The Element of Earth in Qigong

The Foundation of Balance

The Earth element is considered the foundation for all the other elements. Because of this, imbalances in Earth can have the greatest impact on the overall harmony of the body.

One effective way to restore balance to the Earth element is through meditation. In Chinese Medicine, the spirit of Earth is known as the Yi (意)—our intentional mind. When we meditate, we connect deeply with Earth energy, cultivating stability, clarity, and certainty.

Meditation helps quiet the mind so our highest intentions can emerge. It creates a solid foundation from which all actions in our lives can not only grow but truly flourish.

Nourish With Earth

While Earth is often seen as the "mother of all elements," this doesn’t refer to the planet itself or "Mother Earth". Rather, it refers to soil—the nourishing base from which all life grows. This is why the color associated with Earth is golden yellow which you can find this in foods that support the Spleen and Stomach, such as:

• Whole grains

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes

• Pumpkin

Incorporating these foods to warm and sooth is very beneficial when cultivating balance in the Earth element, particularly during the Late Summer season, which spans from mid-August until the Fall Equinox.

The Emotional Frequency of Earth

One of the major emotional imbalances tied to this element is worry. Many of us have intuitively felt how worry, doubt, or anxiety can manifest physically in our bodies—particularly in our stomachs, where we might experience a pit or knots.

Recent years have seen this connection between emotions and digestion come more into light in Western medicine, such as in The Good Gut by Sonnenberg & Sonnenberg, which discusses how gut microbes can influence the body’s serotonin levels. 

Our emotions impact our gut and in turn our digestive issues can affect our emotional state, creating a cyclical relationship between our physical and emotional well-being. The Spleen and Stomach are key organs related to the Earth element and many anxiety related conditions can be greatly pacified through nourishing these organs.

Earth in Balance

When the Earth element is in harmony, we feel grounded and balanced. We become reliable, decisive, and trustworthy companions.

Energetically, the Earth phase is where we set our intentions—like planting seeds in fertile soil. It’s in this phase that our dreams, goals, and ideas begin to take root and so they may come to fruition.