The centeredness of Earth: enjoy late summer's golden harvest with acupuncturist Ciel Walko.

The ancient sages who developed Chinese medicine understood everything as an embodiment of the elements Earth, Fire, Metal, Water and Wood. They believed that each element has certain unique characteristics, and that each person demonstrates "one of the elements very strongly, which is then considered their constitutional type.

According to Chinese medicine, in the late summer we move in phase with the Earth element. A person with a strong Earth constitutional type may have a yellow tinge to their complexion and a singsong sound to their voice. Dampness is a climactic influence for Earth types and may cause edema, swelling and bloating. Secondary problems with the mouth, saliva production and sense of taste may arise, and those with Earth imbalances will often notice heavy or achy muscles, dull headaches or weight gain.

Earth corresponds with two organ systems: the stomach and spleen/pancreas. It is important at this time of year to support these systems so that we may experience the transformational benefits this particular cycle brings.

THE STOMACH--MINISTER OF THE GRANARY

The main function of the stomach is to process and transport food. Stomach problems include indigestion, acid reflux, not being able to "stomach it," and an inability to integrate with what is coming into one's internal environment or difficulties integrating into a larger context.

THE SPLEEN--MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSFORMATION

From a traditional Oriental medicine perspective, spleen imbalances manifest as lack of appetite, excess gas and bloating, loose stool or constipation, anemia, muscle/joint aches or weakness, lack of focus, cold hands, fatigue, organ prolapse and weight issues. Functionally, we can include the pancreas in this picture, so sugar-handling problems and an overall inability to convert food to energy and to mobilize it appropriately are of concern. Insulin resistance can have far-reaching effects on adrenal hormone balance that can strongly impact sex hormones, thus greatly affecting reproductive balance as well. A healthy gut is crucial for maintaining proper production of the neurotransmitter precursors for serotonin, and mood stability and immune system health all depend on a healthy inner terrain. Spleen deficiency correlates with various medical syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic allergies, autoimmune syndromes, diarrhea, gastric or duodenal ulcers, Crohn's disease, anemia, chronic hepatitis, diabetes, hypoglycemia and insulin resistance.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL IMBALANCES

In addition to problems directly related to the stomach and spleen, mental and emotional imbalances may occur during the Earth phase. Be on the watch for the tendency to have eating disorders, addictions or obsessions with filling needs in other ways through unhealthy relationships, boundary issues, unhealthy sympathetic resonance, rather than a healthy empathy, and the inability to give or receive nurturance.

NATURAL SUGGESTIONS TO SUPPORT YOUR EARTH

Seek appropriate medical care if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms. Consult someone trained in herbal and nutritional remedies for additional support. Also, look to the foods you are consuming and your emotional state.

FOODS

Try raw or lightly steamed veggies and green juices in small amounts, soups and casseroles with yellow and orange root vegetables, like squash, carrots, potatoes and turnips; rice or oats in moderation; organic chicken, turkey or beef; peaches, cherries, strawberries, figs, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper. Avoid citrus, too much salt, tofu, dairy, seaweed and sugar, as well as using ice in beverages, as it dampens the stomach's metabolic fire.

SPIRITUAL EXPRESSION

If you feel you have a mental or emotional imbalance as you move through the Earth phase, ask yourself these questions to stimulate the seeds of thought and move from being "stuck in the mud" to a place of movement and fruition:

* What seeds have been planted this year?

* Are you enjoying an abundant harvest, or is it drought-ridden and deficient?

* Have your attitudes, thoughts, words and actions been productive? Or, do you need to do some pruning?

* Can you remain centered in the midst of chaos?

* Are you a stabilizing influence?

* Can you give without expecting to get?

NURTURING OUR EARTH

A comprehensive all-levels approach would include nutritional, bioenergetic, structural, emotional and psychological support. A critical aspect of regaining optimal wellness, and a challenge for some, is the ability to take responsibility for our own health. While it is useful to have a health care team to guide us, we still need to do our part to make the necessary changes.

As we become healthier, we find that we are able to respond not just physically, but to maintain healthier boundaries, to be able to integrate larger thoughts and ideas, and to incorporate and transform our thoughts and feelings so as to move not just molehills but mountains in a way that empowers ourselves and those around us.

HEALING WITH ESSENTIAL OILS DURING THE EARTH PHASE

* To help alleviate nausea, indigestion, queasiness or motion sickness, combine peppermint, lemon and ginger essential oils. Diffuse in the atmosphere or rub a drop diluted in carrier oil on the stomach.

* To support the spleen/pancreas and help soothe muscle aches, decongest the lymph, improve circulation, uplift and energize, calm the mind and aid memory, blend lemon, pink grapefruit, rosemary and frankincense. Then add six to eight drops of the blend with a carrier oil and massage into sore muscles.

Ciel Walko L. Ac. Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM) CTN is a licensed acupuncturist and certified naturopath and can be reached through HealthShareNetwork at 828-243-4993, [e-mail], or www.healthsharenetwork.com.