In East Asian medicine, there are five seasons, which correspond to five elements that exist within us. By living in harmony with the seasons, and closely observing the changes in nature, we are able to learn to support our health year-round.
We are currently in the Late Summer season, which lasts until Fall Equinox on September 23rd. According to East Asian medicine, this is the transition between summer and fall, where summer is characterized by yang energy (think expansion), while fall is characterized by yin (or inward) energy.
In East Asian medicine, Late Summer is associated with the Earth element, which has the following correspondences:
- Climate: humidity/dampness
- Taste: sweet
- Color: yellow
- Emotion: pensiveness
- Stage of development: transformation
- Yin organ: Spleen
- Yang organ: Stomach
- Sense organ: mouth
- Tissues: muscles
- Direction: center
When an individual is out of balance during this season, it may manifest either physically or emotionally as the following symptoms:
- Digestive issues such as: nausea, gas, lack of appetite, bloating, heartburn, loose stools
- Weight gain
- Allergies
- Muscle aches
- Heavy limbs
- Joint pain
- Yeast infections
- Fatigue
- Overthinking / ruminating thoughts / worrying
- Poor concentration
If you are feeling out of balance during this season, here are some things to consider:
- Don’t worry! Overthinking, ruminating thoughts, and worrying can be taxing on our systems. Not only does this affect our emotional wellbeing, but this can also cause physical dysfunction in our Spleen system (eg digestive issues). Meditation is a great way to practice redirecting thought patterns that don’t serve us, for calming our minds, and allowing more space for acceptance and forgiveness (especially towards ourselves!). Moving our bodies through regular exercise also ensures smooth circulation of qi and blood, which also helps process our thoughts.
- Food! Visit your local farmer’s market to see what is in season! Yellow/orange/brown foods, and naturally sweet foods (without added sugars) are beneficial to eat, such as corn, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, onions, kohlrabi, parsnips, millet, apples, peaches, and pears. Avoid foods that create dampness in the body, such as sugar, refined carbs, processed foods, fried foods, and dairy. This is also the time to start incorporating more warm, cooked foods into your diet to optimize your digestive function, as excess consumption of cold/raw foods tend to weaken our digestive fire.
By cultivating a healthy Earth element within us, we can build a stronger digestive system and set ourselves up for stronger immunity as fall and winter are approaching.
Nina Yonezawa LAc