As we observe Eating Disorders Awareness Week across Ireland, we join the national conversation led by Bodywhys to highlight the importance of connection in recovery. At Acurodos, we look at health through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where the journey toward a balanced relationship with food is often a journey back to our “Center”—the Earth Element.
The Earth Element: The Heart of Nourishment
In TCM, the Earth element consists of the Spleen and Stomach organ systems. While Western medicine views the spleen primarily as part of the immune system, in TCM, it is the “Root of Post-Natal Life”. It is responsible for:
- Transformation: Turning food and water into Qi (energy) and Blood.
- Transportation: Distributing that nourishment to our muscles and limbs.
- Thought (Yi): Processing information, ideas, and memories.
When we struggle with an eating disorder, the Earth element is often under immense strain. The Spleen governs “Yi,” or the intellect. When the Spleen is weak, this mental energy can become “stuck,” leading to rumination and obsessive overthinking—common experiences for those navigating anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
The Body Clock: Restoring Your Natural Rhythm
Recovery is about rebuilding a sense of safety and rhythm. The TCM Body Clock provides a framework for understanding when our organs are most active:
- 7 AM – 9 AM (Stomach Time): This is the peak time for the body to receive nourishment. In TCM, having a warm, cooked breakfast during this window helps kickstart the digestive fire and grounds the mind for the day.
- 9 AM – 11 AM (Spleen Time): This is when the body extracts energy from food. If the Spleen is imbalanced, this is often the time when feelings of low self-esteem, worry, or “heaviness” are most acute.
Connection and the “Mother” Organ
The 2026 theme of Connection and Community aligns perfectly with the Earth element’s role as the “Mother” of the other elements. Just as the Earth provides a foundation for all life, the Spleen and Stomach provide the stability we need to interact with our community.
- Face Reading Insights: In TCM face reading, the mouth and lips are the sensory organs of the Earth element. Full, vibrant lips often reflect a strong Spleen and a natural capacity for giving and receiving care.
- Emotional Safety: When we feel disconnected or unsupported, our “Earth” can feel shaky. Building community connection helps “stabilize the Earth,” allowing the Spleen to transform not just food, but also the difficult emotions we carry.
Gentle TCM Steps for Self-Care
While professional support is essential, TCM offers gentle ways to support your Earth element:
- Prioritize Warmth: The Spleen dislikes “Cold and Damp.” Opt for warm, cooked foods like congees, roasted sweet potatoes, and soups rather than iced drinks or raw salads, which can further deplete digestive energy.
- Move the “Stuck” Energy: Gentle movement like Qi Gong or restorative yoga can help move stagnant Qi and break the cycle of ruminating thoughts.
- Mindful Nourishment: Try to eat in a relaxed environment. TCM teaches that how we eat is as important as what we eat. Chewing thoroughly helps the Spleen process both nutrients and the “input” of the day.
- Acupressure for Grounding: Massaging point Stomach 36 (Zusanli)—located about four finger-widths below the kneecap—is a classic way to strengthen the Earth element and calm the mind.
You Are Not Alone
Recovery is a community effort. This week, as buildings across Ireland light up in purple, remember that seeking help is a courageous act of reconnection. Whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, or nutritional therapy, TCM aims to restore the harmony of the Spleen and Stomach, helping you find your way back to a centered, nourished self.
If you or a loved one are seeking support, please reach out to Bodywhys or visit us at Acurodos to discuss how acupuncture can support your recovery journey.
Struggling to find your rhythm?
Book a consultation at Acurodos to learn how acupuncture can help regulate your Body Clock and support your Earth element.
