Right now where I live, we find ourselves well into the season of Late Summer. As I write this, a summer storm has barrelled through and all I can hear is pouring rain!
Late Summer is a time of Dampness – humidity and heavy rains – that can overwhelm the Earth element and the Spleen, which is the organ system related to digestion and fluid metabolism. As the external environment is heavier with Damp at this time, it is also easier for our internal environments to become unbalanced with respect to Damp. This can lead to:
• digestive upsets, “gastro”, loose stools, poor appetite, nausea
• weight changes, fluid retention, swelling, bloat, reflux
• fatigue and foggy thinking
• lethargy, heavy body
• aches & pains, sore joints
• phlegm & congestion
• decreased motivation, low mood
• oily skin, acne
• feeling worse with rain, wet weather or lack of sun
This is not an exhaustive list AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to note that these symptoms can be reflective of Damp at any time of year, not just Late Summer. It’s just that this is a time where these symptoms are even more commonly seen.
Luckily, Chinese Medicine has developed simple diet and lifestyle tweaks that help us flow in harmony with the seasons – including this time of Dampness. First, let’s learn a little more about why the Spleen, Earth element and digestion are so affected by Damp and the Late Summer season.
The Spleen is ruled by the Earth element
Like the ground beneath our feet, Earth has a consolidating energy and supports us upon a solid foundation. It governs the season of Late Summer, the phase of transformation. A strong, healthy Earth absorbs and assimilates rain, while a weakened Earth can become bogged down and overwhelmed with Damp.
The Earth governs the season of Late Summer, and also rules Spleen and Stomach – as our ability to digest and assimilate nutrients is the firm ground upon which we build our health. The Spleen is also responsible for healthy fluid metabolism, transporting fluids to where they need to go, and supporting the elimination of those in excess. When the Spleen is weakened, we can end up with waterlogged with excess fluids, swelling, phlegm, congestion, and so on.
The Earth also governs the Yi 意 (logic / thought / sustained intent) – this is our ability to “digest” information and life experiences, and when out of balance, can lead to excessive mental rumination results in the emotion of worry, or receptive / obsessive thoughts. Excessive mental work and worrying can also drain the Spleen energy.
Earth desires to be solid, firm, well-drained and well-boundaried. If it is insufficiently solid, one can lose one’s edges, or feel unsure or unsupported by self. If Earth is overly Damp, we can feel heavy, weighed down, brain foggy and sluggish.
Nourishing and supporting the Spleen
Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to consolidate your Earth element, fortify the Spleen and move Damp. These are things like:
• choose cooked and warm foods and drinks
• add digestion-boosting herbs and spices
• chewing well and creating boundaries around mealtime (no eating at the desk!)
• focus on one thing at a time
• practicing gratitude and basking in the abundance of the season
• starting to slow down as we head towards the cooler months
• ground feet on the earth
• walk – or any rhythmic slow movement
• meditate
• try some roasted root vegies
• choose yellow foods (yellow is the colour of Earth)
• practicing a grounding breath to drop into “rest-and-digest” mode (parasympathetic mode) which can be so helpful at this time of year.
For more detail on nourishing Earth and Spleen, sign up to my newsletter (scroll down for signup form) to receive a free eBook on Ancient Wisdom for Nourishing Health.
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