In Tune With the Seasons: Late Summer

Author: Blake Estape L.Ac.

Chinese Traditional Medicine is old; much older than microscopes, xrays and blood tests. Physicians in the old days relied on a different system to understand their patients and their illnesses, one in which the natural world inform their treatments. Elements, seasons, weather and temperature became a language for what was happening inside the body.

Some may call it archaic today, but there is a reason. One of the core tenants of TCM is the idea that humans are inextricably tied to the world they live in. It’s a Taoist precept that we are not separate from the world – we’re a reflection of it. From a practical level this is common sense. Some illnesses present more often in hotter climates than colder ones, for instance.

In order to ward off disease and maintain health, ancient doctors espoused a rather simple guideline – follow the seasons. Their theory states that living in accordance with the changes in nature is how we thrive. Everything from diet, to activities, to spiritual practices and medical treatments should follow this principle.

The period of the year beginning in late August and going through September is called Late Summer. It is the time when the excesses of Summer transition into the waning months of Fall. These weeks are associated with high heat and damp weather. In TCM theory every season is associated with an element, which for Late Summer is earth. Clinically, the organs tied to the earth element are the spleen and stomach. Certainly it’s no coincidence that the incidence of food-borne illness spikes at this time.

Let’s examine the different ways ancient Chinese protected themselves during the ‘dog days of summer’ and use some of that knowledge for our own health and wellbeing.

Diet

Foods that are appropriate for this time of year are ‘harmonizing’, gentle and easy on the digestion. Typically these are mildly sweet (like corn, sweet rice, sweet potato, or cantaloupes) and yellow or golden in color (millet, soybean, or potatoes). In South Florida a good rule of thumb is to adhere to what’s in season and just becoming ripe in our area:

Mangoes, guava, peanuts, avocado, mushrooms, grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, passion fruit and longan.

Try to prepare your meals with as little seasoning as possible and keep them simple. Although the heat makes it tempting to cool off with cold drinks and raw foods, avoid these to prevent accumulation of dampness which is further aggravated by the sticky weather.

Exercise

Early and mid-Summer are characterized by activity, action and movement. As the season wanes we move toward the calmer and introspective days of Autumn. Late Summer is an excellent time to spend out in nature on leisurely walks, out among the trees (allergies permitting). Try to avoid anything too excessive and draining. You may be itching to get more beach days in, but this time of year it’s better to be around green, dry climes.

Mindfulness

Traditional medicine ascribes the earth element with feelings of pensiveness and worry. If you feel like you’ve been caught in a pattern of obsessive thinking or are more antsy than usual, it may be the change in season. The first step to correcting this shift is to recognize it; understand that you are not your feelings and regard them as an observer rather than a participant.

Lifestyle changes can help moderate these intrusive feelings, especially exercise. The spleen and stomach abhor stagnation, so light activity and ‘living in the moment’ are excellent ways to keep your mind focused on what’s important. Finally, trust is anathema to anxiety. Practice acceptance and trust that things will be ok.

General Tips

Late Summer is defined by high heat and humidity. Yang energies are at their peak as we prepare for the transition into Autumn. This means it’s much easier to become overwhelmed and over tired. Act in moderation, rest when needed. Take naps. Engage in activities which are creative but not taxing.

Living in accordance with our environment is an essential part of ‘going with the flow.’ As we move from the frenetic nature of summer to the introspection and introversion of the later months, consider the words of Ken Kesey: “It isn't by getting out of the world that we become enlightened, but by getting into the world…by getting so tuned in that we can ride the waves of our existence and never get tossed because we become the waves.”