Do too many activities leave you craving peace and composure through sweets or alcohol? You may find a healthier response in the benefits of knowing the Earth Element.
This is the true Yin energy that balances the fast-paced, very active Yang energy that much of our society has let become the norm. A hectic schedule adds to the imbalance.
The solid, stable Earth energy is comfortable and grounding. Providing a framework like a mother’s arm, she is the still and silent connective force of creation before manifestation.
How wonderful it is to tap into this peaceful place that Buddhists often strive in meditation. Beyond the busy thoughts of the mind is the deep knowing that we are truly one made from the same energy.
But how can this deep concept be practical in your life? The simplest response is “slow down”. Do you eat too fast? Are you making many superficial, judgmental or sarcastic remarks? Do you take on too many activities? Are you always in a hurry to do something or go somewhere? Are you getting into accidents?
“Yes” answers signal it’s time to relate to the Earth element. Take advantage of the times throughout the day when you don’t have to be “on”. A waiting room, a long line at a store, or sitting in traffic provide opportunities to slow down.
Slowing Down
Check in with your deeper sense of self. Breath in and out of the nose as slowly as possible. See if you can hold the breath a few seconds before inhaling and before exhaling. These are the Yin still points.
If you can, touch your knees and imagine being rooted into the Earth like a tree receiving nourishment from the fertile soil. Feel the grounding Earth energy travel up into your body and relieve and stress.
You can also try to feel or visualize the Root Chakra opening. This chakra comes out of the body at the area between the genitals and anus. Then it funnels out to the Earth. It may take some practice to open and keep open this chakra as the demands of most life-styles keep us in our heads.
Ignoring pain for too long will accumulate and manifest in the form of a disease or an accident. Often people are forced to slow down into the Earth energy after an accident or poor health. The key is to know and use Earth energy before this happens.
Earth Treatment
A Polarity Earth treatment provides a safe space for you to experience your body as the foundation for your soul to have Earth experiences. Often this earthy comfort level allows you three possibilities: feeling deeper emotions, having releases and experiencing spiritual insights.
Described as a place of surrender and just being, Yin is the opposite of the active Yang. You can surrender your deepest, darkest fears, as well as your greatest joys. Several clients have felt comfortable enough in the Earth treatment to have a mystical experience such as a vision or insight.
The Earth treatment involves connections between the Earth element body parts and energy lines. Problems with the neck, colon or knees can also indicate a need for an Earth treatment.
Craving Sweets
In Polarity Therapy, craving sweets is a sign of needing more Earth energy and minerals. Food grown below the Earth’s surface is generally sweet and full of minerals. Your body really wants minerals, not sweets.
Think of magnesium the next time you crave chocolate. Natural cocoa contains magnesium, a mineral that helps prevent PMS and muscle soreness. Most processed chocolates found most commonly in our stores have the magnesium removed from the cocoa during preparation.
Additionally, most chocolate is full of sugar. Sugar is a fake Yin energy boost that weakens the immune system and later leaves the body drained. Then the body craves to be grounded with minerals, but too often gets the empty sweets instead – an unhealthy cycle.
Solution
To prevent cravings, take more minerals in the form of supplements and foods grown in the Earth. Sweet potatoes and carrots help satisfy a sweet craving and your body’s need for some minerals. A warning with carrots: do not eat them alone or make it the first bite of your snack or meal. Like sugar, carrots can raise your blood sugar too high if eaten as described.
Minerals ground us with the essentials for nerve responses, muscle movement and body fluid regulation. Excreted daily from our bodies, minerals need to be replaced.
Trace minerals keep the brain, muscles and nerves functioning. An inexpensive way to get trace minerals is by eating sea vegetables (seaweed). Sea salt is superior to regular salt for mineral content and electrolytes.
Because most of our soil has been depleted through repetitive use, much of the produce grown no longer contains the nutrients that were present years ago. For many life-styles, mineral supplements are the answer.
Calcium helps prevent PMS and osteoporosis. Often a good supplement of 1000 milligrams or more is needed for effectiveness.
Chromium picolinate is a mineral that helps regulate blood sugar and prevent the need for raising blood sugar y eating sweets. Diabetics and dieters can benefit from chromium picolinate. Nutrition and health books will offer additional mineral recommendations.
So challenge yourself to create a space for the calm, wise energy of Mother Earth.
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