In the Western calendar, we have four seasons, but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has five. Between the end of August and the start of autumn lies an interesting period: late summer. It is a transitional phase. A time that is characterized by 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 actually 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 and the TCM organs Stomach and Spleen (in TCM the organ definition is different than in Western Medicine).
The Earth element is about nourishment and grounding. The Spleen and Stomach are not only responsible for literal nourishment like digesting and processing our food, but also for mental nourishment—meaning the processing of information, stimuli, and emotions. Digesting a stressful routine and schedule and digesting a big 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:
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A sudden lack of energy (fatigue and heavy limbs)
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A restless, nervous feeling or overthinking
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Nausea or a heavy feeling after eating
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Mood swings and feeling down
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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 through your daily choices and lifestyle. Here’s my top 3 tips.
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Choose warm, grounding foods. After a summer with icecream, and ice cubes, it’s time to return to warm foods. We say raw, cold food costs the Spleen an extra of energy to process. I personally like swapping my cold salads, for roasted vegetables or steamed vegetables and top it off with the same dressings and cheese like a salad. I also like to add simple soups, warming tea and ginger/tumeric.
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Create peace in your mind (also during your meals). Because Earth element is literally about ‘grounding’, it is also important to ground our focus. Take time to do more things one at the time. Instead of multitasking. This also applies to eating. Take the time to eat mindfully. Eat sitting at the table, chew well, and close your laptop and put away your phone. Your digestion will be better when your nervous system does not have process too many stimuli at once.
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**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.
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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