Finding Your Centre
Nurturing the Earth Element in Qigong for Stability and Wellbeing
Have you ever felt unsteady, overwhelmed, or disconnected? In Qigong, nurturing the Earth element or phase can help you find stability and a deep sense of wellbeing. The Earth literally provides support and stability — it is our foundation. In Qigong, the Earth phase is associated with transition and transformation. It’s the energy that helps us receive nourishment, process it, and turn it into something that sustains us — physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Earth in the Body: Nourishment and Stability
In Chinese medicine, the stomach and spleen are the organs connected with the Earth phase. Together, they govern digestion — transforming food into energy and vitality. Your stomach and spleen work together to transform what you take in — not just food, but also your experiences and emotions.
While in Western medicine the spleen is part of the lymphatic system, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it plays a more central role. Paired with the stomach, it supports not only digestion but also how we process experiences, information, and emotions.
In TCM, the spleen and pancreas are sometimes referred to together as the “spancreas,” symbolising their shared role in nourishment on all levels.
Earth in the Mind: From Overthinking to Steadiness
The Earth spins steadily on its axis — a perfect symbol of groundedness. When spleen energy becomes imbalanced, our minds can spiral into overthinking, worry, and rumination.
We digest far more than food — the news, social media, conversations, advertising, and music also pass through our mental “stomach.” Without time to process, we may feel mentally cluttered and ungrounded. Strengthening the Earth element helps bring the mind back to balance.
Earth in Our Routines: The Power of Rhythm
The Earth element thrives on stability — and in turn, stability nourishes it. After the lively yang energy of summer, the shift into a steady daily rhythm can be deeply restorative.
Linked with self-care and caretaking, Earth energy helps us hold centre amidst the demands of life. When balanced, we can care for others without draining ourselves. When out of balance, we risk overwhelm and exhaustion.
The stomach and spleen offer stability — and are themselves nourished by stability. After the excitement, travel, and activity of summer, returning to a daily routine can feel like a relief.
If you’re interested in exploring this seasonal shift further, you might enjoy my earlier reflections on late summer’s bounty and inner nourishment in Nurturing Intention: Exploring Late Summer’s Bounty. In that article, I share thoughts on slowing down, reconnecting with the earth, and nourishing ourselves deeply in this transitional season.
Top Tips for Supporting Your Earth Energy
Move regularly – Gentle, consistent movement like Qigong supports digestion and energy flow.
Find a rhythm to your eating – Regular mealtimes nourish both body and mind.
Keep a supportive daily routine – Flexible but consistent, with space to rest.
Don’t take on too much – Protect your energy by saying no when needed.
Reset through shaking – A simple Qigong technique to release tension and reconnect.
Reflections for the Earth Phase
How much stability do you have in your life right now? What would help you feel more grounded?
How easy is it for you to give? Do you have healthy limits?
How easy is it for you to receive? Is there balance between giving and receiving?
The Earth element reminds us that stability and care — for ourselves as well as others — are the foundation for growth and transformation.
💡 Explore the Earth element in practice through my Moving with the Elements course, weekly Qigong classes, or monthly seasonal Qigong and relaxation sessions.
Further Reading
Nurturing Intention: Exploring Late Summer’s Bounty — deeper reflections on late summer’s nourishing qualities, mindful slowing down, and reconnecting with the earth. Read more here.
Image by Image by Ute Sievers from Pixabay