5th Season is our Indian Summer- The Gut "2nd Brain" for a healthy abundant life
In the west, we know of the 4 seasons, or the 4 elements. In the Chines Traditions and TCM, as well as Natural med. and a few others, the is a 5th season, to go with the 5th element.
Late summer/Indian Summer can be related to the TCM element of Earth & acts as a turning point for the hot, active, Yang (male) energy of the spring & summer into the cooler, storing, Yin (female) energy of the fall and winter. Note: now many know male- female, yin -yang is based on balance)
Late summer/Indian Summer can be related to the TCM element of Earth & acts as a turning point for the hot, active, Yang (male) energy of the spring & summer into the cooler, storing, Yin (female) energy of the fall and winter. Note: now many know male- female, yin -yang is based on balance)
This is also a great time of the year to start or restart a meditative practice. Most of us spend a lot of time “in our heads”—planning, organizing, thinking, and worrying. This constant mental processing can impede digestive function, as the Earth element is our processing centre. A weak digestive system can make us feel foggy-headed, and an overanalyzing, worrying mind can impede our assimilation of food. Spending time outside of our mind chitter-chatter can help us to become more nourished, both literally and figuratively.
Because of the Earth dual processing role—of thoughts and of food—make sure to focus on eating when you are eating rather than multitasking work, TV, or deep emotional conversations (light and enjoyable talk is fine) with mealtimes..
The Spleen energy also relates to the muscles. Muscles need to be used, not abused. Contract & movement balanced with stretching & relaxing. There is no “bad” time to exercise, however if your intention is to say Hello to your Gut (your 2nd brain or 2nd chakra or 5th chakra) meditation by just sitting in a chair with feet on the ground and breathing with intention to your desired area of healing or mindful eating - times of day related to these TCM organs are 7-9 a.m. and 9-11 a.m., respectively. With a changing world, this may be an out dated view however the accents seemed to be right all along about many things. The important note is to communicate with your body mind spirit complex. Your more than just a walking skin bag. Becoming aware or conscious has never been the easiest rode..looking within, to have access to your own information is priceless. The sound that most resonates with the Earth element is your own voice in song. Don’t worry if you were not meant to have a singing career; enjoy singing out loud to help relax your mind and lift your spirits. You might enjoy chanting, and kundalini yoga is a great supportive yoga for this season.
Because of the Earth dual processing role—of thoughts and of food—make sure to focus on eating when you are eating rather than multitasking work, TV, or deep emotional conversations (light and enjoyable talk is fine) with mealtimes..
The Spleen energy also relates to the muscles. Muscles need to be used, not abused. Contract & movement balanced with stretching & relaxing. There is no “bad” time to exercise, however if your intention is to say Hello to your Gut (your 2nd brain or 2nd chakra or 5th chakra) meditation by just sitting in a chair with feet on the ground and breathing with intention to your desired area of healing or mindful eating - times of day related to these TCM organs are 7-9 a.m. and 9-11 a.m., respectively. With a changing world, this may be an out dated view however the accents seemed to be right all along about many things. The important note is to communicate with your body mind spirit complex. Your more than just a walking skin bag. Becoming aware or conscious has never been the easiest rode..looking within, to have access to your own information is priceless. The sound that most resonates with the Earth element is your own voice in song. Don’t worry if you were not meant to have a singing career; enjoy singing out loud to help relax your mind and lift your spirits. You might enjoy chanting, and kundalini yoga is a great supportive yoga for this season.