One of my favorite aspects of this time of year, during the Earth element, is the feeling of contentment and being comfortable in my skin

When I feel insecure and over-worry about something, I know that my earth chi (energy) needs tending to.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, the Earth element—linked to the Stomach and Spleen—is all about nourishment, stability, and centeredness, both physically and emotionally.

When Earth Chi is strong and balanced:

You feel grounded in yourself, with a steady sense of self-worth.
There’s a deep comfort in your skin—like “I belong here, in my body, in my life.”
Your mind feels settled, and you can digest not only food but also experiences and emotions with ease.

When Earth is out of balance:

You might feel ungrounded, insecure, or overly concerned about how you’re perceived.
Your sense of “home” inside yourself may feel shaky—leading to overthinking, worry, or relying too much on external validation.
Physically, you may feel bloated, heavy, or tired, which can also erode body comfort.

Why this matters for feeling comfortable in your own skin:

In TCM, the Spleen governs the flesh and muscles, so a healthy Earth element supports strong, well-nourished tissues, giving you a sense of physical comfort and vitality.
Emotionally, Earth is the “mother” energy—supportive, accepting, and non-judgmental—so when it’s balanced, your inner dialogue becomes more nurturing and less critical.
Spiritually, Earth’s central position in the five elements gives you the feeling that you have a center to return to, no matter what’s happening around you.

In short:

Balanced Earth = feeling at home in your body and your life.

Imbalanced Earth = feeling like you’re wandering without a stable base—physically or emotionally.

Here’s how you can nourish and strengthen your Earth element so you feel more at home in your skin—drawing from Chinese medicine, Qigong, and lifestyle wisdom.

1. Nourish with Earth-Toning Foods

Sweet (naturally sweet) flavors: Think cooked root veggies, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, yams, millet, rice, and oats.
Warm, cooked meals: Avoid too much raw, cold food, which weakens the Spleen.
Simple, regular meals: Overeating, irregular eating, or heavy greasy foods bog down Earth.
TCM tip: A warm breakfast like congee, oatmeal, or eggs with greens can set a grounded tone for the day.

2. Ground with Movement

Large muscle group work: In Chinese medicine, strong legs and core = strong Earth. Squats, walking uphill, gentle strength training, and yoga postures like Warrior II or Chair Pose build that “I belong in my body” feeling.
Slow, steady, centered pace: Qigong “Horse Stance” is excellent (or Goddess pose in yoga) —knees bent, feet grounded, breath steady. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the Earth.
Utilize the Qigong healing practice Yi Qi Li by focusing the mind to move the chi through the meridians (the energy pathways of the organs):

While in Goddess or Horse stance

~ Inhale golden threads of light up the spleen meridian, from the big toes up the inner legs to the armpits.

~ Exhale down the stomach meridian, from the cheeks down the front body, the front legs to the second toes.

3. Center the Mind

Abdominal breathing: Place your hands over your lower belly and breathe deeply into it. Imagine the breath filling you from your center outward.
Worry digestion: Earth is damaged by overthinking. If your mind is spinning, picture placing your thoughts into a basket in your belly, where they can “digest” at their own pace.
Meditation on enough-ness: Earth thrives when you feel you are “enough” as you are. Use affirmations like “I am supported and secure” while breathing.