Late Summer and the Earth Element 🌱
As the intense heat of summer gives way to cooler days, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes this transitional period as Late Summer, a unique season governed by the Earth element. In TCM, Late Summer typically spans from mid-August to the Autumn Equinox, around September 21st. This phase, characterized by lingering warmth and increasing dampness, is closely linked to the Spleen and Stomach meridians, which symbolize stability, nourishment, and transformation.
The Earth element in TCM is often considered the "mothering" element, embodying sweetness, nurturing, grounding, and support. The Spleen, associated with the Earth element, plays a central role in digestion and overall well-being. However, the emotional aspects of the Earth element—worry and pensiveness—can have a profound impact on physical health. Excessive worry or overthinking can weaken the Spleen, leading to imbalances that manifest as digestive issues like bloating, fatigue, and sluggishness. When our Spleen is weak, we tend to crave sweet foods such as processed sugary snacks, which can be very taxing on digestion and our health over time. When the Spleen’s ability to manage moisture is compromised, dampness can accumulate in the body, causing feelings of heaviness, lethargy, forgetfulness, anxiety, and mental fog.
Balanced Earth organs lead to strong digestion, steady energy, and mental clarity. To harmonize the Earth element during Late Summer, it's important to pause and "digest" your life. Take time to reflect on where you are, acknowledge your reality, and appreciate what nourishes you. Focus on self-care and ask yourself if you're nurturing yourself as much as you nurture others. Assess whether you're leaking energy or if setting better boundaries with certain people or environments could create more balance and support for you. Re-evaluate your consistent daily routines. The Earth element thrives on regular meal times, so nourish it appropriately by eating enough to fuel you, but not in mindless excess. Take a few deep breaths before eating to allow yourself time to build digestive juices and be grateful for the food in front of you. I also suggest, if possible, having dinner before 7 PM so that you have adequate time to digest before bed, allowing for a deeper sleep. In TCM, the time between 7 AM and 9 AM is known as Stomach time, making it an optimal period for eating and digesting—a perfect time to break the fast from overnight with something warm and nutritious. Exercise is very important for the Earth element, which governs the function of our muscles. Sweating also helps dispel accumulated dampness. The Earth element meridians primarily run along the front of the body like the rectus abdominis (our 6 pack abs), and especially through the lower half (inner thighs and quads), making exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening those areas particularly beneficial. I’ve included images of the meridian pathways below!
During this Late Summer season, it is important to support healthy digestion and reduce dampness. This is a good time to reflect on any food sensitivities at play, reduce or eliminate anything that can be difficult to digest or that causes unwanted inflammation, and give your digestion a break. Also, as we transition to colder weather, begin to avoid foods such as cold, raw items like salads and smoothies, dairy products like milk and cheese, greasy fried foods, and overly sugary treats, as these foods exacerbate dampness. Instead, focus on incorporating damp-draining foods into your meals, such as bitter greens (e.g., dandelion, kale), pungent spices (e.g., ginger, garlic, turmeric), and lightly cooked vegetables like zucchini and celery. Whole grains like quinoa, barley, and millet, as well as legumes like lentils and adzuki beans, are also beneficial. Lean proteins such as fish and chicken, along with herbal teas like ginger or peppermint, further support your body's balance during this damp-prone season. Root vegetables, while not necessarily damp-reducing, do affect our glycemic index. However, they are packed with nutrients and add that sweet heartiness some people’s diets need. In moderation, they could be just what your Earth Element needs more of: sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, yams.
If you’re craving extra sugary sweets this season, ask yourself: Where am I lacking sweetness in my life? This is a good journaling prompt or free-writing technique—you might be surprised by the ideas that first pop into your mind!
I highly recommend incorporating centering self-care practices, such as acupuncture, breathwork, and meditation, to reduce stress and support the harmonious function of the Earth element. By aligning with the principles of TCM during this season, we can achieve balance and harmony, preparing ourselves for a healthy and vibrant autumn!
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are powerful tools for enhancing and supporting your digestive health. If you're experiencing any of the imbalances mentioned, I’m here to help you restore balance and well-being. Please reach out to discuss how we can work together on your healing journey > Book a free 15 minute consult.
