In East Asian Medicine we describe the year as having five seasons. In addition to the traditional seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter, we also designate the season of late summer. This extra season is the season of harvest, and is also a time of “reset” between the traditional four seasons. Late summer falls at the end of August- early autumn and the last 18 days of each season as a transition period.
Late summer is associated with the earth element and the Spleen and Stomach channels. The Spleen and Stomach rule digestion which is turn helps support the building of the musculoskeletal system and in particular the nourishment of muscle tissues. Just as the Spleen and Stomach help us digest our food, they also help us “digest” and process our emotional life. When the earth element is strong it provides strength for daily tasks, recharges our energy, supports immunity, and allows us to live from a place of generosity and abundance.
If the earth element is out of balance there can be symptoms such as:
Difficulty building muscle mass
Feeling of physical weakness
Over-giving leading to depletion
Worry and overthinking
Overprotection and control
One of the main inhibitors to the earth element is the pathology of dampness. Dampness can obstruct the body’s systems and is the underlying cause of many chronic diseases. Dampness can manifest as weakness, foggy headed, low energy, feeling heavy, gas/bloating, frequent/sticky BM, undigested food, the ability to bruise easily, and some menstrual irregularities.
Good dietary practices and movement are foundational ways to eliminate dampness. If you suffer from a dampness related condition it is best to avoid foods that cause dampness in the body such as dairy, refined sugar, wheat, eggs, soy, and alcohol.
To support a healthy digestion and nourish your earth element incorporate foods that are yellow and orange. Cooking your food also takes some strain off the digestive system and is recommended if you are experiencing digestive issues. It is recommended for everyone during the late-summer into early-autumn and in the transition phase between seasons to cook 70-100% of your food.
Foods to nourish your earth element
Squashes –yellow/orange colors e.g. pumpkin, delicata, butternut, spaghetti, yellow zucchini
Root veggies - yams and sweet potatoes
Pit fruit – nectarines, peaches (in limited quantities due to their sweet nature)
Veggies – carrots, peppers yellow/orange
Legumes – yellow lentils and split peas, orange lentils
Whole grains – oats, buckwheat, quinoa, barley, rye, jasmine/brown rice, wild rice
Spices – cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, curry (also fight dampness)
Acupuncture is a wonderful way to help balance and strengthen your earth element. We hope to see you soon!