Each of the Elements has a direction; north, south, east and west creating the four directions. Earth is in the middle or center of the four directions. The four elements fire, metal, water and wood are all of the earth; so earth is the center of each element. Earth is our center as well. Earth is the Spleen and stomach, right in the middle. The stomach is thought of as a furnace. The heat or metabolism of the stomach process’s food finer for the body to extract the vitality from it and send it to the spleen for further processing. The spleen, which is actually the spleen, pancreas and to some extent the liver. Is involved with the transportation and transformation of food essence into blood and chi. Both of these processes involve a tremendous amount of the bodies energy to work optimally. We need to protect this metabolism and keep it from becoming “cold”. Constant nagging from acupuncturist to avoid cold drinks, and to balance cold foods with warming ones, is to preserve this metabolism.
The action of the stomach should be downward. We want our food to go down. If not we suffer from acid reflux, burping and bloating. The spleens energy conversely needs to be upward. Sending food essence to the lungs to mix with chi or oxygen and become blood. When the spleens chi becomes weak due to devitalized food or irregular eating habits. It can no longer send adequate amounts of food essence to the lungs. We then become weak, tired and eventually anemic and chi deficient. Over thinking will damage the spleens chi. Being stuck in our head we are no longer centered in earth. In fact the amount of energy it takes to worry and over think is not taken into account much in the west. Of course over indulgence in alcohol and other drugs, including so called medicine from western medical doctors. Will do serious damage to the spleen and stomach and your bodies ability to create energy.
Modern people are not very grounded to the earth. Consequently we suffer many ailments related to the earth element. Diabetes, ulcers, anemia, high cholesterol, obesity, bad skin, the list goes on and on. Many of these “diseases” do not even exist in poor countries. We are tied to our belly’s because we have a lot of choice. Today many people do not even cook much for themselves. Feeding our selves and enjoying it is one of life’s finest pleasures. Somehow nowadays folks tell themselves that the are to busy. To busy working to buy more things. Things that will inevitably get in the way of being closer to earth. Earth is all about being satisfied with being and with what really is! Earth demands we live our life simply in a attitude of gratitude and togetherness. Otherwise before you know it. You are in your car in a hurry to do something for some boss, in line at a drive thru. Some kid with acne is asking you if you want to super size. Then down the road you go faster than the earth would have you go. Dripping catchup on your new shirt from the french fry hanging out of your mouth. Take good care of your spleen and stomach and they will take care of you by providing adequate energy for the other internal organs to do their job. Good food, enough sleep and regular acupuncture treatment. Will insure your stay here on earth is filled with the energy and joy you deserve. lapazacupuncture.com
