--- title: "Late Summer in TCM: The Fifth Season for Grounding and Balance" canonical: "https://www.acupuncturebykim.nl/en/blog/the-dao-of-late-summer/" pubDate: "2026-08-25T00:00:00.000Z" updatedDate: "2026-08-25T00:00:00.000Z" author: Kim Tran description: "In the Western calendar, we know four seasons, but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has five. Between the end of August and the start of autumn lies a distinct period: late summer. It is a..." categories: [blog] --- In the Western calendar, we know four seasons, but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has five. Between the end of August and the start of autumn lies a distinct period: late summer. It is a transitional phase. We are slowly moving away from the outward, active energy (Yang) of spring and summer, preparing for the more inward, restful energy (Yin) of autumn and winter.\ This transition demands a lot from our bodies, both physically and mentally. While many people think they are just suddenly tired or out of balance, it is simply the body trying to adapt to the changing seasons in nature. ### The Earth Element: The Spleen and the Stomach Within the Five Elements theory, late summer is connected to the Earth element. The organs directly linked to this in TCM are the Stomach and the Spleen. The Earth element is all about nourishment in the broadest sense of the word. The Spleen and Stomach are not only responsible for physically digesting our food, but also for mental nourishment—meaning the processing of information, stimuli, and emotions. Digesting a packed schedule and digesting a meal are connected in that sense. According to TCM, a full, restless mind leads to a restless gut. ### Signs of an imbalance Because the focus in late summer is so strongly on this Earth element, this is the time we need to extra nourish and protect these organs. When the Stomach and Spleen fall out of balance, you often notice it immediately. Typical symptoms that flare up during late summer include: * A sudden lack of energy (fatigue and heavy limbs) * A restless, nervous feeling or overthinking * Nausea or a heavy feeling after eating * Mood swings and feeling down * Aggravation of bowel issues, like IBS ### How do you stay balanced during late summer? Harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach sounds abstract, but you can do this very practically through your daily choices and lifestyle. 1. **Choose warm, grounding foods.** After a summer full of ice-cold drinks and raw salads, it is now time to give your digestion a rest. Raw, cold food costs the Spleen an extreme amount of energy to process. Opt for warm, cooked meals more often now. Simple soups, warming tea, or roasted vegetables help your system tremendously. 2. **Create peace in your mind (and during your meals).** Because Earth is literally about 'grounding', it is important to keep both feet on the ground. Take time for mindfulness and get out into nature. But just as importantly: take the time to eat mindfully. Eat sitting at the table, chew well, and close your laptop. Your digestion simply does not work when your nervous system has to process too many stimuli at once. 3. **Reset the nervous system with acupuncture. **If you feel that your energy stays low or your digestion remains restless, acupuncture is a highly effective way to support the Earth element. The treatment helps to calm the nervous system, reset your digestion, and smooth the transition into autumn. How do you make sure you stay balanced during late summer? Find a way that works for you. If you would like to receive articles and practical tips like this more often sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of this article. Instagram: [Follow me here]() for more insights on acupuncture, mindfulness, and health in daily life. ### Acupuncture in Amsterdam East My clinic is located in the Eastern Docklands (Oostelijk Havengebied), between Java Island and Amsterdam Central Station. Public Transport: The bus and tram 26 stop just a 5-minute walk from the clinic. Car: You can easily park in the nearby parking garages De Loodsen or Withoedenveem. Hope to see you soon at the clinic, Kim