From Abundance to Grounding: transition into late summer

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As the long days of summer start to shorten, we enter the unique period of Late Summer. You may already feel the transition from the long, carefree days of summer to a more inward, quiet energy drawing you back to routine and regularity. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this powerful fifth season, which takes place from from mid-August to the fall equinox in September, invites us to cultivate practices that will sustain us through the approaching autumn and winter season. It’s time to take stock in the celebration and abundance of summer and let that nourish both our body and mind. Although this is a short season, it can be marked with intense transformation in nature and within yourself.

Late Summer is associated with the Earth Element and the Spleen and Stomach organs.  When these factors are out of balance, you may experience a variety of digestive issues such as well as feelings of heaviness, fatigue and swelling. Issues like brain fog, trouble concentrating, overthinking and worry can also arise.

During the hot days of Late Summer, you can also experience issues of dampness - humidity, heaviness, phlegm - which show up in the body in many ways including physical fatigue, mental fatigue, anxiety, digestive problems, and muscle weakness, to name a few. 

When Earth is balanced it manifests as satisfaction, integrity and harmony. There are many ways you can support yourself to effectively transition into the Late Summer Season and achieve this balance in the body and mind.

Tips for living in harmony with the Late Summer Season:

Diet:

Because the spleen and stomach meridian systems are particularly impacted by dampness, food therapy becomes so important to keep everything on track. 

  • Focus on healthy digestion: Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid cold or raw foods that can strain your digestion. Instead, opt for lightly cooked meals that are easy to digest.

  • Eat breakfast between 7-9am: According to the Chinese Medicine clock, the Stomach has optimal digestive capacity between 7-9am. Your meal should be substantial and fortifying. Optimal breakfast foods are energetically warming foods, such as breakfast congee, sweet potatoes, and eggs.

  • Enjoy nutrient dense, seasonal fruits and veggies: Favor foods like melons, berries, cherries, tomatoes, summer squash, rice and oats as their sweet flavors naturally strengthen the Stomach and Spleen. Cooling and damp draining foods like celery, spinach, mushrooms, radish, asparagus, broccoli and seaweed keep damp-heat from accumulating in the system. Opt for cooler proteins like turkey, duck, clams, white fish, lentils, chickpeas, tofu and tempeh. 

Lifestyle

  • Establish a Routine: As we wind down from the uber-busy summer season, now is the time to get back to a daily routine that includes regular meals, sleep, and relaxation times. Consistency can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of stability.

  • Connect with your community: Participate in local events, such as farmers' markets, or plan a fun activity with friends. Sharing meals and spending time with loved ones can enhance your emotional well-being and create a sense of belonging allowing you to feel grounded and satisfied.

  • Be mindful of what you mentally ingest: As our focus turns to the health of our Spleen and Stomach organ systems and its relationship to the "Yi"- our mind and intellect- we need to be mindful about what we MENTALLY ingest, as well. Think about your relationship with social media and the news and create boundaries around screen time.

Activity

  • Workout between 9am-11am: While the stomach is most active from 7am-9am, the Spleen’s energy is at it’s peak between 9am-11am. During this time, the spleen is most efficient at transforming and transporting nutrients, making it an ideal time for activities that involve the muscles, such as an exercise class, yoga, or walking. It is also a great time to treat the muscles with cupping, massage and topical rubs, like Moonglow Minerals Magnesium Cream.

  • Book a session at Therapeutic Bodywork to treat your muscles and calm your mind.

    • Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help regulate the Stomach and Spleen organs, improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gastrointestinal health.

    • Reflexology: Reflexology can stimulate points related to the Stomach and Spleen to reduce bloating and alleviate symptoms of indigestion. 

    • Skin Care: Damp conditions can lead to clogged pores and dull skin. Book a Deep Pore Detox Facial for a deep cleanse that will leave your skin visibly clearer and more radiant.

By embracing the practices of TCM during Late Summer, you can foster a sense of balance and well-being that will carry you through the coming seasons with vitality and harmony.