Feb 17, 2025
Discover Traditional Chinese Medicine tips for navigating the end of summer. Learn about the Earth element and how to maintain balance as seasons shift
As the vibrant energy of summer begins to wane, we enter a unique period known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Late Summer or "Long Summer." This transitional season, deeply rooted in the wisdom of the Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), offers us a chance to harmonize with nature's rhythms and prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Understanding Late Summer in TCM
The Huang Di Nei Jing, a foundational text of TCM, emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the seasons. Late Summer, associated with the Earth element, is a time of abundance, transformation, and centeredness.
Key Characteristics of Late Summer:
Element: Earth
Organs: Spleen and Stomach
Color: Yellow
Taste: Sweet
Emotion: Pensiveness or worry
The Earth Element: Nourishment and Stability
In TCM, the Earth element represents the center, providing stability and nourishment. During Late Summer, it's crucial to support our Spleen and Stomach to maintain balance as we transition into autumn.
Huang Di Nei Jing's Advice for Late Summer
"In the three months of Late Summer... one should nourish the yin and restrain from anger. This is the way of responding to the qi of Late Summer and it is the path for nurturing longevity."
TCM Tips for Late Summer Wellness
Mindful Eating
Enjoy warm, cooked foods to support Spleen function
Incorporate yellow and orange foods like squash, corn, and sweet potatoes
Avoid excessive raw or cold foods, which can tax the digestive system
Harmonize with Nature's Rhythm
Wake up earlier as days begin to shorten
Take time to ground yourself, perhaps by walking barefoot on grass
Support the Spleen and Stomach
Try gentle abdominal massage to aid digestion
Practice deep breathing to enhance the flow of qi
Emotional Balance
Address worry or overthinking through meditation or journaling
Cultivate gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season
Herbal Remedies for Late Summer
Consider these TCM herbs to support your transition into autumn:
Ginger: Warms the Spleen and aids digestion
Astragalus: Boosts immunity and strengthens the Spleen
Chinese Yam: Nourishes the Spleen and Stomach
Codonopsis: Tonifies qi and supports the digestive system
Always consult with a qualified TCM practitioner before starting any herbal regimen.
Acupressure Points for Late Summer Balance
Try these acupressure points to support your Earth element:
Spleen 6 (SP6) - "Three Yin Intersection"
Location: Four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone
Benefits: Strengthens Spleen, calms the mind
Stomach 36 (ST36) - "Leg Three Miles"
Location: Four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outside the shinbone
Benefits: Boosts energy, aids digestion
Ren 12 (CV12) - "Central Venter"
Location: Midway between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone
Benefits
The Earth Element in Chinese Medicine: Foundation of Balance and Nourishment
In the Five Element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Earth element holds a unique and central position. At Unity healing centre we recognize the profound impact of harmonizing the Earth element for overall health, stability, and personal growth.
Understanding the Earth Element
The Earth element represents:
Stability and groundedness
Nourishment and absorption
Centering and balance
Transition and transformation
In nature, Earth is associated with the changing of seasons, particularly the transition from one season to another. This reflects its role in our bodies as a stabilizing and harmonizing force.
Organs and Functions
The Earth element is primarily associated with:
Spleen
Transforms and transports nutrients
Governs muscles and flesh
Holds blood in the vessels
Houses our capacity for thinking and studying
Stomach
Receives and ripens food
Descends qi and fluids
Initiates the digestive process
Together, these organs form the foundation of our digestive system in TCM, responsible not just for physical digestion, but also for the "digestion" of thoughts and experiences.
Earth Element Characteristics
Season: Late Summer (the transition between seasons)
Color: Yellow
Taste: Sweet
Emotion: Pensiveness or worry
Sound: Singing
Sense Organ: Mouth
Tissue: Muscles
The Earth Element and Wellness
A balanced Earth element contributes to:
Strong digestion and metabolism
Stable energy levels
Clear thinking and good concentration
Emotional stability and reduced anxiety
Strong muscles and limbs
Ability to nurture oneself and others
Signs of Earth Element Imbalance
When the Earth element is out of balance, one might experience:
Digestive issues (bloating, nausea, appetite changes)
Fatigue or lethargy
Muscle weakness
Overthinking or worry
Difficulty concentrating
Tendency to gain weight
Craving for sweets
Nurturing the Earth Element
At Unity healing centre, we offer personalized strategies to strengthen your Earth element:
Acupuncture: Focusing on points to tonify the Earth energy.
Herbal Medicine: Prescribing formulas like Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) to support Spleen function.
Dietary Recommendations: Emphasizing Earth-nourishing foods like sweet potatoes, squash, and millet.
Qigong Exercises:Teaching specific movements to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach meridians.
Mindfulness Practices: Guiding meditation techniques to center oneself and reduce overthinking.
Earth Element and Personal Growth
In line with our clinic's philosophy of holistic wellness, we view the Earth element as crucial for personal development:
It provides the stable foundation necessary for growth and transformation
Balancing Earth energy can enhance one's ability to nurture themselves and others
A strong Earth element supports the integration of experiences, leading to wisdom
It helps in finding one's center, crucial for navigating life's challenges