It’s the end of summer(!) and I decided to revisit this season through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where each season is linked to one of the Five Elements. Right now, we’re in Late Summer, a short but potent season associated with the Earth Element. It feels especially timely to share, since this season is all about transition, centering, and nourishment, things we could all use right now.
As the heat of summer shifts toward autumn, it’s easy to feel ungrounded, especially with the chaos of the world around us. The Earth element invites us to return to our center to root into stability, compassion, and true nourishment.
Organs: Stomach & Spleen (digestion + energy distribution)
Flavor: Sweet (in moderation, think root veggies & whole grains, not necessarily sugar)
Emotion: Sympathy & compassion
Color: Yellow
Sense: Taste (mouth, lips, saliva)
Imbalance shows up as: Worry, overthinking, digestive issues, fatigue, sugar cravings or feeling “ungrounded”
When life feels chaotic, centering practices can help us find balance.
Slow meals → chew well, eat calmly, savor your food
Movement after eating → a gentle walk or stretching supports digestion
Centering rituals → meditation, journaling, walking barefoot, creative practices (music, art, dance)
Herbs for digestion → chamomile, fennel, rosemary and ginger tea
Eat seasonal foods: corn, apples, squash, millet, beans
Balance heavier proteins & fats with fresh vegetables & fruit
Aim for 70–80% alkaline-forming foods (fruits, veggies, greens, seeds) to stay strong through seasonal changes
Notice your sweet cravings → a little natural sweetness nourishes the spleen but too much weakens it
If you’re feeling called to schedule bodywork as we move through this transitional season, here are my upcoming openings:
✨ The Earth element teaches us that no matter how much shifts around us, we can always return to our center. By caring for digestion, grounding and feeding both body and spirit, we can strengthen our resilience for the season ahead. xo ajp
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.