And so, we enter a new season. Late Summer is the grounding energy of the Earth element directly relating to the Stomach and Spleen meridians in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Living in Queensland, the late summer season continues for a little longer than other places. It is hot and humid from Late January until end of March and into early April.
Living in harmony with the seasons is at the core of traditional Chinese wisdom and is based on living in harmony with nature and the environment. As Chinese medicine is a system with a focus on the prevention of illness and disease, the food we eat and our lifestyle habits during the seasons will affect our overall wellbeing.
Late summer is an important transitional season to prepare for the colder months ahead and a perfect time to think about creating comfort, balance and stability. The late summer is about nourishment and ripening, you could look at it as the time of the year to start harvesting your energy to prepare for the colder months.
TIPS FOR HARMONISING WITH THE LATE SUMMER TO AUTUMN ENERGY
- Yoga -practice daily restorative moon salutations as we transition from the yang to yin energies. Grounding postures will me most beneficial this time of the year. Hip openers and lunges are thought to stimulate both the stomach and spleen meridians to allow your qi to flow freely
- Take time for yourself, treat yourself to massage as it moves the lymphatic system and the spleen qi manifests in the muscles. Look at balancing your life and taking a slower pace so you can make time to do things you love.
WHAT TO EAT DURING THE LATE SUMMER TO AUTUMN SEASON
- Mild golden round and sweet foods harmonise with the late summer, and according to TCM, nourish and strengthen the spleen and stomach qi.
- Some examples of foods to add into your diet are: millet, corn, onions, carrot, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, yams, rice and peas. To strengthen digestion leek, ginger, cinnamon and fennel are great to use to flavour your meals. Beneficial animal products in small amounts are tuna, hummmanely raised beef, chicken, turkey, lamb and grass fed butter.
- The flavour of the spleen is sweet so be careful with over indulging in refined sugar and processed breads and cereals.
I am passionate about helping my clients to flow with grace and ease through the seasons. I encourage you to book in for a face-to-face appointment with me or your local Acupuncture practitioner to tailor a healing program specific to your needs.
With love,
Jess x
