Late Summer
Late Summer
Element: Earth
Organ: Spleen
Sense: Taste
Emotion: Worry
Color: Yellow
Taste: Sweet
Time of day: 9–11 a.m.
In the previous blog I introduced the five seasons according to TCM.
Now, I want to cover in depth the Late Summer Season.
Duration
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Late Summer is considered a unique season that begins around the third week of August and lasts until the autumn equinox, around September 22nd. You might notice slight changes, in the weather such as chilly mornings and nights, but hot and humid days.
This period is seen as a time of transition, bridging the active, expansive energy of Spring and Summer (Yang energy) with the more inward, reflective energy of Autumn and Winter (Yin energy).
Theme
The element of this transitional season is Earth, which represents digestion.
This season emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and stability, both physically and emotionally. When imbalanced emotions like worry, rumination, overthinking, brain fog and digestive upset can arise. Such earth imbalance may even cause sugar cravings, but it’s best to avoid too many sweets.
If you are prone to anxiety and insomnia, and if you are out of balance, you will feel agitated during this season. It’s crucial to adjust habits so you can navigate this season smoothly.
If you are balanced, you will feel a sense of ease and peace.
What to do
The Late Summer season normally lasts one month (being the shortest season) and it’s the perfect season to regulate and strengthen your digestive system to boost immunity for the next two seasons. Everything is about DIGESTION, DIGESTION, DIGESTION.
It’s a time to focus on introducing grounding activities and nourishing the body with proper nutrition to support your digestive system and overall health.
Activities
Slowly Introduce:
Calming meditation & Mindfulness practices
Yoga (not hot yoga), Pilates, Power Balance
Nature Walks
Breathwork
Self-massage before bed
No more ice baths, specially before and during your period (in case you are a woman)
Mindset
Reflect on your journey
Let go: release old habits that no longer serve you.
Food
Late Summer is characterized by Heat and Dampness, and if imbalanced will lead to digestive issues, bloating and inflammation. To support your spleen eat natural sweet foods. This is not the time to eat raw and cold foods. Get centred and balanced by nurturing digestion with:
Warm breakfasts
Cooked and hearty meals
Eat Dampness-reducing, neutral to cooling and natural sweet foods with the colour of yellow and orange, such as:
Vegetables: Beets, carrots, pumpkin, potato, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, celery, cucumber, courgette, eggplant, fennel, spinach, fava bean.
Legumes: tofu, soybeans, white/red/adzuki bean, red lentils, chickpeas.
Fruit: Grape, apricot, banana, dates, gig, melon, orange, peach, pear, tangerine, quince.
Complex Carbohydrates (this is not the time for a no carbs diet): Buckwheat, corn, millet, rice, oats barley wheat.
Nuts: Sesame seeds, peanut, hazelnut, pistachio.
Meats: lean meats and eggs.
Fish: white colored fish.
Herbs and Spices: chamomile, anissed, mild-Curry, paprika, honey, saffron, coriander, matcha, ginger, basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme.
Enjoy this magical season and explore these Late Summer Recipes
✨ Own Your Energy✨