Exploring Chinese Medicine: Nourishing The Spleen Meridian
In the northern hemisphere we are in the time of the Earth element, of late summer and harvest.
Think hues of soft yellow and orange, with a little coolness in the air reminding us to gather what we need to see us through the coming winter.
The Earth element consists of the Stomach and Spleen meridians - the Yang and the Yin.
After such a big year of upheaval, huge changes in the world and much unrest, now is the perfect time to offer yourself some extra nourishment to see you through the next seasons.
The Spleen meridian has a number of different meanings for me, including purification, faith in the future, and the sweetness of life. It also holds the capacity for overall Qi (energy) in the body - so it is an essential element of good self-care to look after your Spleen meridian.
PURIFY
Where do you need to purify an aspect of your life?
It could be making changes to your diet to shift it into a healthier way of eating - more vegetables and wholegrains, shopping locally, choosing organic food.
Purification can also be about simplification. What’s too complicated, or where do you need to make your life simpler?
Photo by optische_taeuschung
FAITH
Worry eats away at your energy and has a negative impact on your Spleen meridian. Try a different method - writing a journal, going for a walk, doing some exercise, talking to a good friend, praying.
Be aware of what and how much news media you are seeing and consuming. Sometimes the kindest thing for yourself is to close down all those tabs, switch off the TV, and go outside into the fresh air. Remind yourself that the world continues to turn and tune into nature for a sense of calm.
SWEETNESS
Enjoy the true sweetness of life - the warmth of connection with others, the joy of simplicity, the wonder of the natural world. Smell the flowers, listen to the birds.
Take in each moment and savour it. Feel gratitude for the simple things in life and direct your attention to what really nourishes your spirit and soul.
STRENGTHEN
For optimum energy, we need to strengthen the Spleen meridian. There’s nothing more that the Spleen loves than stretching out on the warm Earth enjoying the last of the summer sun’s rays. Be like a cat - stretching, resting, relaxing, soaking it all in.
Other ways to nourish Spleen energy are eating fermented foods like kombucha or sauerkraut. Miso soup is warming and nourishing for the Spleen, as are oats, quinoa, legumes, most nuts and seeds.
GROUND
The Earth element is of course, all about connecting to the ground and your body.
So, choose any way you like to get grounded - walking barefoot in the garden, practicing yoga, mindful breathing, gardening… and this is a great youtube video “Qigong Flow to Get Grounded”
To work with Bryony contact bryony@creativesoultherapies.com