September 02, 2024

The 5th Season: Late Summer

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a concept called the “5th season.” It’s a transitional period that falls between summer and autumn, aka: Late Summer. This time is significant in TCM as it plays a unique role in maintaining balance and harmony within the body. Characteristics of Late Summer in TCM:

  • Earth Element
  • Yellow Color
  • Spleen and Stomach Systems
  • Worry or Pensiveness Emotionally
  • Sweet Flavors

 

Key Aspects of LATE SUMMER

Element Association: Earth Late Summer is associated with the Earth element, which is considered the center or pivot around which all other elements revolve. The Earth element represents stability, nourishment, and transformation, aligning with the idea of the harvest and the transition between active growth (spring and summer) and conservation (autumn and winter).

Organ Systems: Spleen and Stomach In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are the primary organs associated with the Earth element. These organs are responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall energy (Qi) production. The health of the Spleen and Stomach is crucial during Late Summer, as they are sensitive to the dampness and changes in temperature characteristic of this time of year.

Dampness and Digestive Health Late Summer is often marked by humid and damp weather, which can affect the body's internal balance. In TCM, excessive dampness can impair the Spleen's function, leading to issues like bloating, fatigue, and poor digestion. It's recommended to consume foods that strengthen the Spleen and avoid overly cold or damp-producing foods.

Dietary Recommendations Favorable foods: Lightly cooked or warm foods, whole grains (like rice and millet), root vegetables, legumes, and naturally sweet foods such as pumpkins, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Foods to avoid: Cold, raw, and greasy foods, as well as excessive dairy and sugary products, which can contribute to dampness.

Emotional and Mental Well-being The Earth element is also linked to the mind and emotions, particularly worry and overthinking. During Late Summer, it's important to manage stress and engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental clarity. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and moderate physical activity can help maintain emotional balance.

Connection to Seasonal Transition Late Summer serves as a bridge between the active, outward energy of summer and the more inward, reflective energy of autumn. It’s a time for grounding, centering, and preparing the body and mind for the cooler months ahead. This season encourages nourishing and stabilizing the body's energies to ensure a smooth transition into autumn.

    As you just read, Late Summer in TCM is a crucial period for maintaining balance, particularly in the digestive system and emotional well-being. By focusing on diet, lifestyle, and mindfulness practices that support the Earth element, you can optimize health and harmony during this transitional season.

    But two characteristics of Late Summer, color and flavor, are less familiar touchstones in western health system, so we’ll here to share more on these more esoteric aspects:

    SWEET

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the flavor associated with each season or element is believed to have a specific impact on the body and the corresponding organ systems. The sweet flavor is associated with the Earth element and Late Summer because it has a harmonizing, nourishing, and tonifying effect, which aligns with the season’s focus on digestion and balance.

    Reasons Why Sweet is the Flavor of Late Summer

    Nourishment and Tonification The sweet flavor is considered nourishing and tonifying in TCM, meaning it helps to strengthen and build up the body's energy (Qi) and fluids. During Late Summer, the body needs to be well-nourished to support the digestive system (Spleen and Stomach) as it plays a central role in transforming food into energy. It’s important to note that TCM emphasizes natural sweetness, which is found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables, rather than processed sugar.

    Balancing Dampness A mild, natural sweetness (as found in whole grains, vegetables, and certain fruits) is believed to help harmonize and regulate the body's fluids. This is especially important in Late Summer when the environment is often humid, and there is a risk of internal dampness affecting the Spleen.

    Grounding and Centering Sweet flavors are grounding and centering, which is key during the transitional period of Late Summer. This grounding effect helps stabilize the body and mind, providing a sense of balance as the seasons change.

    Moderation is Key While the sweet flavor is beneficial, TCM also stresses the importance of moderation. Excessive consumption of sweet foods, especially refined sugars, can lead to an imbalance, potentially weakening the Spleen and contributing to the formation of dampness.

     

      YELLOW

      Colors are also deeply symbolic and correspond to the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), each associated with a particular season, organ system, flavor, and other aspects of life. Yellow is the color associated with the Earth element, which governs the Late Summer season.

      Reasons Why Yellow is the Color of Late Summer

      Earth Element Association Yellow is the color of the Earth element, which symbolizes stability, nourishment, and grounding. The Earth element is central in TCM, representing the foundation and support for all other elements. During Late Summer, this sense of stability and balance is emphasized as the season marks the transition from the active growth of summer to the harvest and conservation period of autumn.

      Nourishment and Vitality Yellow is often associated with nourishment and vitality in TCM. The Earth element, and therefore the color yellow, is connected to the Spleen and Stomach, which are responsible for digestion and the transformation of food into energy (Qi). Just as the Earth provides nourishment to plants, the Spleen and Stomach provide nourishment to the body. The color yellow embodies this nurturing aspect, symbolizing the vital energy that sustains life.

      Harvest and Abundance Late Summer is the time of harvest, when crops are ripened and ready to be gathered. Yellow, reminiscent of ripe grains and fruits, symbolizes this period of abundance and fruition. The color reflects the richness of the season and the idea of reaping the rewards of growth, aligning with the Earth element's role in transformation and nourishment.

      Mental and Emotional Balance Yellow is also linked to clarity, mental focus, and emotional balance, which are key attributes of the Earth element. The Spleen, associated with the Earth element, is connected to thinking and intellect in TCM. A balanced Earth element helps to maintain clear thinking and emotional stability, while an imbalance might lead to overthinking or worry, emotions that are also linked to the Earth element.

      Harmonizing Energy In TCM, the color yellow is believed to have a harmonizing effect, promoting equilibrium within the body and mind. This harmonization is crucial during the transitional phase of Late Summer, where the focus is on creating a stable internal environment to prepare for the coming changes of autumn.

         

        At Boketto we’re here to support you in treatment and via our apothecary, throughout the year. Reach out, that’s why were here. It’s our pleasure!

        Written by Boketto Wellness