Until studying Chinese Medicine I had only known about four seasons.
But late Summer, or the 5th season, is becoming my favourite time.
I start to honour this time by changing how I eat and recognising my energy. How I should be nourishing myself.
This blog post is designed to give you some guidance as to how you could change to adapt to this season. To support your Earth element.
In Chinese Medicine, the Spleen and Stomach are the Yin and Yang organs of the Earth. Both these organs are the foundations for the production of Qi, through the foods that we consume.
We really are "you are what you eat"!
So, how can you support your Spleen through food and activity?
It is important to me that I offer you suggestions that you find do-able and/or low cost.
Grounding - allows us to physically connect with the Earth. I often just stand on the ground with bare feet (although I have two dogs, so I do have to be careful)! Grounding has been shown to benefit stress levels and decrease pain and inflammation.
Stretching - I love stretching when I wake in the morning. I will, time permitting in the morning, use Zen Flow Yoga's YouTube channel for some yoga.
Massage - I enjoy a massage. However, they are often a treat as opposed to a necessity. Why do I not value my own health more? But, here are some techniques that we can do
Kindness - who doesn't like being kind. To yourself and to others. I encourage this all year round!
Food - below are some foods that nourish the Spleen and this season. In Chinese Medicine, we always encourage people to eat seasonally and to suit their individual needs. Whilst the sweet flavour is considered to be the centre of our diet, an excess of these foods can produce damp and phlegm within the body. Everything should be balanced.
Obviously depending on where you are in the world, this might not be your time to eat these foods. But if you are, do you start changing how you eat. What do you eat?
I hope you have found this blog post useful to give you some ideas as to how to adapt to this change of season.
As always feel free to get in touch with any questions!
Your fave acupuncturist!
Andrea
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