The calendar tells us that the Autumn is here, but we all feel that we are still transitioning from Summer.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this Late Summer is a special season, associated with the Earth energy.
The Earth Energy and its associations as described in Daniel Reid's "A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung" are as follows:
Universal Macrocosm
Color: Yellow
Flavor: Sweet
Climate: Damp
Hours: 1-3, 7-9 a.m. / 1-3, 7-9 p.m.
Development phase: Ripening
Direction: Centre
Activity: Stabilize
Human Microcosm
Organ Yin: Spleen
Organ Yang: Stomach
Vital function: Digestion, lymph, muscle
Bodily secretions: Saliva
Emotion: Obsession
External apertures: Lips, mouth
Life cycle: Maturity
Healing sound: Hoo
Tissue: Fat, muscle
Psychic and Personality Traits
Energy Type: Moderating
Ability: Negotiation
Mental preoccupation: Detail
Obsessions: Manipulation, loyalties, security
Tendencies: Comfort, company
Emotional need: Being needed
Psychic fear: Confusion
Virtue: Faith
Emotional Weakness: Obsession
The two basic transformation cycles were mentioned before:
Creative cycle (sheng):, or generative cycle, in which one energy stimulates and amplifies the next: Water generates Wood, which generates Fire, which generates Earth, which produces Metal, which completes the cycle by creating Water.
The control (ke) or subjugative cycle, whereby one energy impedes and reduces the activity of the next: Water impedes Fire, which reduces Metal, which impedes Wood, which reduces Earth, which completes the cycle by impeding Water.
