*This blog post is written by Amanda Moriarty, L.Ac*
Most people think of the year as having four seasons, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are five. Late Summer is its own distinct season, spanning roughly mid-August through the Fall Equinox. It is associated with the Earth element and the organs of the Spleen and Stomach. This is an important time to pay attention to how you are feeling, as the Earth element is particularly active and vulnerable right now.
What is the Earth Element?
In TCM, the Earth element governs digestion and nourishment. The Spleen and Stomach are responsible for breaking down and assimilating not just food, but also information, emotions, and life experiences. It is worth noting that when acupuncturists refer to organs in TCM, we are talking about organ systems with specific energetic functions, not necessarily a biological problem with the organ itself. When these systems are functioning well, you feel grounded, clear-headed, and energized. When they are under stress, you might notice sluggish digestion, fatigue, mental fog, bloating, or a tendency to worry and overthink. Craving sweets or comfort foods is also a common sign that the Spleen needs support.
What is Dampness?
Late Summer’s hot, humid weather can generate what TCM calls Dampness in the body. When the Spleen and Stomach are under stress, they have a harder time processing fluids and transforming food into energy, and dampness can accumulate as a result. This shows up physically as bloating, water retention, puffiness, fatigue, and a heavy or foggy feeling in the mind and body. Dampness is one of the most common patterns we see in the clinic this time of year, and it responds well to both dietary changes and acupuncture.
Signs Your Earth Element May Be Out of Balance
● Bloating, gas, or sluggish digestion
● Fatigue, especially after eating
● Mental fog or difficulty concentrating
● Worry, overthinking, or circular thinking
● Water retention or puffiness
● Craving sweet foods
What to Eat in Late Summer
Late Summer is a good time to start transitioning away from the raw, cooling foods of summer and toward warmer, easier-to-digest meals. Soups, stews, congee, and lightly cooked vegetables are all good choices. The flavor associated with the Earth element is naturally sweet, so foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, and stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines are particularly supportive right now. These naturally sweet foods also help satisfy sugar cravings in a way that actually nourishes the Spleen, whereas refined sugar, dairy, fried foods, and excessive bread tend to create more dampness in the body and weaken digestion over time. If you are craving something sweet, reaching for roasted sweet potatoes or baked fruit is a much better option than processed sweets. Eating at regular times, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding distractions during meals are all simple habits that make a real difference for digestive health.
Slow Down and Get Grounded
Late Summer is a natural time to start winding down from the high activity of summer. Slowing your pace, simplifying your schedule, and spending time outdoors all support the Earth element. Gentle movement like walking, yoga, or qigong is beneficial for digestion and helps lift energy during this transitional time. Mindfulness practices, journaling, or simply setting aside quiet time can also help ease the worry and circular thinking that tends to come up when the Spleen is under stress.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to support the Spleen and Stomach during this season. Treatments can improve digestive function, reduce bloating and fatigue, clear mental fog, and calm an overactive, worried mind. This is also a good time to strengthen your immune system before fall arrives. In TCM, the Earth element generates the Metal element, which governs the lungs, meaning that supporting your digestion now directly prepares your body for cold and flu season ahead. We would love to help you feel grounded and well as the seasons shift. Reach out to us at the clinic to schedule an appointment.