Late Summer: TCM

The 3rd season in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is late summer also known as Indian summer. This central season marks the shift from the outward (yang) expression of spring and summer to the inward (yin) attention of fall and winter. This short transitional time of late summer, from the third week in August until the fall equinox, leads us away from summer’s fire energy towards the cooler elements, metal and water.

Late summer is associated with the earth element which represents manifestation and fertility, centering and grounding. It is a time to more deeply nourish the self and to find balance by making connection with the energies of mother earth.
Just as late summer is the central season, the organs that are associated with this time are those at our very core, the stomach and spleen. The two work together to sustain and energize the body by transporting the right nutrients to the right places.
Late summer is the very beginning of the harvest. Figs and peaches abound, berries are bountiful and apples are starting to ripen. Naturally the body begins craving the sweet flavor.

Seasonal fruits are a great way to satiate the appetite. It is essential that we recognize that the body is hungry for what the earth is providing, and not slip into the pattern of deriving sweetness from artificial sources, such as processed foods and alcohol. Eating refined sugar provides initial simulation to the spleen and pancreas, but in the end depletes and fatigues our intelligent system.

Our yoga practice will reflect this season by incorporating supported poses that align with the stomach and spleen meridians turning inward and becoming aware of our behaviors and noticing how the shift in season affect us. Lateral bending, and seated wide angle will be introduced to gently support and stimulate the spleen, as well as half saddle and child’s pose to recognize and honor the stomach.

Wishing you a late summer brimming with nutrients and meaning!