The Earth Element of Chinese Medicine
By Dr. Matthew Lyon, DC, L.Ac

The earth element is often depicted as the center fulcrum of the 5 elements, around which all of the other elements exist. The earth is the central grounding energy of life for the rest of the manifest experience of life. In general, this was a common idea for early agrarian Chinese cultures as well as early Native American cultures. The earth element is ultimately responsible for utilizing and processing all sources of sustenance and nutriment. In this way, our very potential to realize our destiny in life is made possible. From quantum physics we know that most of what we call the universe is actually empty space of pure potential. The earth element is the matter created by that space.

The organs associated with the earth element are the stomach and spleen. In Chinese Medicine, both of these organs allow us to take the food we eat, air we breathe, and the inherited energy we are born with and efficiently distribute to all aspects of our body, mind, and spirit. Imbalances in the earth element typically show up as a breakdown in this functional process. Psychologically, the earth element deals with our capacity to experience true empathy and caring for all life forms. Spiritually, the energy associated with the earth element, called yi, is the intention that directs all movement.

The highest virtue of the earth element is the selfless renunciation our self-centered need for comfort towards a more inclusive and integral life focused on others. Within the earth element, our raison d’etre transforms from wanting freedom and comfort for selves to wanting freedom, health, happiness, and evolution for all beings. When the earth is out of balance, we prefer comfort more than it wants radical wellness.  When the earth element is balanced, our capacity to create a healthy and wholesome future is unlimited.

I have often seen earth element imbalances present as problems with food, eating, and nourishment. Bulimia, anorexia, and obsessive-compulsive activities around eating reflect an imbalance in the earth element. When we sense a lack of nourishment within, we often look outside ourselves for something “to fill us up.” Most diets will, statistically speaking, fail. When the earth element is balanced, many diets can become much more effective. Many digestive problems can be alleviated when the earth element is balanced.

An imbalanced earth element can be very insecure and display excessive worry, over concern, and a neurotic tendency to try to take care of and fix those around them. Although well intentioned, this kind of behavior often drives people away. When the insecurity of the earth element combines with excess amounts of sympathy, we see the manifestation of obsessions, excessive thinking, and nightmares. Co-dependency, a very real addictive process, has its roots in an earth imbalance.

For the earth element to be balanced, we must have a daily practice of centering. In general, we should begin each day with a period of no less than 20 minutes of centering to help establish a centered and grounded course throughout the day. Only when we are deeply rooted in our center can our activities be grounded and resolute.

5 element Acupuncture is an unparalleled and powerful tool in which to create more balance and authentic wellness in our lives.

Dr. Matthew Lyon is a practitioner of 5 element acupuncture and Network Spinal Analysis. Dr. Lyon’s book and other articles can be found on his website at www.drmattlyon.com. He is in the process of opening an integral healing center in Charlotte, NC

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