In the cyclical flow of time, Chinese medicine recognizes a fifth season - late summer.

Late summer begins in the middle of August and stretches to late September. During this time, the very yang, very fiery crux of summer begins to wane, and we enter a time of nurturing and nourishing.

This is a transitional time.

Late summer is associated with the earth element, which you may remember from previous writings.

The earth element is the element of the spleen and stomach - it is about nourishment. We support the earth element by supporting the digestion and assimilation of foods, experiences, and information.

When the earth element is balanced, we have a good flow of qi within, we feel satisfied and rested, and our bodies function with integrity and harmony. Our digestion is good, our minds feel clear.

Imbalances of the earth element lead to weak spleen and stomach qi, which commonly show up as digestive issues, brain fog, feelings of heaviness, sweet cravings, and forgetfulness.

Rumination and circular thinking also arise from and lead to imbalances in the earth element - a bidirectional relationship we likely have all experienced.

Embracing late summer

In this upcoming late summer time, it can be helpful to begin to ease up a bit.

Reflect on the progress, change, and growth you have made throughout the summer. Gently start to turn toward the coming fall. Give your mind more rest as you ease into the transition.

Remember that this is an earth element time, so we are encouraged to tune into our digestion and take stock of what is happening within ourselves.

Questions to consider for late summer:

• How efficiently are you digesting foods and drinks right now? Are you hungry in the morning? How do you feel after you eat?

• How efficiently are you digesting your experiences? Are you able to move on from difficult moments? Can you turn your mind down at night?

Chinese medicine is always preparing us for the season ahead. We eat, sleep, and move in ways that maintain health in the present and prevent illness in the future.

It may still feel like the middle of summer - it’s hot, there’s still watermelon at the grocery - but we all know that those subtle touches of fall will start to show themselves soon.

We don’t want to be exhausted and depleted when the cold starts to move in, as we will be more susceptible to pathogens.

Perhaps from mid-August to mid-September, we can each identify one change to make or one practice to introduce that will support us in the earth element area of life.

A few examples:

• Reduce the amount of raw fruit we consume from day to day. Cold and raw foods can weaken the spleen, and an excess of cold in the body can weaken/compromise our systems as we move toward a colder season.

• Start eating millet (or prepare more often if it’s already part of your diet). Millet is a hydrating, nourishing grain that supports the spleen and stomach. (If you live in ABQ, you can buy this in bulk at the co-op!)

• Do a few minutes of qigong for the earth element (which you can find in this form) most days.

I love the Chinese medicine understanding of late summer. There is so much we can learn from the nuances of the seasons, and these shifts are integral to the teachings of Chinese medicine. All aspects of our health can benefit as we learn to live more intentionally with the seasons.

Warmly,

Artemisia

Clinical Herbalist | Chinese Medicine

innervillagehealth.com

@innervillagehealth