What do Mother Earth and your digestion have in common? The answer is receiving and nourishing. Taking in nutrients and reciprocally nourishing surrounding organs and tissues is the epitome of health and is mirrored in nature. When we follow the lead of Mother Earth, our health exudes vitality.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a beautiful and simple theory to understand how nature and our health are tied together, thereby forming a general guideline, that when followed, fosters health. The theory is referred to as the Five Element Theory. The five elements are Earth, Wood, Fire,
Water, and Metal. Of the five, it may be argued the Earth element, which corresponds with the digestive system, is the center of health. When the digestive system is balanced, a person will experience the direct digestive benefits of a good appetite, energy after eating, and regular bowel movements. One may also experience emotional contentment. From there, the rest of the mind, body, and spirit will benefit.
When out of balance, the body will produce “dampness” which is a sluggish and turbid quality in the body. This may lead to arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, foggy thinking, depression, over-worrying, etc. Here are five easy steps to cultivate a healthy and balanced Earth element/digestion:
1. Eat and choose “medicines” that come directly from the earth. If it is processed, chemically
derived, or genetically changed, your body may not know how to process it correctly.
2. Eat according to the seasons. Our bodies are naturally programmed to digest vegetables
and meats when naturally harvested. For example, eggs are more appropriate to eat in the
springtime, raw fruits and vegetables in the summertime, and root veggies in the fall and winter.
3. Avoid too many sweet, fatty, spicy, and cold foods (they weaken digestive function).
4. Learn the art of receiving.
5. Worry less, love more.
In our society, we have gotten away from nature, making it challenging to recognize what is natural and what is man-made. By honoring nature, we honor our health!