Winter...getting back down into our essence!

            Living Within the Cycles of Nature – Winter

 The Earth in our hemisphere is now in the Season of Winter….
dive deeply into Essence - Yin Time

 In accordance with The Five Element Theory in Chinese Medicine:
Element of Water…Color…Dark Blue – Black … Emotion …Fear
Organ System: Kidneys – Bladder (Kidney Adrenals)

 As the Yang has been consumed by Yin, all of the plants and trees now lay dormant in our eyes, they have returned to the Mother (The Earth) for rest and rejuvenation in order to build the enormous amount of energy into the roots from which they will be creatively expressed as new life (re-birth) in the Spring.  Human kind also should follow this same cycle, but “modern” man does not as we have “evolved” into this Yang – external creature that does not allow us time for rest and rejuvenation. We are all part of this detachment from the cycles of nature since we all (or the majority of us) live and work within the same framework of society.

 However, this evolution has left many of us in a physical, emotional and spiritual deficit.

 Some of the ways that we can re-align our internal rhythm with nature is to observe, SLOW down and follow the patterns being instructed to us if we only stop to listen.

 We must nourish ourselves on all 3 levels:

 First, on a Physical level; by eating foods which come straight from Source, whole nourishing Full Sweet foods such as: Moderate amounts of Grass-fed animal proteins, certified organic free-range hens and eggs, whole grain brown rice, abundant green vegetables (especially long leafy greens), root vegetables and Omega 3 oils (Fish Oils).

 During the Winter all foods should be cooked. However, some raw foods may be indicated depending on the individual’s constitution or current imbalance. Yes, this is the time for heartwarming soups!

 Make certain that you move everyday, moderate physical activity is an important component to vital health.  Our Qi must flow smoothly in order to be without illness.

 Second, on an Emotional level ; by acknowledging the special being that you are and realizing that loving yourself is the first and most important step for optimal wellness. Your stability within yourself will pay forward to all beings that interact with you.

 Third, on a Spiritual level; when you connect with Spirit/Universe you are connecting with your own Psyche or Soul. Take the time to Meditate.

MAKE the time to slow down!  This can be done in so many ways:

Walk in Nature (but bundle up!)

Being with family and those you love.

Start your own practice or take classes. This can be expressed in a Guided Meditation Group, Yoga (there are various types of practices), Qi Gong, Tai Chi or simply by being with friends who share your vision or are of kindred spirit.

Lorraine Hughes, RH (AHG)
Empowered By Nature

www.EmpoweredByNature.net

Earth!

The Earth is the CENTER of our very being.

Innisfree - photo by Lorraine Hughes

Living Within the Cycles of Life – Late Summer to Mid-September – Earth

We are presently into Late Summer (or Long Summer) which is the time period through the middle of September when the Spleen/Pancreas and Stomach, the Organs of the Earth Element should be functioning at optimum level. During the early part of transitioning into this elemental season there may be a lot of people suffering from digestive upsets.
The Earth Element represents our source of Post-Natal Energy, this energy is generated from our ability to discern, assimilate and digest food and life efficiently and from beneficial sources. Also known as Gu Qi or Grain Qi. The Earth Element directly interacts with ALL of the other elements of; Metal, Water, Wood and Fire, especially during the last two weeks of every seasonal change.
The Stomach is the Husband (Yang) with its downward energy, and its Wife (Yin) the Spleen/Pancreas has her upward energy is raising the Qi. The Color is Gold or Yellow and the expressed negative emotions are; worry, brooding, obsession, sympathy and nostalgia. A prolonged time period of remaining in these emotional states will literally weaken our ability to assimilate life on all levels. Thereby resulting in nutritional deficiencies and lack of self esteem. In other words, not being within our own core and our power. This Element is ruled by the house of thought, focus or intention. called Yi (ee). The energy of the Spleen normally rises, it sends the Grain Qi to the Lungs, “holds” the organs in their place and controls the Blood.

When Spleen energy is deficient; hemorrhaging, anemia, fatigue, easy bruising, prolapsed organs and bleeding issues may result. When the Blood is made vital from optimal assimilation of food and thought then the muscles, flesh and limbs have strength. This energy opens to the mouth and manifests on the lips. Deficiency may result in a poor appetite, sweet taste in the mouth and pale, dry lips. The Spleen likes dryness and loathes Dampness, so digestion is impaired by eating the dampening foods such as; sugars, cold drinks and juices, raw foods, processed and refined foods, cereal, dairy and the over-consumption of starches. These foods hinder the Spleen’s ability to transform and transport Fluids. Too much dampness may manifest as; urinary problems, vaginal discharges, abdominal distention, phlegm (mucus) and “brain fog”. The Stomach oversees fermenting and churning food and must maintain an internal temperature of 100 degrees F. Cold drinks and foods will impair the Stomach’s digestive fires and weaken its ability to process food efficiently. Therefore, we must learn to adjust with and to the prevailing energy of the season. Preparation and awareness to the state of constant change will assist us when we alter the types of foods in order to thrive throughout our transitions. Depending upon a person’s constitution, at this time of year foods should be warm and nourishing. These foods should be incorporated with warming and digestive herbs and spices such as; fresh ginger, citrus peel (dried) known as Chen Pi and cardamom. Some tonic herbs are; ginseng, eleuthero, astragalus, lotus seed, hoelin and disocorea (Chinese Wild Yam). Yes, I know at the time of this writing it is hot and humid, but we must start to incorporate some of these types of foods into our diets for if we continue to ingest too many cold, sugary and raw foods the likely result of weight gain will manifest in the fall, along with other issues such as seasonal allergies.
Try to reduce excessive sitting, get up from your desk at work periodically, take a 15 minute walk after eating. Maintain a daily exercise regimen. In addition, there are many Qi Gong exercises that one can do to help assist you if you cannot get out and walk at lunch time or need to move your Central Qi. The Holistic perspective for vital health and a happy life originates in the gut. The Earth is the CENTER of our very being, just as the Earth (Mother Earth) nourishes all life that is on this planet. Being nourished on ALL levels means that we are able to take on the world, BE in our own body and soul, and in our own power. The empowerment of our ability to discern and assimilate will always serve us and will enable differentiation from that which does not serve, this is our connection to self and the universe, they are inseparable.

Lorraine Hughes, RH (AHG)