Late Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Seasonal Support For Your Health and Wellness
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the year is divided into five seasons: winter, spring, summer, late summer, and autumn. While we all know and some of us love the main 4 seasons, “late summer” stands out as a unique season in TCM philosophy. This period occurs between summer and autumn, typically around late August into September. It’s a time when the intense heat of summer begins to transition into the cooler, crisper air of autumn.
Understanding late summer through the lens of TCM can offer valuable insights into maintaining balance and health. Let’s take a look at the meaning of late summer in TCM, its corresponding organs, elements, and tips for staying healthy during this transitional period.
The Five Elements and Late Summer
TCM theory is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each season is associated with one of these elements. Late summer corresponds to the Earth element, which represents stability, nourishment, and grounding.
The Earth element governs over the body’s digestive system which includes the spleen and stomach. These two organs play a crucial role in transforming food into Qi (life energy) and Blood. This season is a time of harvest, both in nature and in the body. The crops are ready for gathering, and similarly, the body should focus on nourishment, digestion, and consolidation of energy to prepare for the transition into winter. We see animals focusing their energy in a similar way – animals begin to collect and store food to help support them through the harsh winter.
The Spleen and Stomach: Guardians of Digestion
In TCM, the spleen and stomach are the organs most closely associated with the Earth element. Their main function is digestion and the transformation of food into energy and nutrients that nourish the entire body. The stomach functions primarily as the mechanical side of this process, breaking down the food so the nutrients and energy from the food can be used properly. The spleen is responsible for transporting and transforming the energy derived from food into Qi, which is distributed throughout the body.
When the spleen and stomach are in balance, digestion is smooth, energy levels are high, and the body feels grounded and nourished. If one of these organs becomes weakened, we see health issues such as bloating, poor digestion, fatigue, sluggishness, and brain fog.
These are due to the accumulation of “dampness” in the body. Dampness is considered a pathogen in TCM and it can cause many different symptoms.
In late summer, dampness tends to accumulate due to the combination of lingering summer heat and the increased humidity in the air. This makes it essential to pay attention to dietary and lifestyle habits that can help strengthen the spleen and stomach, improve digestion, and prevent the buildup of dampness.
Common Symptoms of Imbalance in Late Summer
During late summer, it’s important to be mindful of common symptoms that can signal an imbalance in the Earth element or digestive organs. These may include:
- Bloating and indigestion: The spleen’s ability to transform and transport food may be compromised.
- Fatigue and low energy: When the digestive system is sluggish, the body’s energy levels can plummet.
- A feeling of heaviness or lethargy: This is often due to an excess of dampness in the body and sometimes feels like you’re walking through water.
- Loose stools or diarrhea: Dampness and heat can cause discomfort and irregularities in our bowel movements.
- Mucus or phlegm production: A common sign of damp accumulation. This excessive mucus production can present as nasal congestion, chest congestion, vaginal discharge, and even brain fog.
How to Stay Healthy During Late Summer
To maintain balance and promote health in late summer, TCM emphasizes harmonizing the meridians associated with the earth element. This involves nurturing the digestive system, supporting the body’s natural energy, and preventing the accumulation of dampness. Here are a few recommendations for staying healthy during this season from a TCM perspective.
1. Eat Seasonally and Mindfully
One of the foundational principles in TCM is eating in harmony with the seasons. During late summer, it’s important to eat foods that are nourishing, easy to digest, and supportive of the Earth element. Focus on foods that strengthen the spleen and stomach while avoiding those that create dampness.
- Emphasize warm, cooked foods: The spleen prefers warmth, so avoid cold and raw foods, which can strain digestion. Think of this like adding cold wet leaves on top of a fire.. they will put it out! Soups, stews, and lightly cooked vegetables are excellent choices. As always: No ice water!
- Incorporate sweet, neutral foods: In TCM, the sweet flavor is associated with the Earth element and can help tonify the spleen and stomach. Choose naturally sweet foods like root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots), squash, pumpkins, and whole grains like millet and rice.
- Avoid greasy, oily, and dairy-heavy foods: These can create dampness and inflammation in the body, leading to sluggish digestion and a feeling of heaviness.
- Moderate sugar intake: Small amounts of sweet foods can benefit the spleen and stomach but be sure not to over-indulge! Excessive sweetness, especially from refined sugars, can weaken the spleen and contribute to dampness. Focus on natural sweeteners like honey or dates if you need to add a little touch of sweetness.
- Add mild spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom can support digestion and help prevent the accumulation of dampness. If you needed the go ahead to order that pumpkin spice latte, here it is! Just be sure to watch that sugar content!
2. Stay Hydrated Without Overconsumption
Although late summer can still be quite humid, it’s important to avoid over-drinking cold beverages, as this can overwhelm the digestive system. Instead, opt for warm or room-temperature drinks like herbal teas or warm water with lemon. Teas made with ginger, mint, or chrysanthemum can help balance digestive heat and clear excess dampness.
3. Strengthen Your Spleen with Gentle Movement
The Earth element is all about grounding and centering, so it’s best to engage in gentle, mindful physical activity during late summer. Practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga can help regulate the body’s energy flow, support digestion, and keep you centered.
Walking in nature is another excellent way to connect with the Earth element. Being in natural surroundings, especially near greenery or fields, helps calm the mind, nourish the spirit, and balance your energy.
4. Get Adequate Rest and Maintain a Regular Routine
The spleen thrives on routine and regularity. Maintaining a consistent daily schedule, including set times for meals and rest, helps support digestion and overall health. Prioritize getting enough sleep, as this allows your body to restore its energy and maintain balance during the transition into autumn.
5. Support Your Emotional Health
Late summer is associated with the emotions of pensiveness and overthinking. When the spleen is weak, it can manifest as excessive worry, rumination, or mental overexertion. To balance your emotional health, practice mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to calm the mind and process thoughts in a healthy way. These practices can also help support restful sleep! Acupuncture is also a great way to support your emotional health.
6. Herbal Remedies for Late Summer
In TCM, certain herbs are recommended to strengthen the Spleen and aid digestion during late summer. Some of the common herbs found in the formulas we use this time of year are:
- Astragalus (Huang Qi): Known for tonifying Qi and strengthening the immune system.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): Often used to support the Spleen and harmonize other herbs in formulas.
- Codonopsis (Dang Shen): A gentler alternative to ginseng, it helps boost energy and digestion.
- Atractylodes (Bai Zhu): Known for its ability to drain dampness and support digestion.
Remember: It’s essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner before using any herbal remedies, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique constitution. At EastWest Acupuncture, we use practitioner-exclusive sources to ensure the quality and safety of the herbal formulas we prescribe.
Late summer is a transitional season that holds great significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine. By aligning with the Earth element and focusing on nourishing the digestive system, you can maintain balance and vitality during this time. Eating seasonally, staying hydrated, engaging in gentle movement, and cultivating emotional well-being are all key practices to stay healthy in late summer. Embrace this period as a time to strengthen your foundation and prepare for the cooling months ahead, while staying connected to the nourishing energy of the Earth.
As always, if you need a bit of support, feel free to call us or book online. Our providers are here to help you navigate all of the changes life throws our way!
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