Late August is a lovely time of year. There is a lull in activity after the excitement and energy of the summer. School resumes and routines refocused . Fruits are almost at their sweetest and ripest. Everyone has come home from family vacations and it’s a time of rest before the fall breeze blows through.
In TCM, this is the Fifth Season. It’s the last few weeks of summer right before the fall equinox. It’s a time of transition from the energizing, active Yang of the Summer to the cool, reflective Yin of Autumn. The weather changes and the amount of sunlight we get begins to dim.
In TCM, this is the Fifth Season. It’s the last few weeks of summer right before the fall equinox. It’s a time of transition from the energizing, active Yang of the Summer to the cool, reflective Yin of Autumn. The weather changes and the amount of sunlight we get begins to dim.
Earth is the element that rules this transitional season. The Stomach and Spleen are the organs that need support and strengthening. Earth guides our ability to think clearly and too much over-thinking and planning can also be adverse for our digestive function and processing center. An imbalance in Earth can lead to worry or obsession, but balance in Earth gives a sense of calm, clarity and adaptability. Now is a good time to start or restart a meditative practice which can include doing yoga, a daily walk, tuning into your breathing a few minutes at a time or just cooking a good nourishing meal.
Luckily there are a variety of fruits and vegetables that are available and abundant at this time of year. When these organs are vital and in balance we are able to nourish ourselves and those around us.
Luckily there are a variety of fruits and vegetables that are available and abundant at this time of year. When these organs are vital and in balance we are able to nourish ourselves and those around us.
In order to strengthen and stabilize the digestive organs it’s a good idea to start incorporating warming foods that support the Earth element. Be careful not to impair your digestive system with too many cooling and sweet foods like ice cream and refined/processed foods which can leave you foggy-headed and lethargic.
Eating whole grains like millet, a variety of legumes, full sweet foods such as whole fruit and cooked food especially soup will aid in the strengthening. When you’re cooking add in warm and neutral pungents. Warm pungents include: onions, cabbage, brussel sprouts, coriander, mustard leaf, ginger, lavender, oregano, basil, tarragon, rosemary, sage, bell peppers, parsnips, and tea tree. Neutral pungents include: sweet potatoes, turnips, coriander and taro. Using these ingredients regularly this season will help to create a deep overall warmth that tonify and move out phlegm from the Spleen.
Although you can strengthen the Earth element at anytime, the Season of Late Summer is a particularly beneficial time to clear phlegm/damp and create stability in the body.
Eating whole grains like millet, a variety of legumes, full sweet foods such as whole fruit and cooked food especially soup will aid in the strengthening. When you’re cooking add in warm and neutral pungents. Warm pungents include: onions, cabbage, brussel sprouts, coriander, mustard leaf, ginger, lavender, oregano, basil, tarragon, rosemary, sage, bell peppers, parsnips, and tea tree. Neutral pungents include: sweet potatoes, turnips, coriander and taro. Using these ingredients regularly this season will help to create a deep overall warmth that tonify and move out phlegm from the Spleen.
Although you can strengthen the Earth element at anytime, the Season of Late Summer is a particularly beneficial time to clear phlegm/damp and create stability in the body.
As a time of change and transition moving from Summer to Fall, this elusive season that doesn’t have an exact time but we all feel, gives us space to reflect on the experiences we’ve had over the Summer, process what we’ve learned and move into the more introspective part of the year. The emotions of Earth are sympathy, compassion and nurturing. Consider offering these feelings to yourself and if you are thinking of offering it to others, volunteering in late summer is a good season to make that intention real.
Offer yourself an acupuncture treatment to help balance your energy before moving into the Fall Season.
Offer yourself an acupuncture treatment to help balance your energy before moving into the Fall Season.
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