The Wise Woman's Almanac

Pages 91-93

In Balance for Change
Late Summer may be a short season, but it is one of intense redirection-in the natural world and within our body. This shift seems welcome to our heat-haggard bodies and spirits, although, we rarely are ready when the winds of change begin to blow.

The body's organs associated with this season are the stomach and spleen. Both organs contribute to the digestive process. The spleen, a sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue located near the upper left area of the abdominal cavity, distributes energy from food throughout the body. It also forms white blood cells, filters blood, stores red blood cells and destroys and removes old or weakened red blood cells. Other organs in the body depend on a healthy, fully-functioning spleen.

The stomach is positioned in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, just left and below the diaphragm. As the receiver of nourishment, it prepares food for further digestion, taking life-giving energy from food and sending it to the spleen for distribution.

Some natural health care professionals regard the stomach as the most sensitive organ in the body. Previously I shared information about the intricate nerve network in the small intestine. The stomach shares this finely tuned system of nerves. Have you ever experienced a nervous stomach?

Our state of mind-and emotions-are closely connected to our eating habits and how well we assimilate foods. Nourishment in the form of healthy foods and healthy experiences and relationships help keep us balanced during transitional periods.

A good digestion turneth all to health.
(George Herbert, "The Church Porch," The Temple-1633)

Summer Solutions
At this time of year, our cellar on the farm often smelled of vinegar. Grandma began the pickling process for the last of the season cucumbers and cabbage. She layered the cucumber slices with garlic and dill, added salt and water, and then covered the large stoneware crocks with a kitchen towel. The shredded cabbage rested in the crock until it became properly fermented sauerkraut. Clean, ready-to-be-filled glass jars stood in line on the cellar shelves. The flavorful food from our garden would take us into the cold winter months, thanks to the preparations of my German grandmothers.

The diet during this transition season closely follows Summer's fresh, colorful, tasteful and nutritious choices. Many clients comment that they are exceptionally tired towards the end of Summer. The heat contributes in part to that fatigue, as does a heavy, high fat, high calorie diet. Perhaps too many barbeques with all the trimmings of potato salad and baked beans put a strain on the digestive system. It's a good idea to take that siesta after a big meal so the stomach, small intestine and spleen can provide efficient digestion. When we listen to our internal rhythms and adapt appropriately, our body serves us well and energetically.

Have the courage to live life the way you were meant to.
(Christiane Northrup, M.D., Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom)

Sole Food
Our feet carry us around all Summer, tromping through gardens, running on beaches or climbing mountain trails. Because they are well designed for their task, they frequently get ignored until they give us problems. The U.S. Public Health Service states that 87% of all Americans have some kind of foot problem. Simple attention helps prevent most foot disorders. Daily washing, keeping the feet dry and wearing proper shoes contribute to healthy feet. Rubbing a few drops of peppermint essential oil with a teaspoon of olive or sesame oil on clean feet provides an invigorating treat for hot soles.

Peppermint essential oil also improves and soothes the digestive organs of late summer. Before you bundle your feet in socks and real shoes-time to put the flip-flops away-energize your feet and internal garden with a few moments of reflexology. The following illustration shows where to find the reflex points for the stomach and spleen.

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
(Kahlil Gibran, 1883-1931, poet)

Change: You Can Count On It
This Late Summer season may be brief, but it offers much. As we awaken to the value of each season, we know how to take better care of our bodies. While we cannot rush into a new season before its time or command that it come sooner, neither can we linger in a past season. The seasons march on. It is not in our power to delay or speed the process. By living fully in each season, receiving its unique gifts and reciprocating with our attentive care, we promote balance on this earth and in our inner gardens. Slow your pace just a bit so you feel this shift in the seasons.

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