These days, there’s plenty to worry about. Yet here we are, in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s season of Worry. In TCM, it’s commonly understood that as natural beings, we’re affected by our natural environment including the season we’re in. As we sit squarely in Late Summer (late July to mid-September), we recognize the season’s impact not only on our body but on our emotions, as well.
Pay close attention to Worry this season. This can look like over-thinking or focusing too much on a particular topic, as well as self-doubt, insecurity, confusion, projection of responsibility and blame, insomnia, martyrdom, resentment, frustration, and anger.
The impact of Worry on the body typically lands on our digestive system – the organs that process and digest information. And, with so much to ‘digest’ this year, we’ve been seeing more worry, fatigue and digestive issues than usual. However, pandemic days or not, Worry can wreak havoc on our body with digestive and appetite disturbance, IBS, abdominal pain, bloating, and distention.
Late Summer’s Energetics
Ruled by the Earth element, Late Summer represents the core of the body, balance and neutrality. When the Earth Element is in balance, we’re able to nourish ourselves and those around us; we give and receive appropriately; and we’re strong, vibrant and able to think clearly.
When the Earth element is out of balance the body is weak, muscles become soft, we carry extra pounds, and our digestion is out of whack. We may also become ingratiating, cloying and overly nourishing to the point of smothering.
As acupuncture works to help bring the body into balance, we of course recommend coming in for a session when you start to notice the season’s impact on body, mind and spirit. However, there are other mindful modalities that you can do at home to help keep your worry (and digestion) in check:
- Keep busy. If your mind is occupied on something productive, the overactive thinking subsides. Do some chores inside or around the house, such as laundry or gardening. Find a hobby you enjoy and put forth all your energy into it. Read, write, paint – whatever you do, let it help bring creative energy flowing throughout your being.
- Create structure around the worry. Concerned about money? Make a budget. Overthinking food choices? Stick with a simple plan such as no added sugars this month or booze only on the weekends. Eliminate overthinking by putting structure in place.
- Reframe and breathe. When you come to a worrisome situation, take a step back and breathe deeply. Try to look at the situation from a different perspective. Remember, no matter how you slice it, there are always two sides.
- Notice what you’re ingesting. Not just in the foods that you eat, but in all that you experience. Ask, “does this serve?” Try to connect with people, media, experiences and senses that serve you well during this season.
