Earth: Change is a constant

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

Change is a constant. The epithelial cells lining the small intestine turnover every 2-3 days The epidermal cells of the skin change every 29-45 days Red blood cells are replaced every 120 days and then recycled Hepatic cells are exchanged between seasons up to one year Adipose fat cells are replaced around every 8 years Skeletal muscle cells turnover about every 15 years Cardiomyocytes heart muscle cells are made new around 40 years Neural cells don’t turnover after birth, but we can certainly re-wire them. Do these numbers clarify that we can most certainly change our health to the good?  … Continue reading →

Earth: Eat mindfully

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

Can eating just one raisin change your mind? photo by wimuwi73 This exercise introduces the concept of mindfulness in a tangible way. It helps improve our relationship with food and reduce emotional or impulsive eating. Mindful eating: A raisin Take one raisin and keep it in your hand. Hold the raisin in the palm of your hand. Feel the weight of it. Look at this raisin. Notice any unique features of your raisin. Let your eyes explore every part; examine the highlights where light shines, its darker crevasses, its folds and ridges. Hold the raisin between your fingers and turn … Continue reading →

Earth: Take a step back

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

photo by Pexels What if is the way forward is backwards?  What if time is a spiral not a line? What if space & time can warp? What if time is an illusion. Consider our common language: catch up, move forward, climb the ladder, hustle culture, get ahead. Sounds exhausting. Are there any signs that we may want to step back? Yes, of course. Do any of these sound familiar? I’ve sent out a hundred resumes but have gotten zero callbacks. I keep messaging but no one replies. I feel sick to my stomach every time I think of it. … Continue reading →

Earth: You are the peacemaker

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

You are the peacemakerCan you be a peacemaker if you do not know peace? No. The work then becomes developing peace within. I was born into the peace and love generation, the peace out movement. These turbulent years brought people together. The year of my birth brought the Tet Offensive in Vietnam and the tragic assassinations’ of Martin Luther King and John F Kennedy as well as the Civil Rights Act. Our country needed peace then, our world needs peace now. How to we seek Peace? Typically though our habit patterns. Many a young talent of the era – think … Continue reading →

Earth: Limit raw foods

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

Element Wisdom Cards offer wellness tips that support your five element constitution & seasonal well being Earth: Limit raw foods  To bring balance and wellness to the organs ruled and expressed by the Earth Element, we focus on how to optimize digestion and personalize nutrition, regulate blood sugar and strengthen the muscles during Late Summer as well as the 18 days around each equinox & solstice. I am a huge fan of fresh food.  I am more skilled at chopping than cooking. I love to chop, so food prep is super fun for me and therefore a strength. I am … Continue reading →

Earth: Develop an environment of deep trust

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

  Earth:     Lǎo shànrén kàn wǒ xìn shí. Wǒ xìn shí. 老善人看我信实。我信实。 Cleansing doubt & blame. Affirming信实xìn shí, the virtue of deep trust, integrity & trustworthiness. ~Confucian Chant, 500BCE Trust (n) As early as 1200AD the word traust appears likely originating in the Old Norse referring to help, confidence, support, reliance from sound qualities; religious faith (v) have faith, to rely, make safe and strong *source The emotional spectrum of the Earth element is worry to faith. The organs associated with the Earth element are the spleen, stomach and pancreas. Worry can manifest as blame and doubt, while faith express … Continue reading →

Earth Tip Sheet

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

Here are some of my favorite ways to support the Earth Element.   The tips are appropriate for seasonal wellness and are helpful all year long for constitutional Element Earth types. Want to establish or return to care with Dr Cox? Book here!

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Earth: explore the arising & passing of sensations

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

Sensations arise and sensations pass. Paying close attention to the coming and going of feelings within the body leads us to a deeper understanding of impermanence.  This mind-body understanding of impermanence guides us deeper into allowing.  Have you tried body scanning?  Enjoy a free body scan script here or choose from a free guided 20, 30 or 45 minute audio here   Body scanning is a widely used technique for stress reduction. As we practice this mindfulness act again and again, we may start to notice the sensation arise prior to an emotion or feeling.  The question then becomes, are … Continue reading →

Mandala for the Earth Season

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

One of the Ways to Play with Element Wisdom Cards is to create mandalas.  I first began making food mandalas when I lived in an ashram in California.  As we each took a shift in the kitchen, and I have always loved mornings, it was my delight to make fruit mandalas for the community.  It is also the place, I fell in love with persimmons.   Mandala for the Earth Season To create an Element Wisdom Card Mandala  Create sacred space through ritual. Design the space. Your sacred expression. Some of my favorite ways to create sacred space: Open with prayer.  … Continue reading →

Earth: Be spontaneous

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

What comes to mind for you when you hear the word spontaneous? Fun, going with the flow, adventure, excitement, allowing a natural unfolding? No way, Nope, No. Not for me. I just can’t. That’s crazy.  From the latin roots: sua – from + sponte – of (one’s) own accord Recall the last time you had a good belly laugh? True laughter arises spontaneously.  When was the last time you were spontaneous? A last minute yes to extra concert tickets? a trip to the beach without previous planning? dancing in the kitchen to a favorite song? a walk to clear your … Continue reading →