August Self-Healing Tips

In August the earth begins to dry out. It will continue this through the rest of the year. That means, amongst other things, that this month is a time of great shifting. Many people start to get allergies during this time, which represent a need to strengthen the earth element and it’s ability to transform with the seasons. The earth element also represents the ability to connect and bond with the changing environment.

Because the earth begins to dry out now, allergies during this time are often a result of insufficient fluids in the body, and a sign that the body does is not producing enough fluids to sustain through the dry season. In order to prevent or treat these types of allergies, fluids need to be created, supported, and maintained.

Nutritionally, apples are an excellent way to work with allergies in the early dry season. They clear heat that may have been taken on during the summer. In addition, they create body fluids, strengthen the lung, spleen, and stomach, and contain loads of calcium, potassium, iron, niacin, and vitamins a, b, and c.

The best acupressure for August to ward-off allergies is Stomach 42. Stomach 42, or Chongyang (rushing yang) is located on the top of the foot, between the bones of the 2nd and 3rd toes. To find this point on your own body, follow the line from the webbing between your 2nd and 3rd toes down between the bones until the slope switches to uphill from downhill or flat. It is a subtle shift, but you will notice a very sensitive spot. This is Stomach 42. Apply pressure daily in the morning and evening to build fluids, strengthen the earth element, fight allergies, and support defensive qi.