With the summer holidays almost over, as we enter into late summer, there is a sense that things are slowing down in nature and ourselves. Late summer is a time for deep nourishment in preparation for the coming colder months. Time to reap what we have sown earlier in the year and enjoy the fruits of our labour.
In Chinese Medicine 5 Element Theory late summer is recognised as a fifth season that spans from the last week in August to the Autumn equinox. It represents balance and unity being a transition between the expansive energy of summer and the more introspective, colder autumn and winter months. This tranquil season corresponds with the earth element. Like a mother the earth element is associated with nourishment and nurturing, and also feeling grounded and secure.
The earth element related organs are the spleen-pancreas* and stomach which are mainly responsible for the digestion and distribution of food and nutrients to all areas of the body. The energy derived from this process provides immunity, warmth, builds tissue and drives mental activity.
When the earth element is out of balance in us there is a tendency to experience excessive worry and exhaustion, it also shows up as having weak digestion, poor appetite, eating disorders, difficulty in losing weight, poor circulation, fluid retention and blood sugar imbalances.
By consciously working on harmonising with the seasonal cycles we can find more balance in our lives and create better health. In the late summer it is important to slow down and deeply receive nourishment through self-nurturing practices and eating seasonal, earth element balancing foods.
Read on further recommendations to make the most of this season.
Late Summer Diet and Nourishment:
As we move away from the heat of the summer our metabolic processes start to slow down. Now is the time to transition away from cold, raw foods, juices, salads and ice-cream to warming, cooked foods like soups and broths, which support the digestion better. Start to include more protein as seeds, nuts, beans, a little meat and whole grains to help build energy at this time of the year.
The time of day associated with the earth element is between 7 and 11 am. Eating a nourishing, warming food for breakfast is particularly important if you are lacking in energy and feel the cold easily. A good choice to start the day would be a bowel of porridge with stewed apples and soaked nuts, or eggs on wholegrain toast.
Late Summer Foods for Nourishment:
Fruits: apples, blackberries, apricots, raspberries, grapes, figs, dates.
Vegetables: carrots, squashes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mushrooms.
Whole grains: brown rice, barley, oats, corn and quinoa.
Nuts and Seeds: sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pistachios pine nuts.
Legumes: kidney beans, black beans, aduki beans.
Overeating foods depletes the energy of the spleen-pancreas, especially raw and cold foods, dairy, eggs, meat and processed foods which can overburden and weaken digestion.
Late Summer Herbs for Nourishment:
To support the earth element, sweet, tonic herbs can help nourish, strengthen and build our vital energy. Taken at this time they can help us transition into the colder months: liquorice, oat tops ginseng (Ren Shen), American ginseng and astragalus. Aromatic digestive herbs are particularly good for supporting digestion: fennel, ginger, rosemary, cardamon, sage, thyme, cinnamon, cloves and citrus peel.
Late Summer Lifestyle for Nourishment:
As the earth element reflects how well we mother ourselves any self-care practice or rituals will be very supportive at this time. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. I cannot emphasis enough how important this is for your health! Mediation, yoga, massages and long baths are all wonderful ways to take time out and nurture your self.
Over thinking and over working weakens the earth element and digestion so taking regular breaks and being mindful are important to help maintain balance.
Routine is another aspect of a balanced earth element. So take time to sit down at mealtimes, eat consciously, slowly chew your food well, savour the different tastes and enjoy the whole process of eating. By mindfully eating we improve the assimilation of foods and are less likely to overeat, which depletes digestive function.
* According to Paul Pitchford (author of Healing with Whole Foods) the spleen in Chinese Medicine really relates to the pancreas, but the term “spleen” is now used from earlier mistranslations.