In this philosophy our bodies are affected by our internal and external environments. Certain organs are more affected by different times of the day, seasons of the year, weather, emotions, diet, etc. This system of healing's concepts are based in that to maintain optimum health in ones life comes from maintaining balance and keeping a harmonious communication with nature. To stay in tune with your deepest self is to stay in touch with nature.

In Oriental Medicine philosophy there are actually 5 seasons, with late summer being considered a season of its own. Late summer relates to the "Earth" element, a time which marks the shift from the outward expression of spring and summer, to the inward focus of fall and winter. You may become more vulnerable to sickness at this time of a noticeable environmental energy shift, due to the seasonal change. By learning to adapt to external changes while you recognize your inner experience, you learn to maintain your health.

Your internal Earth element encompasses the emotional component of feeling "grounded", "centered" or "whole". Adaptability, relaxation, deep breathing, preparation, and faith represent a nourished internal Earth element. Too much worrying or dwelling on issues, resisting change, nervous eating, shallow breathing, reliance on bad habits and apprehension may show that this element needs support.

Yellow is the color that represents the Earth element. Wearing yellow clothes may actually support your energy at this time.

Too much humidity in weather can weaken this internal element.

The mouth is the sense organ for the Earth element. Swelling, cracking or peeling present around the mouth may show an internal imbalance.

An imbalance in the Earth element may also show up as muscle stiffness, infertility and problems with digestion.

Clarity in diet can see you through many external problems and seasonal transitions. In Oriental Medicine theory, the Earth element manifests itself in humans as the organs of the spleen and stomach, which rule digestion. Eating habits are key to keeping your digestion working efficiently. Diet effects your work, productivity, personality and sleep. Eating well can allow all the basic forces of the universe to combine in a form that can be used by our human body.

Here are a few tips to support good digestion/your Earth element, as you move into the colder months:

• This dietary approach is one that takes into account that the foods that will make you the most healthy will be from your local environment, eaten according to the season of the year and your individiual needs.
• Bitter foods, such as parsley and dark green leafy veggies aid digestion
• Chamomile tea can eliminate stomach gas.
• To avoid indigestion, avoid sugar right after a meal
• Eat melons alone (20 minutes before a meal , or 2 hrs afterward). Melons can cause gas if eaten with other foods.
• Eat dairy foods/ milk alone (20 minutes before a meal , or 2 hrs afterward)
• Stick with 1 protein food per meal
• Have at least 50 - 70% of your diet be vegetables, for antioxidants, fiber and a good ph
• Avoid eating proteins foods such as meats, dairy or fish with carbohydrates such as breads, grains, beans and potatoes at the same meal.
• Now is the time to eat a little more healthy fat than in spring and summer.
• Millet, dates, and beef are nourishing foods for this element