Early Autumn...Earth Time

Walking to the farmer's market as a humid wind carries the scent of a thunderstorm, I note that the Earth Phase is beginning. The ending of summer and the beginning of autumn is considered an energetic time in and of itself. It is the Earth Element or Phase. Some of the qualities of Earth are humidity, shorter days, the sun shifting lower in the afternoon sky, and the sweet flavor of ripening squashes and grains. The organ system is the Spleen-Pancreas/Stomach that is connected to nourishment of not only the body, but of spirit and mind. Earth Element represents the balance of yin and yang and is therefore connected with overall balance of our body, mind & spirit.

We’ve spent the Summertime in the yang element of Fire, stretching and moving, dancing and working, and now we progress along to Earth element feeling the strength of muscles and the embodied feeling of being grounded. In Fire time fruit develops, the creativity ripens, the heart laughs joyfully and energy expands.  As we transition into Earth time the sweet fruits of tomatoes, squash and apples have ripened. Our imagination and creativity is harvested and manifested as form. Joy shifts deeper into caring, empathy and thoughtfulness. Earth Element represents the mindful adjustment of the yang that came before (Wood & Fire) and the yin that we are preparing for (Metal & Water). We have experienced the joy of what keeps us centered and now we pay attention to nourishing ourselves and our community & environment.

​Sloughing off stress and maintaining balance is a necessity in this fast and overstimulating culture. The Earth element is about restoring and maintaining our balance. Acupressure is a form of care that engenders balance. Getting acupressure and bodywork is not a luxury but a wise act of loving for the body, mind and spirit. Please consider an acupressure treatment for yourself, or as a gift for another. You deserve it.