Late Summer & The Earth Element: A Season of Centering
In Chinese Medicine, each season is linked to an element, and Late Summer—that brief pause between the heat of July and the crispness of fall—is governed by the Earth element.
This is a time of nourishment, grounding, and returning to center. It’s when nature is most abundant: fruits ripen, gardens overflow, and the air begins to soften. In our bodies and lives, Late Summer invites us to slow down, take stock, and find steadiness in the transition.
The Earth Element: Stability, Nourishment, and Connection
The Earth element is all about support—of ourselves, of others, and of our ability to stay centered when life swirls around us. When balanced, the Earth element brings:
A strong digestive system
Clear thinking and focus
The ability to care for ourselves and others without depletion
Emotional steadiness and groundedness
When Earth is out of balance, we might notice:
Worry, overthinking, or rumination
Digestive issues like bloating or sluggishness
Feeling ungrounded or disconnected from our body
Cravings for sweets or emotional eating
Late Summer in the Clinic
At Moon River Clinic, this is the time we often treat people for:
Digestive imbalances—especially bloating, sluggish bowels, or nausea
Mental fog or difficulty concentrating
Overwhelm from caregiving or doing too much
Post-vacation or back-to-school stress
Immune support before the shift into autumn
Acupuncture during Late Summer helps regulate digestion, calm the mind, and fortify your system so you feel nourished and grounded heading into fall.
We may also suggest gentle herbal support, warm and easy-to-digest foods, and simple practices like walking barefoot on the earth or placing one hand on your belly when you breathe.
Ways to Align With Late Summer
Eat seasonal foods: Think warm, lightly cooked meals with squash, sweet potatoes, corn, ginger, and a touch of honey.
Take stock: Reflect on what you’ve harvested so far this year—and what needs your care before fall.
Settle into routines: Regular meals, movement, and rest help ground the body and nervous system.
Practice compassion: Earth energy is tied to caregiving. Let that care extend to yourself, too.
Rooting Into Yourself
Late Summer reminds us to come home to the body, to nourish what sustains us, and to prepare gently for what’s next. This is the season of cultivating your center—physically, emotionally, and energetically.
Let acupuncture be one of the ways you return to that grounded, supported version of yourself.
