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By Dr. Mao Shing Ni PHD
Did you know that each season is connected to a unique Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? While most people think of the four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—TCM recognizes a fifth season called late summer, and it plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being.
What Is Late Summer in TCM?
Late summer is that transitional period between the fiery peak of summer and the cooling energy of autumn. It typically falls between early August and late September, when the days are still warm, the air becomes more humid, and nature reaches its peak of ripeness. This is the season of abundance and harvest, and it corresponds to the Earth Element in TCM.
The Earth Element: Nourishment, Stability, and Grounding
In TCM, the Earth Element represents nourishment, support, and central balance. It is the energy of caregiving, community, and connection. Emotionally and physically, this element provides the stable center around which all other energies circulate.
The Earth Element governs the Spleen and Stomach—the organs responsible for digestion, assimilation, and transformation. These organs are seen as the body’s source of energy production, extracting Qi (life force) from the food and drink we consume.
When the Earth Element is balanced, you feel:
• Energized and clear-minded
• Centered and emotionally grounded
• Well-nourished and satisfied
When the Earth Element is out of balance, you may experience:
• Bloating, fatigue, sugar cravings
• Brain fog, heaviness after eating
• Worry, overthinking, or difficulty letting go
How to Stay Healthy in Late Summer
To support your Earth energy and navigate the transition between seasons with vitality and ease, here are three simple but powerful practices rooted in TCM wisdom:
1. Eat Warm, Cooked, and Seasonal Foods
Nature provides what we need during each season. In late summer, enjoy naturally sweet and golden-hued foods like:
• Sweet potatoes
• Corn
• Carrots
• Squash
• Millet
• Figs and dates
These foods strengthen the Earth Element and are easy on the digestion. Avoid raw, cold, or greasy foods, which can weaken the Spleen and create dampness—a condition associated with fatigue, mucus, and digestive sluggishness.
2. Eat Mindfully and Keep a Regular Routine
Your digestive system thrives on rhythm and calm. Rushed meals, multitasking while eating, or irregular eating times can disrupt the flow of Qi and weaken your Earth Element.
To optimize digestion:
• Eat at consistent times each day
• Chew your food thoroughly
• Avoid cold drinks with meals
• Limit screen time or stress during meals
When you eat slowly and mindfully, you give your body the chance to fully extract nourishment from your food.
3. Stay Grounded with Gentle Movement
Earth energy is steady and centered. Unlike the fast pace of summer, late summer calls for slower, grounding activities like:
• Qi Gong
• Tai Chi
• Dao-In (Yin Yoga)
• A mindful walk after meals
These movements support digestion, calm the mind, and keep your energy balanced. Pair your practice with deep abdominal breathing to further support your Spleen and cultivate inner peace.
Emotional Earth: Compassion and Connection
The Earth Element is also linked to the emotion of worry, but its balanced expression is compassion. This is a great time to reconnect with your loved ones, build community, and offer service from a place of grounded generosity.
At the same time, don’t forget to receive. The Earth Element reminds us that caregiving must be reciprocal—you can only nourish others when you yourself are well-nourished.
A Time to Re-Center
As we move through late summer, take time to nourish your body, center your mind, and ground yourself in practices that support both physical digestion and emotional stability.
Let this season be your invitation to slow down, simplify, and come back to center—just as nature does before the harvest concludes and autumn begins.
For more information visit collegeoftao.org
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