Yoga news from the Season... a roundup of what's happening

In the Chinese 5 Element System, each element is associated with a pair of organs (1 Yin and 1 Yang). The Earth element’s organs are the Stomach and Spleen, with the Pancreas as part of the group, but not having meridians of its own. 

In Chinese Medicine these organs are considered to be the main organs of digestion, although in Western medicine the Spleen is more associated with the Immune system. Because this approach works on all levels, their functions are also about us digesting and processing ideas, thoughts and emotions, as well as nutrients. 

When the Earth element and Stomach/Spleen energy in our bodies/minds/emotions are balanced, we feel relaxed, adaptable and grounded., with steady emotions. Our food intake is balanced, as is our approach to work. We have a strong but not over-bearing sense of self.

If this element is out of balance, we may experience fatigue, weak digestion of all kinds, excess weight or eating disorders, low self-esteem.

The emotion associated with out of balance Earth energy is WORRY or over-thinking. Think about how worry is often associated with digestive upsets!

To nourish our Earth element we can optimise our digestion by:

• Eating our main meal when the Stomach/Spleen energy is at its highest – which is 7-11am (so no skipping breakfast!)
• Chewing our food properly (digestion starts in the mouth)
• Eating in an unhurried way in a calm & relaxed atmosphere
• Avoiding refined sugars which cause “dampness” in the body (and overtax the pancreas)
• Not drinking with our meals, as this dilutes our digestive juices.
• As the weather cools a little, starting to eat fewer salads and raw food.

What do we mean by “refined” sugars? We mean sugars which are processed, nutrient-poor and found in foods such as sweets, biscuits, cakes, jams, ice-creams, jellies and many soft drinks. Loosely speaking white carbohydrates are also sometimes described as refined sugars – these include white rice, bread and pasta, all of which have a similar effect on your “blood sugar” levels and are also highly processed.

Other Ways to support your Earth Element:

• Go out for regular slow walks – get your bare feet on the earth!
• Sit and read or study something new – a good time to digest information
• Plan nourishing meals made with seasonal foods – naturally sweet foods such as millet, sweet potatoes, carrots or squashes are especially good, and have a grounding effect on the energy.
• Exercise regularly to keep your lymphatic system moving (important for immunity)

If you feel light-headed, agitated or unsettled lay down on the ground, facing the Earth, rest your forehead on your arms and breathe. Allow the Earth to support you for a few minutes before slowly rising. If you can do this outdoors, it’s even better

New! – Seasonal Sundays!

Immerse yourself in Seasonal practices! These luxurious 2-hour sessions take place on the LAST Sunday morning of each month in Letchworth. Expect Seasonal Qigong, Yoga Flow, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra or meditation.

Everyone is welcome, whether you are a regular in my classes or not. Message me to book in to the next session 😊