Seasonal Wellness Tips for Late Summer

Image by Jesus Silvosa

Late summer has arrived. In Chinese Cosmology, late summer is the fifth season, the bridge between summer and autumn.

Late Summer corresponds with the Earth Element. The energetic movement of late summer is circular and slow. The climatic factor is damp. The taste is sweet. The corresponding organ systems are the stomach & spleen/pancreas.

Accumulations of dampness in the bodymind slow metabolic functioning and create lethargy, heaviness in the limbs, arhythmic digestion & elimination, muzzy headedness, and circular thinking.

Feeling slow and heavy?

Well, you’re right on time. There are things we can do, though, to mitigate the heaviness, lethargy, aches and host of other symptoms that dampness creates in the bodymind.

Foods that create/exacerbate dampness in the bodymind are DAIRY, processed foods, refined SUGAR, fried foods and the glorious realm of all things glutinous.

If you tend toward dampness - excess mucus, sinus issues, frequent colds or bronchitis allergies, irregular elimination, difficulty losing weight, slow thinking and processing, excessive worry, edema - cut out dairy & sugar. It’s not forever, consider it a much needed reprieve during this heavy, circular season.

Seasonal transitions are challenging and as such, they are an ideal time to simplify diet and expand the ways in which you nourish yourself.

In addition to cutting out the things that gunk up the works - gluten, dairy, refined sugars - reduce your intake of cold foods especially if you tend to run cold. Cold foods deplete the digestive fire (agni) and slow digestion and elimination.

While its beneficial to omit certain foods, it’s also essential to call upon foods & herbs that help stimulate digestive fire, drain dampness and revive the spark of vitality.

For those who tend towards cold, use warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper and elecampane in cooking and teas.

For those who run hot, include bitter herbs that will dry up excess fluids and drain heat, such as dandelion root, burdock root, cleavers and chamomile.

Lastly, the taste that brings harmony to the Earth element is sweet. If you have found yourself reaching for sweets of late, understand that your body is attempting to self-regulate.

The sweet taste, when consumed in moderation, is grounding and brings energy to the center. From a classical perspective, the sweet taste is found in melons, stone fruits, root vegetables, grains such as brown rice, barley, corn and millet. Include more of the natural sweet taste in your diet (as well as more healthy fats) and see if that brings a sense of satiety.

The wheel of the year is turning from yang to yin. Be gentle with yourself as we make the pilgrimage from light to dark.

The information I shared is general, let me know if you’d like a personalized consultation or acupuncture treatment.

Wishing you a nourishing & grounded late summer,

Martha