Tag Archives: five elements

Pericardium The Heart Protector

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

  Pericardium The Heart Protector (Xin-Bao) 心包 The fire element, which peaks during the summer season, not only governs the heart but also the small intestine, triple burner and the PERICARDIUM. WHAT IS THE PERICARDIUM? The word pericardium is derived from Latin Peri (around) and Cardium (heart). Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as the “Heart Protector” or “Circulation-Sex” Meridian, the pericardium is associated with the FIRE element and the HEART. The pericardium protects the heart from emotional trauma, constricts the chest to protect the heart, and helps to express the joy of the heart. The pericardium protects the heart … Continue reading →

F4: Separator of the Pure from the Impure

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

SMALL INTESTINES THE SEPARATOR OF PURE FROM IMPURE             As most of the planet is enduring and even setting heat records during the peak of the fiery summer season, in the Southern U.S., we are experiencing an unseasonably cool period this week.  Here we continue with our seasonal theme of the fire element and the elemental organ system. The element of fire embodies the bright, light, energetic essence of yang. However, fire without the grounding influence of Earth easily flares out of control.  The 2nd century dictionary Shuowen jiezi defines the heart as an Earth element, predating the concept of Heart … Continue reading →

F3: Summer Stones Guest Clarissa Boggess, HMCCH

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

Healing Stones of Summer by Clarissa Boggess, HMCCH Our natural state is to move in rhythm with the seasonal tides. Summertime brings with it a desire to immerse ourselves in the lush splendor of nature and revel in the joy of life. Like the world around us, we lean into the Solar energies of playfulness, growth, expansion, and manifestation; welcoming the season of fiery transformation! During these long, jubilant days, the heavy air can feel nearly electric with the flurry of activity around us. Balmy nights bring with them a choir of insects and frogs exalting in the all too … Continue reading →

F2: Bless Your Heart

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

BLESS YOUR HEART “If the spirit is at peace, the heart is in  harmony;  when  the  heart  is  in  harmony,  the body  is  whole;  if  the  spirit  becomes  aggravated the heart wavers, and when the heart wavers the body  becomes  injured;  if  one  seeks  to  heal  the physical  body,  therefore,  one  needs  to  regulate the  spirit  first.” ~ Liu Zhou, a 6th century Chinese philosopher. Every organ in our bodies has functions and responsibilities. Some are physical while others are psychological and spiritual.  The fire element, which peaks during the summer season, governs the HEART as well as the small … Continue reading →

E6: Simple food preparation for transitional times

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

In the South, cooking and eating are central to bringing people together, spending time with loved ones, and developing new friendships.   The seasonal return to the Earth element invites simple methods of food preparation that allow more time for self-love and beloveds.  Golden and earth toned foods like millet, corn, amaranth, rice, garbanzo, golden split mung and soy beans, hazelnuts, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, yams, squash, carrots, apricots, and cantaloupe are harmonizing choices.  All root vegetables strengthen our internal Earth.   Keep spices, seasonings and flavors mild during these days of transition and keep food temperatures not too hot and … Continue reading →

Its Still Spring!

Dr. Elizabeth Cox, ND, LAc Posted on by

  It’s Still Spring! Its still spring until June 21!  Spring ~ the word itself conjures up the natural movement of this season. It’s a time for creativity and breaking through. Not unlike how many of us engage in spring cleaning rituals around home, our bodies also enjoy and benefit from a good spring cleaning~physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This is the perfect time of year to give up coffee, alcohol, tobacco and other substances (think Lent) because the uplifting and stimulating energy of spring provides a natural seasonal boost. It is a time to renew health, to cultivate new … Continue reading →