Late summer is one of the five seasons in Chinese medicine. It begins around the third week of August and runs through the Fall Equinox. The energy of this season corresponds to the nurturing Earth element. In Chinese Medicine Theory, the Earth element is associated with the spleen and stomach. Thus, we will feel our best when we optimize these organs.

𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: you have obsessive thoughts or are chronically worried, feel needy or are in codependent relationships, give too much of yourself and feel depleted, have digestive problems like abdominal pain, bad breath, foul belching, loose stools, IBS, food sensitivities, nausea, and gas/bloating. You may also experience sugar cravings, weight gain, heavy limbs, low energy, and a poor appetite.

𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: develop boundaries and be able to say “no”, spend time in nature close to the earth, work on staying present and not worrying about the future, limit sweets and instead eat sweet vegetables like yams and carrots. Avoid cold or frozen drinks, practice mindfulness by doing one thing at a time, journal or meditate when feeling overly emotional or worried, take breaks throughout the day to nourish yourself, limit cold/raw foods and focus on eating cooked/warm foods.

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: brown rice, carrots, winter squash, yellow vegetables, garbanzo beans, barley, strawberries, yams, sauerkraut, peas, molasses, dates, ginger, apricot, cherry, millet, oats, parsnip, porridge and pumpkin.

I hope these tips help you to feel aligned with the season, and allow you to take full advantage of the last of summer’s bountiful energy!

PC: @elijahhail