Late Summer is the season, according to Chinese Five Element Theory, that corresponds with the element of Earth. On the east side of the country we welcome this last burst of energy and call it Indian Summer. Here on the west coast we continue to plug away through the fog and I notice lots of digestive complaints arising in my clinic.
This time of year it is important for us to give pause and come to center. “Center” is the direction that corresponds with the Earth Element and the digestive organs stomach, spleen, and pancreas represent this in the body. It is a passing season that is worthy of our attunement, and when we don’t pay it any attention the digestion goes kaput.
The Earth Element embodies divine nourishment and abundance.
Some of the ways that we can attune with Late Summer is through the flavor sweet and the colors yellow and orange. Cook abundantly with spaghetti squash, golden pumpkins and sweet potatoes in the garden awaiting harvest. Sweet potatoes, yams and winter squash are what are known as a “full sweet.” These types of sweets tonify your digestion and help dry mucous and gunk residue from food that your body can’t digest. Many people today have lost touch with the sweetness of life. A full sweet is one that nourishes on the deepest level and satisfies the body’s need and desire for sweet. Empty sweets never satisfy this deeper craving and leave us robbed of vital nutrients.
Also important this time of year is to WARM UP THE DIET. Lay off the smoothies and cold beverages of summer. Start adding warm rice cereal for breakfast and soups at lunch time. This gives your poor, overworked digestive system a break! The Earth Element in harmony enjoys diverse relationships and is able to set goals and achieve them without distraction. On the other hand, individuals who have an Earth Element imbalance may be chronically tired, lethargic, lack mental clarity and be compulsive, constantly worrying or obsessing over things. They typically have weak digestion, a dulled sense of taste and abdominal bloating. Blood sugar imbalances are common.
One of the best ways to increase digestive qi from a western point of view is with carminative herbs, digestive bitters and digestive enzymes. Carminatives like garlic, cinnamon, ginger and caraway warm the digestive system. Digestive bitters like dandelion, gentian and yellowroot help to clear congestion and stagnancy. Digestive enzymes can be bought in supplement form and work wonders.
Acupressure Points:
4 Doors: These 4 points surround the navel and pinpoint the stomach organ, large intestine organ, and “Sea of Qi” a point below the navel to raise digestive energy. I use this combo frequently to open the digestive tract and allow for the free passage of nutrients and waste through the abdomen.
Formulas:
Si Jun Zi Tang or “4 Gentlemen” or works to boost qi, rectify the center, and fortify the spleen and stomach. This formula is commonly used alone or added to other formulas to address the root condition of qi deficiency often manifesting as gastritis, enteritis, anemia or diarrhea
Curing Pills, or basic Chinese Digestive enzymes. These you can pop after a big meal or symptomatically to relieve reflux, bloating, gas. They work like a charm and are found in most Health Food Stores. A definite for your at-home medicine cabinet.
Li Zhong Tang or “Ginseng and Ginger Combination” works to warm the center, dispel cold, supplement qi, and fortify the digestive organs. This formula addresses nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, full abdomen with no desire to eat, diarrhea, and some childhood digestive disorders.
