Harvesttime

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, one way of conceptualizing the cosmos is through Wu Xing, "Five Elements" sometimes called the "Five Changes" (to give a better sense of the dynamism of the concepts). They are Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire. Each corresponds to a different organ and its related body functions, season, flavour, colour, emotion, and many other aspects of life. Reflecting on the Five Elements as we move through the seasons of the year can help us understand the energetics that become dominant in the different seasons, the disease processes we can become vulnerable to, and how to stay in balance with nature throughout the year.

The months of August and September are Late Summer, or Harvestime. In the Five Elements, they correspond to the Earth element. It is a time when the bounty of the earth comes to full fruit. The farmer's markets are bursting with pumpkins, apples, corn, sweet potatoes and plums, filled with the sweet flavours and rich golden yellow colour that characterize the Earth element. It is a time of transformation, as we shift from the open, sunny, active time of high summer, to the cooler, more inward focus of the fall and winter months. For many of us, there is a sense of possibility in the air, as we return to school, or return to projects with a newfound energy.

The Earth element also corresponds to the emotion of 'worry' sometimes translated as 'overthinking.' Students certainly know that worry and overthinking come to the fore at this time of year, but for all of us, the end of a carefree summer, and anticipation of the stresses of the holidays and obligations can make worry an unpleasant habit at this time. Acupuncture, herbs, and the chinese movement arts of qi gong, as well as meditation practices from every tradition, can be powerful in keeping our minds calm as we deal with stress and worry.

According to Chinese Medicine, the transformative energy of change in Late Summer is one we can 'harvest,' along with the rest of the season's gifts. If you have been considering making a lifestyle change towards health, this is an ideal time to do it - don't wait for January 1st!

Be well! Zay gezunt!