Winter to Wood /Spring in the northern hemisphere), which will last until February 4th. It is transitional phase, that of the Earth Element. Here in Australia, we can observe the sun rising a little later and the sun setting a little bit earlier every day.

This late summer season is the time for reaping what has been growing during summer and is now ripe for harvest. Many plants and trees look like they’ve worked hard and need a rest, cooler weather, and some water. They’ve done their job and can enjoy the still warm but not scorching hot weather. Fruits are ready to be picked and their seeds ready to be planted into the ground, waiting for the next season to do its part.  

What we perceive in nature is transferable to us. We have spent the summer socialising, meeting with friends, having BBQ’s and picnics, going to the beach. We have built relationships on the outside and have given a lot of ourselves in the process. Now is the time we might want to slow down. The Earth is subject to gravity. What goes up must come down. We may start to feel tired and in need of some self-care. It is time to regroup and find our centre, and to ground ourselves, both physically and spiritually.

In terms of organs, the Earth element concerns the Stomach (yang energy) and the Spleen (yin energy). Both organs are … in the centre of the body. The balance of both meridians promotes better digestion, better lymphatic function, and a more balanced giving and receiving relationship. We give ourselves the tools to achieve what we dream of.

The Stomach is a major yang organ as it is one that nourishes all the others. This is where it all begins. It receives food, transforms it for the Spleen to transport its essence throughout the rest of the body. The energy of the Stomach is descending, and the energy of the Spleen is ascending. When Stomach meridian is unbalanced, we may have trouble digesting, but also finding content and nourishment in our life.

The Spleen is the organ that distributes energy and fluids throughout the body. If it is malfunctioning or if its energy is weak, a person may feel fatigued with low energy and a feeling of heavy legs. As a matter of fact, legs and ankles may be swollen from sluggish lymph circulation, which is also the responsibility of the Spleen.   

The spirit of Spleen is called Yi. It is responsible for that intention and action that will allow to develop our dreams and visions. It generates trust that if we put in the work, there will be an outcome. When the Spleen meridian is unbalanced, and the Yi is disturbed, we lose focus and start overthinking and worrying and we are consequently ungrounded and dissatisfied.

When Both Stomach and Spleen are balanced, we feel centred and grounded, and find the energy within us to move forward with our intentions. It is an action conducing state of the body and spirit. We are able to give, but also receive love to the fullest.

The gifts of the Earth Element when in balance are numerous:

My favourite gift is that of Grounding; feeling that connection to Mother Earth and that I am a part of this energy. We are unique individuals, all part of this collective of Energies making up our Natural World.

If the Five Elements were represented by a wheel, the Earth Element would be the centre. It is the axis around which the other four Elements exist. It is neither a yin or a yang energy, but a bit of both, or maybe a balance, or maybe even neutral. As the centre of the wheel, it is evident that the organs of the Earth Element would be Spleen and Stomach, at the physical centre of our body.  

How can you reach balanced Stomach and Spleen? How can you support your Earth Element and strengthen it to optimise your wellbeing and be the best version of ‘yourSelf’?

Five Element Acupressure addresses exactly that.

Start by adding more yellow in your life. Yellow is the colour of the Earth Element, just like that of a ripening grain. From there, follow the earthy colours we know, such as orange and brown, and all their spectrum of shades. you can wear yellow or other earthy colours, you can eat yellow, such as bananas, lemon, mango, sweet corn….

Then check out my website, book an appointment online , or call me. You’ll see how good you feel after one treatment. I can also show you some Qi Gong moves that you can do at home