Thoughts on the Season….

Centeredness.

Earth.

Calm mind.

This season of Late Summer is associated with the Spleen and Stomach, the Earth element, the directionality of center, the color yellow, and compassion.  Presently, we find ourselves between Summer and Fall.  The Spleen Qi/Energy is what sustains us through transitions.  We are always looking to support the Spleen as we move from one season to another.  This whole season is a transition; so the Spleen is ready to shine! To keep that Qi shining, we want to nourish our Spleen Qi.  Spleen Qi is reflected in both our digestion and our mind.  In Chinese medicine, they are very closely inter-related.  When we are digesting and assimilating both our food and our emotional experiences well, then the mind is calm and clear.

Finding time to sit in stillness, meditation, on the Earth is a powerful way to nourish Spleen Qi.  We can feel into the pause of transition.  This process keeps us centered in ourselves and allows time and space for digesting the circumstances of our lives.

There is also a proclivity for Dampness to set in at this time of year.  There is a lot of humidity which can be challenging for the Spleen….it hampers the flow of Qi.  Burning moxa on acupuncture points is potently effective at transforming Dampness.  We can review which points would be most indicated for you.  I am equipped to send you home with moxa you can burn yourself.  This process helps improve sluggish digestion, foggy headedness, and joint pain, AND the smell of the burning mugwort (moxa) calms the mind!

On the topic of compassion, it is our Spleen Qi that allows us to hold space for another, to truly care about someone else’s experience.  Robust Spleen Qi keeps our boundaries intact, not losing touch with our sense of self as we empathize with others.

The author Brene Brown eloquently states on this subject,

”Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded.  It’s a relationship between equals.  Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others.  Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”

Enjoy Late Summer!

🌼

Sally Robinson, L.Ac.

828-545-2288

whitepineacupuncture.com