In the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the year is divided not into four, but five seasons, each associated with an Element, organ systems, emotions, and spiritual qualities. One of the most overlooked yet deeply nourishing phases is Late Summer, a brief but powerful season of transition between the height of Yang (Summer) and the beginning of Yin (Autumn). Governed by the Earth element, Late Summer is not only a time of harvest but a time of centering, grounding, and reflection.

Let’s explore how this season expresses itself in our bodies, emotions, and lives—and how you can harmonize with it using food, lifestyle, and intention.

When Is Late Summer?

Late Summer usually arrives around mid-August to the Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. In Canada, you might notice this period as the golden lull between scorching summer heat and the crispness of fall. The intense buzz of early summer begins to quiet. The sunlight shifts to a softer hue. The evenings bring relief. Plants are heavy with fruit, gardens overflow with produce, and farmers’ markets are bursting with color.

This is nature's pause before descent, a time to reap, digest, and integrate.

The Utmost Yang and the Turning Point

In TCM, Summer is the most Yang time of the year—full of expansion, heat, activity, and outward movement. At the peak of Yang, however, lies the seed of Yin. Late Summer is that turning point. The days are still warm, but the light begins to wane. You might notice yourself starting to crave quieter evenings, heartier meals, or deeper conversations. This is your body mirroring nature’s pivot.

Energetically, this is a time to recenter yourself, to begin drawing inward, but not in isolation—rather, in nourishment, reflection, and connection.

Earth Element: Spleen and Stomach in TCM

Late Summer belongs to the Earth element, which corresponds to the Spleen and Stomach in Chinese Medicine. These organs are central to digestion—not just of food, but of information, experiences, and emotions. Earth is the mother, the center, the stabilizer. It’s about how we feel at home in our bodies and how we give and receive nourishment.

When our Earth element is strong, we feel:

Grounded
Generous
Nurtured
Clear-minded
Able to give and receive support

When Earth is out of balance, we may experience:

Worry or overthinking
Digestive issues like bloating or heaviness
Cravings for sugar and damp-producing foods
Feeling stuck, tired, or unmotivated

This is the season to strengthen your center—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What Foods to Eat in Late Summer

The best way to support your Earth element is to eat in harmony with the season. This means:

Warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest
Sweet (not sugary) and neutral flavors like carrots, yams, and grains
Yellow and orange-colored produce that tonify the Spleen
Round, earthy foods like squash and lentils

Avoid or limit:

Excessive cold/raw foods (like smoothies and salads)
Greasy, rich foods
Refined sugar

TCM dietary therapy also emphasizes eating local and seasonal. Here are 5 examples of foods in season in Canada during Late Summer that nourish your Earth element:

Corn – Sweet and grounding, corn supports digestion and fluid metabolism.
Zucchini – Moistens the intestines, supports the Spleen and clears Summer Heat.
Carrots – Strengthen the digestion and support vision, which is linked to the Liver, our Wood element that balances Earth.
Blueberries – Slightly sour, tonify Yin and support the transition toward Fall.
Tomatoes – Cooling, but when lightly cooked, they can help clear Summer Heat without harming the Spleen.

Use herbs like ginger, cinnamon, or turmeric in small amounts to keep digestion warm and robust.

How We Experience Late Summer in the Body and Mind

This is a beautiful time to ask yourself:

Am I feeling nourished?
Am I grounded or scattered?
Am I giving more than I’m receiving?
Do I feel centered in my own life?

It’s common in Late Summer to feel a bit sluggish, especially if you've been burning the candle at both ends. That’s a sign to slow down and digest. Whether that means tending to your literal digestion with better food choices or processing emotional or mental stress—this season invites integration.

Emotionally, worry and overthinking are signs of an imbalanced Earth element. Grounding practices like walking barefoot, gentle movement, or writing in a journal help you come back to your center.

In TCM, every season offers a unique opportunity for healing and alignment. Late Summer, often overlooked in the West, is your sacred window to nourish your body, regulate your digestion, and re-anchor your life before the yin seasons arrive.

Take this time to root down, sweeten your meals, and reconnect with the rhythms of the Earth.

Let your life feel as full and ripe as the season around you.

Now is the perfect time to book an acupuncture session to support your digestion, boost energy, and feel grounded as the seasons shift.

Why This Season?

In Late Summer, the Earth element—governing the Spleen and Stomach—is most active. This makes it an ideal time to:

Strengthen your digestion and metabolism
Clear lingering dampness or bloating from the humid summer
Calm overthinking and mental fog
Rebalance before the inward pull of autumn begins

Acupuncture during this season helps stabilize your center, harmonize the body, and prepare you for the energetic shift ahead. It's like tuning up your system during nature’s pause—so you can feel calm, clear, and nourished from the inside out.

→ Ready to feel more grounded and supported? Book your Late Summer acupuncture session today.

Late Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine: What to Eat and How to Stay Balanced