Jennifer Strilchuk

The Organs of the Earth Element – Spleen and Stomach​

The Earth Element is associated with the Stomach and Spleen. In Chinese medicine, these organs work together to support digestion, nourishment, and the transformation of food into usable energy throughout both body and mind. Physically, the Stomach receives and breaks down food, while the Spleen transforms these nutrients into Qi and Blood that nourish the muscles, tissues, organs, and immune system. Energetically, the Spleen and Stomach help digest information, emotions, and life experiences. They support clarity of thought, the ability to process what we take in, and the steadiness needed to feel centered and grounded as we make sense of our experiences.

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The Season of the Earth Element – Late Summer​

The Earth Element is associated with Late Summer, the season of ripening fruit and golden harvest. It is a time of abundance when the efforts of Spring and Summer come to fruition and we reap the benefits of our crop, gathering and storing for the seasons ahead. A good seeding in spring leads to a bountiful crop in summer, culminating in a rich harvest in Late Summer. The quality of this harvest depends on the health and harmony of all the elements working together throughout the year. This transitional season marks the pause between the fiery outward energy of Summer and the inward turning of Fall. As the days begin to shorten and nature prepares to shift, the Earth Element invites us to take stock, celebrate the fruits of our labor, and digest the fullness of experience. It reminds us to slow down, return to our center, and let the sweetness of life settle into body and mind.

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The Emotions of the Earth Element – Worry​

When Earth energy becomes imbalanced, worry and excess sympathy can take over. Thoughts begin to loop, cluttering the mind with rumination, overthinking, and self-doubt. Emotional caretaking can replace self-care, and we may feel overly responsible for others or struggle to maintain clear boundaries. This can leave us feeling mentally heavy, depleted, or ungrounded. When Earth energy is balanced, worry softens into thoughtful consideration, allowing us to reflect with intention rather than spiral into overwhelm. Excess sympathy transforms into empathy grounded in trust and contentment, helping us care for others without losing ourselves. In this balanced state, we feel clear, centered, and nourished by life.

 

 

 

​​The Spirit of Earth – Yi – Intention​

Each Element carries a spirit that shapes how we think, feel, and move through the world. In Chinese medicine, the organs are not only physical systems; they are also homes for these spirits. For the Earth Element, that spirit is the Yi. The Yi resides in the Spleen and Stomach and is the part of us that helps things “make sense.” It takes what we learn, feel, and experience and transforms it into understanding. It supports intention, thoughtfulness, and the ability to move through life with grounded awareness. When the Yi is strong, we can focus, organize our ideas, formulate intentions, and follow through on them with embodied devotion. It offers a quiet inner clarity that helps us recognize what is truly nourishing and guides us toward choices that support our well-being. When the Yi is unsettled, that clarity becomes harder to access. Thoughts may feel scattered or heavy, and it can be difficult to focus or know where to begin. We may take in more information, emotion, or responsibility than we can comfortably process, leaving us mentally weighed down or overwhelmed. In this state, intention loses its anchor, and it becomes harder to move from knowing into doing.

 

 

 

​​​​​Signs of Stress or Imbalance

When worry, rumination, or overthinking persists, Earth energy can become disrupted, causing Qi to stagnate or “knot” in the Spleen and Stomach. This may show up through a range of physical, emotional, and energetic symptoms.

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Emotional:
Overthinking, rumination, excessive worry, insecurity, dissatisfaction, or feeling unappreciated. 

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Physical:
Digestive discomfort (bloating, heaviness, belching, acid reflux, nausea), loose stools or undigested food in stools, food cravings or poor appetite, eating disorders, muscle weakness or heaviness, chronic fatigue, brain fog, knee pain, menstrual irregularities, anemia, easy bruising, phlegm, prolapses, or water retention.

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Energetically:

Feeling ungrounded or over-responsible, difficulty saying no, people pleasing, weak or unclear boundaries, over-nurturing, over-sympathy, or emotional detachment.

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Balancing the Earth Element can help: Strengthen digestion, improve energy and concentration, support emotional stability, and cultivate a deeper sense of nourishment, belonging, and resilience.

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Ways to Cultivate Balance in the Earth Element

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• Eat warm, cooked, grounding foods. Root vegetables, whole grains, squashes, yams, soups, and lightly sweet fruits help nourish the Spleen and support steady, comfortable digestion.

• Begin your day with breakfast between 7–9 a.m. This is when Spleen and Stomach energy is at its peak. A warm, nourishing meal during this time helps stabilize your energy and focus for the entire day.

• Limit foods that weaken digestion. Excessive raw foods, sugar, dairy, and greasy or highly processed meals can burden the Spleen and contribute to heaviness and stagnation.

• Avoid coffee on an empty stomach. Eating something first helps protect your digestive system and prevents mid-day energy crashes.

• Eat in a calm, centered state. Pause, breathe, and create a peaceful atmosphere around meals so your body can properly receive and process nourishment.

• Establish steady daily rhythms. Consistency around meals, sleep, and gentle movement supports grounding and creates a sense of stability and inner continuity.

• Simplify your environment. Clearing physical and mental clutter supports clarity, reduces overwhelm, and allows energy to move more smoothly.

• Reduce information overload. Take intentional breaks from screens, social media, and constant stimulation to give your mind space to digest and integrate.

• Move through tasks slowly and intentionally. Steady, focused action strengthens your ability to stay organized, present, and grounded.

• Practice receiving support. Allow others to help you when needed. Healthy reciprocity nourishes the Earth Element and restores balance.

• Nurture your mind. Journaling, meditation, or quiet reflection can ease worry and restore clarity.

• Receive regular acupressure sessions. Acupressure is an excellent way to support the Earth element, especially during the transition into late summer. Seasonal sessions or ongoing treatments can help support healthy digestion, emotional stability, and the smooth flow of Qi through the Earth Element.​​​​​