The Earth Element: Transforming Worry into Peace

Have you ever noticed how your mood and digestion are closely connected? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Earth element is all about nourishment, stability, and support. It’s linked to the stomach and spleen, the organs that turn food into energy and help us feel grounded.

When the Earth element is balanced, life feels stable and grounded, like standing on solid ground. But when it’s out of balance, we might worry excessively, crave sweets, or feel heavy and tired.

When the Earth Element Is in Balance 🌱

You may notice:

✨ A healthy appetite and smooth digestion

✨ Energy that lasts throughout the day

✨ A calm, steady mood

✨ Mental clarity and focus

✨ A natural sense of empathy and generosity

It feels like your body and mind are being nourished from the inside out.

When the Earth Element Is Out of Balance 🌪️

You might experience:

⚡ Bloating, indigestion, or poor appetite

⚡ Fatigue, especially after meals

⚡ Sugar cravings or emotional eating

⚡ Overthinking, worry, or feeling mentally “stuck.”

⚡ A sense of heaviness in the body or mood

This is the body’s way of saying it needs a little more grounding and support.

Simple Ways to Support the Stomach & Spleen

• Eat warm, cooked meals → think soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.

• Favour natural sweetness → root veggies, sweet potato, squash, dates.

• Take your time to eat → sit down, chew well, and enjoy the moment.

• Gentle movement → Tai Chi, Qigong, or a calming walk outdoors

• Connect with nature → gardening, walking barefoot on the grass, or simply pausing to breathe in fresh air.

Stomach & Spleen Meridians

Here’s a simple diagram to help you visualise where the energy pathways run in the body:

• Stomach Meridian → begins just under the eye, travels down the face, chest, and abdomen, then runs along the front of the leg, ending at the second toe.

• Spleen Meridian → starts at the big toe, runs up the inner leg, through the abdomen and chest, and ends at the side of the ribcage.