As the intensity of Summer begins to soften, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes a fifth season: Late Summer.
Typically from mid-August to late-September, Late Summer is a transition period of lingering heat, abundant harvests, and a subtle shift toward autumn. In Chinese Medicine, transitions matter. They’re opportunities to slow down, regroup, and build a strong foundation before the next season arrives.
Late Summer is associated with the Earth Element, which governs our ability to nourish ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Earth Element
The Earth Element is associated with the Spleen and Stomach organ systems, the body’s digestive and metabolic center, which are responsible for transforming food into energy (Qi) and Blood.
But digestion isn’t just about food.
Earth element digestion also governs how we process information, experiences, and emotions. When the Earth element is balanced, we tend to feel grounded, focused, resilient, and well-nourished.
When the Earth Element Is Out of Balance
Late Summer often brings heat, humidity, busy schedules, travel, and irregular eating habits, which means the Earth Element can easily become overtaxed.
Common signs of Earth element imbalance include:
- Bloating or sluggish digestion
- Loose stools or digestive sensitivity
- Low energy, especially after meals
- Feeling physically “heavy” or “dragging”
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Sugar or carb cravings
- Excessive worry or overthinking
- Water retention or a sensation of dampness in the body
In TCM, many of these symptoms are viewed through the lens of Dampness, a pattern that can develop when digestion becomes less efficient. Humid weather, iced drinks, excessive sweets, alcohol, and highly processed foods can all contribute, especially in folks who are already prone to GI issues.
Simple Ways to Support your Earth Element
Supporting your Earth element doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul, small consistent habits often have the biggest impact.
Eat warm, nourishing meals.
Even when the weather is warm, your digestive system generally prefers foods that are cooked and easy to digest. Soups, stews, steamed or lightly sautéed vegetables, roasted vegetables, oatmeal, rice, and simple grain bowls can all be wonderful choices.
Build meals around whole foods.
Late Summer is harvest season. Take advantage of fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit, legumes, whole grains, and quality proteins. These foods naturally support healthy digestion, diverse microbiome, and provide steady energy throughout the day.
Go easy on cold foods and drinks.
An occasional iced coffee or smoothie is fine, but consistently relying on very cold foods and beverages throughout the day can make your digestion work a little harder from a TCM perspective. Choosing room-temperature water or enjoying warm meals more often helps support digestive function.
Prioritize regular meal times.
The Earth Element thrives on rhythm. Eating meals at relatively consistent times each day can be just as supportive as what you eat. This also helps to keep your blood sugar regulated, rather than spiking and dropping.
Slow down while you eat.
Your nervous system plays an important role in digestion. Taking a few deep breaths before meals, sitting down without distractions when possible, and chewing thoroughly can all improve how well your body processes food.
Make space for rest.
Late Summer reminds us that productivity isn’t the only measure of health. Creating moments to pause, whether it’s a short walk, gentle stretching, reading outside, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes, helps replenish the reserves that carry us into Autumn.
A Seasonal Reminder
The Earth Element teaches us that good health isn’t built on perfection, it’s built on consistency.
As we move through this transitional season, consider asking yourself:
What helps me feel nourished?
Sometimes the answer is a balanced meal. Sometimes it’s a slower morning, an earlier bedtime, or saying no to one more commitment.
Supporting your Earth Element is ultimately about creating enough stability that your body and mind can do what they were designed to do: digest, recover, adapt, and thrive.
Looking for more support this Late Summer Season? Book a Session in Oakland or San Francisco (and Telehealth too!).
Ilana Harms Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, Inc. 