Late Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine
We all have a season. THIS is one of my favorites. Late summer. The 5th season.
You can feel it in the air, in the early mornings or in the evenings, with a touch of coolness in the breeze. We still get the dry heat from the summer days. But the evenings lend us a much needed reprieve, and even a rainstorm might blow through. The grasses are beginning to get that golden hugh. Things are feeling like they might be ready to settle, just a bit.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the year is divided into 5 seasons with Late Summer being a distinct period all its own. This season typically spans from late August to the Autumn Equinox in September.
Unlike other seasons, Late Summer is a transitional period, marking the shift from the height of Yang energy in summer to the Yin energy of autumn. It is a time of balance, where the energies of the earth are most stable.
Late Summer is associated with the Earth element, which is linked to the Spleen and Stomach organs in Chinese Medicine. These organs play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall energy production. The Earth element is central to grounding and stabilizing, providing a sense of nourishment and support.
Challenges of Late Summer
During this season, you might experience both physical and emotional ups and downs due to the transitional nature of the period. Some of these may show up as:
Digestive Issues: bloating, indigestions, poor appetite
Fatigue: Lethargy and fatigue can arise when the body is adjusting to the changing energies
Emotional Imbalance: Often worry and overthinking are associated with this time of year
Some Tips for Staying Balanced
To help navigate some of the Late Summer shifts, here are some easy tips:
Dietary Adjustments: Eat as seasonal as possible. Late summer fruits and veggies such as squash, corn and tomatoes are great choices. They are naturally harmonizing and support digestive health.
A fun recipe to check out!: https://www.mayway.com/articles/gou-qi-zi-fresh-cherry-ice-cream
Warm & Cooked Foods: So much easier for your tummy to digest foods closer to your internal body temperature! Think lightly steamed veggies.
Another good recipe to try out: https://www.mayway.com/articles/huang-bai-summer-soup
Limit Dairy: We call dairy a “damp” food in Chinese medicine, and as you can imagine, feeling damp comes with heaviness, lethargy and a feeling of ‘stuckness’. It’s best to limit your intake of dairy, overly sweet foods and greasy foods during this time to avoid feeling icky.
Mindful Eating: We know that living in this busy world it isn’t always possible to have easy-peasy meals, so choose a meal here and there to really be intentional with. This might mean sitting on the porch while eating your breakfast, no phone, just listening to the day around you and being sure to really chew your food, taking your time.
Hydration: Try ginger or chamomile tea at room temp or a little cooler, which can be soothing to the system.
Self-Care: Times of transitions can feel a bit unrooted; we are in the in-between. And while we are waiting to settle into new routines and a new season, it’s helpful to take time to slow down, appreciate the season of change, and allow ourselves to just be where we are. Meditation, evening walks, soaking in baths, acupuncture, yoga - are all good ways to take a moment to be present and nourish yourself.
