Late Summer: the time of the Spleen & Stomach

As late summer settles in, bringing with it hot, muggy days and heat-breaking afternoon thunderstorms, we enter a unique phase of the year. According to the Five Element Framework — which is an ancient theory of interrelationships that describes how various aspects of Nature influence us, late summer is considered one of the five major seasons. This period, beginning around the third week of August and running through the Fall Equinox, is a time of transition, growth, and abundance. It's a season where the energies of Nature —and our own energies— are particularly aligned with the nurturing Earth element.

During this season, Nature undergoes its final burst of growth before the harvest. The energy of late summer corresponds to the Earth element, which symbolizes nourishment, balance, and transformation. This is a powerful time to focus on self-nurturing and self-cultivation, utilizing the last of summer’s bountiful energy to fully ripen and transform. As you look around, you’ll notice the abundance of food ripening on the vine, a tangible representation of the Earth Phase at its peak.

The Earth element is associated with the Stomach and Spleen, two organs that play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. These organs resonate with the energetics of late summer, and their harmony or disharmony can greatly impact our digestive system.

If the Stomach and Spleen are low on energy, you may experience symptoms such as nausea, stomach flu, IBS, weight gain, blood sugar disorders, or general fatigue. However, when these organs are in harmony with late summer’s energies, you may find that your digestive system feels more balanced and robust.

Just as all of Nature relies on the Earth for sustenance, we rely on our digestive system for both emotional and physical support. Our bodies are constantly processing not only the foods we eat but also the sights, sounds, and emotions we experience daily. Maintaining a balanced Stomach and Spleen energy provides a solid foundation for lifelong health, both physically and emotionally.

From a psychological perspective, the Earth element is about getting our needs met and maintaining a proper balance between giving and receiving. This element is linked to a maternal or mothering energy, symbolizing both the act of nurturing others and receiving nourishment ourselves. Beyond nourishment, the Earth element is also associated with integrity—not just as a personal trait but also in a physiological sense. In TCM, integrity refers to the body’s ability to keep things in their correct place. The Spleen, for example, plays a vital role in preventing organ prolapse and ensuring that blood remains contained within the vessels.

Signs of Disharmony:

• overthinking & worry

• fatigue

• brain fog

• loose stools

• bloating

• acid reflux

• indigestion

• easily bruising

• organ prolapse

• swelling/fluid retention

Suggestions for living in harmony with the Earth season:

Activities: Deep breathing, Meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, and Dry Brushing

The Earth season of Late Summer is a time of everything coming back to the core – all of your energies coming back into the center. A time for grounding and re-balancing. So, this is a perfect opportunity for you to come back to your center, spend a little bit of time regrouping, grounding, and preparing for what’s coming in the next season and in life in general. When we do this, we give our body an abundance of energy again to work with and do whatever it needs to do in order to balance itself in the next season. Things that help are getting in touch with nature and resting in the sense of slowing down your pace in life. Our body does what it knows it needs to do with the energy. And because Earth/Late Summer is associated with the organs Spleen and Stomach it is a good time to focus on eating habits that help digestion. You can also get acupuncture tune-ups to help.

Herbal Formula for Easy Digestion:

Griffo Go Tea

Feeling a little... backed up? Don’t let constipation stop you in your tracks! Go Tea from Griffo Botanicals is here to help get things moving—naturally. 🚀💨

With a blend of herbs that gently support digestion, you’ll be saying goodbye to sluggishness and hello to a happy, regular routine. ☕️🌿

Because let’s face it—life’s just better when things flow smoothly.

Brewing instructions:

• For a gentle brew, steep in 8oz of boiling water for 6 minutes (reuse up to 3 times).

• For a stronger infusion, simmer 12oz of water with one bag until reduced to 6oz.

If you would like to give this tea a try give us a call/text at (512) 775-4057, email at lightfamilyacupuncture@gmail.com, or pick up at your next appointment!

Sip, relax, and enjoy!

Acupressure for regulating digestion & harmonizing your body with the season: SP 3

Boost your digestion with a simple touch! 🌿✨

SP 3 is an acupressure point that can help improve your digestive health and support your body’s natural flow of energy. Located on the inside of your foot, right next to the base of your big toe, gently massaging this point can relieve bloating, indigestion, and sluggish digestion.

This point also helps you regulate to the Earth season which is now through the Fall Equinox. Late summer is all about balance and transition, and SP 3 helps your body adjust to this time of year, keeping your energy grounded and your digestion smooth. 🍂🌾

Take a moment, breathe deeply, and give your tummy the love it deserves.

Your body will thank you!