Late summer usually runs from mid-August to the autumn equinox. This is Earth season — the time of year that governs digestion, nourishment, stability, and (for some of us) a sudden urge to buy school supplies even if we’re not going back to school.
In Chinese medicine, the Earth element relates to your Spleen and Stomach — not in the Western anatomical sense, but as energetic systems responsible for turning food into energy and keeping you feeling grounded. When your Earth element is in balance, you feel centered, nourished, and able to adapt easily to change. When it’s out of balance, you might feel sluggish, foggy, anxious, or crave comfort carbs like you’ve got a bagel hotline on speed dial.
Here are my favorite late summer tips to keep your digestion happy, your mind clear, and your spirit ready for the seasonal shift ahead.
1. Eat Like Goldilocks — Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Late summer is a time to be kind to your digestive system. Think warm, gently cooked foods — soups, stews, steamed veggies, stir-fries. Too much raw, cold food (like salads straight from the fridge or ice cream binges) can put extra strain on your Spleen energy, leaving you feeling tired and bloated.
On the flip side, avoid going full spice-warrior with super hot peppers or heavy fried foods — they can create “damp heat” that slows digestion. The Goldilocks rule: warm, balanced, and easy to digest is perfect for this time of year.
2. Embrace Your Inner Squash Enthusiast
Earth season is the moment for yellow and orange produce — think squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, and golden beets. These foods nourish the Spleen, support digestion, and provide that gentle sweetness that your body loves in late summer.
If you’ve been meaning to try spaghetti squash but felt intimidated, now’s your moment. The Earth element thrives on these naturally sweet, nutrient-dense veggies. (Plus, you can pretend you’re eating pasta while secretly eating vegetables — a win for your inner trickster.)
3. Chew on This: Mindful Eating Works
In Earth season, it’s not just what you eat, it’s how you eat. Eating in a rush, multitasking, or scrolling through stressful news while chewing your lunch can disrupt your digestion.
Try this instead: Sit down, take a breath, and actually notice your food. Chew thoroughly. Taste it. Your Spleen will thank you, and your brain might notice you’re full before you inhale three more helpings.
4. Guard Against Dampness (The Uninvited Guest)
In Chinese medicine, “dampness” isn’t about the weather forecast — it’s about feeling heavy, sluggish, or foggy-headed. Late summer’s humidity can combine with heavy, greasy, or overly sweet foods to create internal dampness.
Watch for signs like water retention, bloating, loose stools, or feeling like your brain is running on dial-up. To keep dampness at bay, limit sugar, dairy, fried foods, and excessive bread. Favor light, warming herbs and spices like ginger, cinnamon, or cardamom.
5. Find Your Center Before Fall Arrives
The Earth element is about stability — physically, mentally, and emotionally. As the seasons shift, you might notice more anxiety, scattered thinking, or “back-to-school” stress (even if your only student is a houseplant).
Support your center with grounding activities:
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Gentle stretching or yoga
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Tai chi or qigong
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A short meditation practice
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Daily walks in nature
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Acupuncture (yes, this is the shameless plug portion, but it really works!)
6. Sweet — But Not Too Sweet
In moderation, naturally sweet foods (like ripe peaches, baked apples, or roasted sweet potatoes) are great for Earth season. But overdoing sweets — especially refined sugar — weakens your Spleen and can set off a dampness spiral.
If you’re craving dessert, try baked fruit with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Your digestion will be happier, and you’ll still get that comforting flavor without the sugar crash.
7. Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up
Acupuncture during late summer can help balance your Earth element, support your digestion, boost immunity before cold season, and smooth the transition into fall. Think of it like a seasonal oil change for your body — except with fewer wrenches and more blissful relaxation.
Bottom Line: Nourish Now, Thrive Later
Late summer in Chinese medicine is all about nourishment, balance, and preparation. By supporting your Spleen and Stomach now, you set yourself up for better immunity, more energy, and smoother seasonal transitions in the months ahead.
So, savor that ripe peach, take a mindful walk, and maybe roast a batch of sweet potatoes. And if your body’s feeling out of balance, come see me for an acupuncture session — your Earth element will thank you.
Lisa Meyerson Acupuncture
Specializing in fertility, prenatal care, pain management, and seasonal wellness in Evanston, IL.
Book your appointment: lisameyersonacupuncture.janeapp.com
Lisa Meyerson
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