The transition into the harvest time and the Earth Element reminds us to take some time, step back, and Earth Element pumpkinsenjoy the season. Not that it’s too difficult for me. I’ve always loved this time of year. I call it the dog days of summer. For someone who is often busy and can easily over schedule, I have no problem soaking in the last warm days and relaxing. I like to sit around and watch the tomatoes ripen. (Well, they’re ripening for me but they’re in my greenhouse so don’t feel bad if yours aren’t.)

My family and I headed out to Remlinger farms today for some U pick pumpkins, corn maze ,and the whole meal deal. It spit rain, but we were  more soaked in sun and it was even too warm for coats! When I really should have done something else, it was the perfect thing to do to regain balance. The crisp air and typically funny extended family time left a lot to be thankful for.

Questions to ask yourself: Are you content this season? Are you able to harvest what has been sown? Are your relationships reciprocal? These are all important measures of the health of your earth element.

How’s your digestion? The Chinese Spleen and Stomach are in charge of the storage and movement of nourishment and relate to the Earth element.  Imbalances here can result in diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, low energy and more.

Keep your Earth Element in balance by eating your food lightly cooked. Raw food is difficult for your body to process because it must expend energy to first “heat” the food up. It’s also important to chew your food so that your body can break it down more easily. Enzymes in your saliva are an important first phase in your digestion.

Earth Associations: Color: Yellow/ brown  Smell: Fragrant  Sound: Singing  Emotion: Worry/ Over thinking

Do your Earth element a favor, call to schedule a seasonal acupuncture tune up, be grateful and sing!!!