The Earth Element in Oriental Medicine – Late Summer in Ireland
Late Summer is a season many of us forget. We rush from the brightness of midsummer into the cool winds of autumn, overlooking this gentle golden pause – the season of the Earth Element in Oriental Medicine.
In Ireland, this time is marked by abundance: hedgerows heavy with blackberries, potatoes lifted from the soil, orchards ripening with apples, and gardens giving their last bursts of colour. It is the season of harvest, nourishment, and grounding – when the land, and our bodies, remind us of the importance of balance and centre.
What Does the Earth Element Symbolise in Oriental Medicine?
In Five Elements and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Earth Element is associated with:
Nourishment & Digestion – both of food and of life experience.
Stability & Balance – being centred and grounded, rather than pulled in every direction.
Care & Compassion – the ability to give and receive support with ease.
When the Earth Element is strong, we feel steady, well-nourished, and connected.
When it is out of balance, we may notice overthinking, worry, fatigue, digestive upset, or feeling ungrounded.
In everyday life, supporting the Earth Element might look like:
Sharing wholesome meals like stews or fresh bread with family.
Taking slow walks in the fields, forests or along the coast.
Giving gratitude for the harvest, for what we already have, instead of always rushing ahead.
Creating moments of rest before the busy season of autumn arrives.
Everyday Practices to Nurture the Earth Element
If you’re feeling tired, anxious, or stuck in your head, Late Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with Earth energy.
Eat warm, seasonal foods – root vegetables, grains, soups, and lightly cooked meals nourish the digestive system.
Practice mindful eating – slow down, chew well, and savour each bite.
Spend time in nature – grounding yourself by the sea, in the fields, gardens, or woodland paths.
Gentle acupressure, tapping and meditation – bringing awareness back to your body’s centre.
A Gentle Late Summer Ritual
With a warm cup of tea (chamomile, nettle, or peppermint), sit quietly, place your hands on your navel. Imagine the soil beneath you, steady and fertile. With each breath, feel gratitude for the harvest in your life – both the food on your table and the richness of your experiences.
This is the invitation of Late Summer and the Earth Element: to pause, savour, and return to centre before the winds of change carry us into autumn.
Supporting Your Health with Acupuncture in Galway
At Element Acupuncture, I work with the rhythms of the Five Elements to support balance, energy, and wellbeing. Whether you are navigating digestion issues, anxiety, menopause, or stress, connecting with the Earth Element can bring stability and renewal.
✨ If you’d like to explore acupuncture or acupressure for grounding, digestion, and emotional balance, you can book an appointment here.