The fifth element found in all of nature is earth. The earth element is responsible for giving shape and structure to all things. It represents the solid state of matter, and along with water is responsible for the physical constitution of the body. Bones, teeth, nails, tendons, muscles and tissues are considered as earth elements. These give structure and strength to the body.
The earth element expresses as stability. It embodies the qualities of heavy, dense, hard, gross,cool, dry, rough, dull and immobile. In the body, this emerges as growth, accumulation and support. The muscle tissue, fat tissue, and hard part of the bones depend heavily upon the earth element. Earth connects to the nose and our sense of smell.
The earth element is dominant in people with a solid body frame and reveals thick skin, strong finger nails, large muscles, coarse, dense hair and large attractive eyes. With the help of the waterelement, earth insulates the body with a healthy layer of fat. It produces sturdy bones and muscles, and a good capacity for physical work.
People who are predominant in the earth element tend to havea calm, stable and thoughtful temperament. They are reliable and methodical. When the earth element is in balance, one feels stable, rooted, emotionally grounded and confident, yet flexible.
While the earth element provides the structure of all food, it is found in the largest amounts in grains, nuts, legumes, meats, root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, squash), bananas and mangos. It is found in moderate amounts in dairy products and in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, and spices which primarily have a sweet and astringent taste. Eating these foods provides stability and strength and helps replenish and rebuild the tissues in the body.
A lack of the earth element can leave one ungrounded and undependable, feeling anxious, flighty and “spacey.” Deficiencies of the earth element in the body can result in emaciation and a weakness of body structures. Lacking in the raw materials to build solid tissues, the bones may become weaker and osteoporosis places the bones at risk of fracture. Muscle mass is reduced and body fat decreases. Since one function of the earth element is to retain heat, the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature decreases and one may easily feel cold.
An excess of the earth element can make one feel unmotivated, lethargic, dull, stubborn, depressed or despondent. The hard, dry quality of the earth element may block the channels of the body, resulting in poor digestion and an inability to perceive the world clearly. When in excess, the earth element manifests as weight gain, swelling and excess mucus.
The earth element is essentially about stability. Creating rhythm in your schedule will support you so that your body and mind can anticipate movement throughout the day without fear or anxiety. This allows the nervous system to expend a lot less energy in getting through the day.
A few simple guidelines to help balance the earth element:
- Exercise daily to work up a sweat.
- Favor light, airy foods over dense and heavy.
- Emphasize pungent, bitter, astringentand spicy tasting foods.
- Practice yoga poses that strengthen digestion such as leg-lifts and plank pose.
- Have a daily routine and schedule.
- Avoid overeating.
