What is Late Summer in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the year is divided into five seasons (yes, five!): Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Fall, and Winter. Late Summer is a special time—usually from late August to early October—when the weather starts to shift from hot summer days to cooler fall evenings.

This season is all about balance, digestion, and getting ready for the changes ahead. Just like how we do spring cleaning for our homes, our bodies need a little "reset" too!

Late Summer & Your Body

In TCM, Late Summer is connected to the Earth element, which includes your stomach and spleen (the organs that help digest food and give you energy). If these organs are happy, you feel strong and full of energy. But if they’re out of balance, you might feel tired, bloated, or even overly worried. 

Signs Your Body Needs a Late Summer Reset:

• Feeling tired even after sleeping
• Craving too much sugar or junk food
• Bloating or stomach-aches after eating
• Feeling worried or overthinking

How to Reset in Late Summer (TCM Style!)

1. Eat Warm, Nourishing Foods

Your tummy loves warm, cooked foods during this time—think soups, steamed veggies, and grains like rice, quinoa and oats. Avoid too much cold or raw food (like ice cream or salads) because they can make digestion harder.

TCM Superfoods for Late Summer:

• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Ginger tea
• Cooked apples (yum!)

2. Slow Down & Relax

Late Summer is a time to pause—just like taking a deep breath before a big test. Try:

• Gentle walks in nature
• Short meditation breaks (even 5 minutes helps!)
• Less screen time before bed

3. Stay Hydrated (But Not Too Cold!)

Drink warm or room-temperature water with a slice of lemon instead of icy drinks. This helps your stomach work better.

4. Try Acupuncture or Massage

At A Balanced You Acupuncture & Wellness Center, we offer treatments that help your body stay balanced during seasonal changes. Acupuncture can boost digestion, energy, and calm your mind!

5. Get Good Sleep

Try to go to bed a little earlier as the days get shorter. Your body repairs itself while you sleep, especially during seasonal transitions.

Fun Fact: The Color of Late Summer is Yellow!

In TCM, each season has a color, and Late Summer’s is yellow—just like the sun, ripe corn, and golden squash. Eating yellow foods (like bananas, turmeric, and yellow peppers) can help support your body (the Earth element!)

Final Thoughts

Late Summer is the perfect time to slow down, eat well, and prepare for fall. Just like a tree holds onto its leaves before they fall, your body needs a little extra care during this season.

At A Balanced You Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Jacksonville, FL, we’re here to help you feel your best all year round. Ready for your Late Summer reset? Contact us today!

Would you like help feeling balanced this Late Summer? Visit us at A Balanced You Acupuncture & Wellness Center—your body will thank you! 

References:

1. Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books.
2. Beinfield, H., & Korngold, E. (1991). Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. Ballantine Books.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation. (n.d.). The Five Elements in TCM. Retrieved from www.tcmworld.org