Late Summer and the Five Elements: Aligning with the Earth Element for Whole-Body Wellness
Ever notice how your cravings, energy levels, and even your mood seem to shift with the seasons? There's actually an ancient medical reason for this—and a way to harness it for better health.
Five Element acupuncture draws upon five elements found in nature—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—which provide a lens through which to understand how the rhythms of nature impact our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Each element corresponds with a season, an organ system, and particular foods that help the body stay balanced.
Late summer is the season of the Earth element, which governs the Stomach and Spleen. These organ systems are essential for the digestion and assimilation of nutrients, providing the foundation for energy and vitality. When Earth is in harmony, we feel grounded, nourished, and stable. When imbalanced, signs such as digestive discomfort, fatigue, overthinking, or worry may appear. If you're feeling scattered, tired, or struggling with digestive issues as summer winds down, your body may be telling you it's time to rebalance your Earth element.
Because late summer is the season of ripening and harvest, it’s the ideal time to support your digestive system with grounding, gently sweet, and seasonal foods. Examples include:
Root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets
Whole grains like millet, oats, brown rice, and quinoa
Yellow and orange produce such as squash, pumpkin, corn, and peppers
Legumes like chickpeas and lentils
Seasonal fruits such as peaches, apples, pears, and figs
Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom
We recommend limiting overly cold or raw foods during this season, as they can weaken the digestive system. Instead, opt for lightly cooked meals that are warm and easy to digest.
While dietary changes lay the foundation, acupuncture can accelerate your Earth element healing by directly addressing the energetic imbalances in your Stomach and Spleen meridians. Many patients notice improved digestion and reduced anxiety within just a few sessions.
In addition to diet, lifestyle practices such as slowing down, grounding through gentle movement, and creating meaningful connections with others can further support Earth element balance.
By aligning your lifestyle with the rhythm of late summer, you can enhance digestion, cultivate stability, and prepare your body for the inward, reflective energy of autumn.
Are you ready to restore your Earth element balance and feel grounded again? Our acupuncture treatments are specifically designed to harmonize your Stomach and Spleen meridians, helping you digest better, worry less, and feel more energized. Schedule your late summer tune-up today and experience how aligning with nature's rhythm can transform your well-being from the inside out.