Hello lovely people

Welcome to the Late Summer Newsletter!

According to the Chinese 5 Element System, Late Summer is the time of the EARTH Element. This season is like a pause between the YANG seasons of Spring and Summer, and the YIN seasons of Autumn and Winter… A time for gathering strength and energy ready for the cooler months, and for reflecting with satisfaction on the months just gone by.

Earth energy is very grounded, nourished and centred, with solid roots and emotional stability; in our Late Summer Yoga practice we aim to embody these qualities.

It’s my honour to share these wonderful practices with you.

Love and light

Rachel

The organs of Late Summer

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!

We can optimise our digestion by:

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)
• In your yoga practice try slow sequences which build strength, and are repeated for feelings of calm and steadiness.

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.