According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the stomach, spleen, and pancreas are organs which take their energy from the Earth element. They are the organs most affected by the Late Summer Season. This season traditionally runs from August 16th through September 22nd, the first day of fall, and corresponds to the season when fruits and vegetables are at their ripest. Late summer is the beginning of harvest time, trees are heavy with fruit and vegetables are growing big and plump on the ground. Apples, grapes, tomatoes, beans, and zucchini are some of nature’s gifts; squashes and pumpkins are still in preparation, and grain is close to harvest as well.
The Stomach and Digestive Organs
The digestive organs and their functioning reflect the influence of diet, mental activity, and emotions. In fact, the stomach may be one of the most sensitive organs in the body. The whole digestive system is finely tuned by the nervous system, so stress of any kind affects its function. For example, the nerves govern the secretions of acids and enzymes, and the movements of the digestive organs. By speeding up or slowing down the transit of foods, the nervous system controls the assimilation of nutrients. Jittery nerves, apprehension, or over-excitement can cause the rapid passage of food and thus, diarrhea, when you do not have time to assimilate your nutrients. The slowing down of intestinal motility form uptightness, resistance, anger, or “holding on” can lead to constipation, where you over-absorb water and toxins from the colon back into the body.
The stomach receives the nourishment and prepares it for further digestion, while the spleen and pancreas, according to Chinese Medicine, oversees the distribution of nourishment throughout the body. The sensitive stomach has to do with “stomaching” things or being able to tolerate or digest what is happening in our lives in addition to digesting the food we eat. Some of the symptoms related to imbalances in the stomach, spleen and pancreas include:
* chronic fatigue * chronic sore throat
* gastro-intestinal disorders * constipation
* abnormal taste * toothache
* gum problems * ankle joint disorders
* insulin resistance * Type II diabetes
Digestion of the food we eat is the major role of the stomach. This complicated process begins in the mouth where the enzyme amylase begins the digestive process by breaking down starchy carbohydrates. Once in the stomach, the food is broken down further by the gastric juices and enzymes. The enzymes protease breaks down protein foods and amylase breaks down more complex carbohydrates, while the fats we eat are not broken down until they reach the intestines where the enzyme lipase works to complete the process along with bile salts. The way in which the food is then metabolized and absorbed can have a major impact on our health.
The Pancreas and Spleen
Pancreas
The pancreas secretes hormones into the blood, regulating the body’s use of glucose. Insulin, the pancreas’ main hormone, lowers the blood sugar level by stimulating glucose use by the cells, or the pancreas may secrete the hormone glucagon into the blood, raising the blood sugar level. The other function of the pancreas is the secretion of pancreatic enzymes directly into the small intestine assisting in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Spleen
The spleen is a fist-sized spongy tissue that is part of the lymphatic system. Its purpose is to filter bacteria, viruses, fungi and other unwanted substances out of the blood and to create lymphocytes (white blood cells that create antibodies.)
As you can see, digestion and assimilation of the foods we eat is a very complex process. If the body does not have sufficient enzymes to break down the nutrients, (carbohydrates, proteins and fats), indigestion, gas, bloating and malabsorption can occur. This may also result in deficiencies of key nutrients and contribute to the symptoms related to an imbalance in the Earth element.
Young Living Supplements that Support the Stomach, Spleen and Pancreas
Alkalime, Essentialzymes, Ningxia Red, Life Nine, and Master Formula
AlkaLime: This precisely balanced, acid-neutralizing mineral formulation helps preserve the body’s proper pH balance, the cornerstone of health.
Essentialzyme: This is an advanced, multi-enzyme complex that promotes digestion and assists in the assimilation of nutrients. It helps re-establish proper enzyme balance in the digestive system and throughout the body.
Ningxia Red: Supports healthy blood sugar levels as a very low-glycemic index food. A super food drink, Ningxia supports the digestive system by being a highly absorbable source of nutrients packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit the stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, liver and eyes.
Life Nine: This high-potency probiotic builds and restores intestinal health. Life 9 provides a daily boost of nine of the most clinically proven and advanced probiotics, including three super strains that represent the most health-promoting and viable strains ever prepared in a supplement.
Master Formula: This full-spectrum multi-nutrient complex provides premium vitamins, minerals, and food –based nutrients to support general health and well being; has gut flora-supporting pre-biotics; neutralizes free radicals; includes antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other food-based nutrients.
Essential Oils that Support a Healthy Earth Meridian: Stomach, Spleen and Pancreas
DiGize Vitality : DiGize™ Vitality™ essential oil blend combines Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Fennel, Lemongrass, Anise, and Patchouli, which contain antioxidants and may support the digestive system when taken internally.*
Dill Vitality: Dill Vitality contains antioxidants, may provide digestive support, and offers cleansing properties. In addition, it can be used to add a fresh herbal flavor to sauces, soups, and more.*
Fennel Vitality: Fennel Vitality has a licorice-like flavor and is fantastic in post-meal tonics and teas for digestive and general wellness support. In addition, it can be used to add a delicious flavor to sauces, soups, and marinades.*
Ginger Vitality : Ginger essential oil is known as the “oil of empowerment.” It offers a warm, spicy flavor that enhances soups, stews, and sauces, and may support a healthy digestive system when taken internally.
Peppermint Vitality : Peppermint Vitality™ essential oil promotes healthy bowel function, supports gastrointestinal system comfort, and adds a fresh, minty flavor to food and beverages.*
Laurel Nobilis Vitality : Laurus Nobilis Vitality contains antioxidants, offers cleansing properties, and may provide immune support. In addition, it can be subsituted for whole bay leaves to enhance the flavor of meat and vegetable dishes and soups.*
Ocotea: Ocotea essential oil was used historically in traditional rituals to cleanse the body and spirit. Also known as false cinnamon, it has a warm, spicy aroma that is considered cleansing and soothing.*
Transformation: This essential oil blend combines nine essential oils- Lemon, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Sacred Frankincense, Idaho Blue Spruce, Cardamon, Ocotea, and Palo Santo- that help move you from feelings of darkness into an environment of light, hope, and joy. The aroma empowers positivity and a sense of self-awareness to move forward and transform behavior with courage and an inner knowing of achieving your desires.
Grounding: This essential oil blend is a unique combination of White Fir, Black Spruce, Ylang Ylang, Pine, Cedarwood, Angelica, and Juniper. It complements feelings of stability, clarity, and spirituality with its entrancing aroma that can create an atmosphere for finding self-awareness.
References: The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy by Dr. Anthony J. Chichoke, Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James Balch, M.D. and Phyllis Balch, C.N.C. Staying Healthy with the Seasons by Elson Haas, M.D., Essential Oils Desk Reference, Life Science Publishers. Reference Guide to Essential Oils, by Connie and Alan Higley
Not sure which supplements and/or essential oils are best for your body's needs?
Schedule a ZYTO Scan with Karen. This technology pinpoints exactly what Core Body Systems are out of balance and which supplements and essential oils are best for you.
Watch for more info on Late Summer Health for the Stomach, Spleen and Pancreas over the next few weeks.
