Late Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding The Fifth Season And How It Shapes Our Health And Habits
This is a part 1 of 4 in the the Late Summer Health Series.
(We recommend starting with the Five Elements Series for deeper context if you haven't yet.)
What Is Late Summer in TCM? (You’re here)
Supporting Digestion in Late Summer (coming soon)
Late Summer: Overthinking and Worry (coming soon)
Transitioning Gracefully into Autumn (coming soon)
Late summer is a season of pause—a slow turn from the height of summer's heat toward something quieter. In Chinese medicine, it's the time to tend to the Earth element and nourish the digestion that supports not only our body, but also our mind and mood.
Late Summer is a unique, often overlooked season in Traditional Chinese Medicine, marked by the Earth element’s nurturing embrace. This time invites us to slow down, ground ourselves, and tend to the Spleen and Stomach—our digestive powerhouses and emotional centers. By honouring this transitional period, we support not only our physical wellbeing but also calm the mind, easing the worry and overthinking that tend to build up. Embracing the rhythms of Late Summer is an invitation to cultivate balance and prepare gently for the shift into Autumn, carrying forward the wisdom of ancient cycles into our modern lives.
Summer may still linger in the air, but in Chinese Medicine, Late Summer is its own season—a time of transition, nourishment, and grounding. If you’ve been following along with the Summer Health series, this next chapter continues that arc as we gently turn toward Earth.
What Is Late Summer in TCM?
In Western calendars, we usually talk about four seasons—but in Chinese medicine, there's a fifth: Late Summer. It’s the season of transition, a moment of pause between the height of summer’s fire and the cooler winds of autumn.
Rather than a sharp switch, the seasons shift gradually. Late Summer reflects this in-between space. In TCM, it’s not just a weather change—it’s a time to care for the body in a particular way.
The Earth Element: Grounding and Nourishing
Late Summer belongs to the Earth element, which is all about nourishment, stability, and digestion.
Key associations include:
Organs: Spleen and Stomach
Flavour: Naturally sweet (like root veggies or cooked grains)
Climate: Damp
Colour: Yellow or golden tones
This season is all about centering ourselves—digesting not just food, but thoughts, emotions, and life experiences.
Why Late Summer Health Matters
The Spleen system in TCM doesn’t love too much dampness, and let’s be honest—late summer in many parts of Canada is very humid. If your summer included lots of iced drinks, rich food, BBQs, or late nights, your Spleen might be heading into Late Summer feeling a little wiped out.
When the Spleen is struggling, you might notice:
Bloating or digestive discomfort
Brain fog
Fatigue
Loose stools
Feeling heavy or sluggish
It’s not about guilt—it’s about gently supporting your body as it shifts into a new season.
A Season of Transition
Even though it’s still warm outside, Late Summer brings more variation in temperature. One day it’s hot, the next, cool and breezy. Our bodies have to work harder to stay balanced.
Supporting digestion, choosing foods that are warm and cooked, and dressing with the shifting weather in mind all help build resilience—physically and emotionally.
(We’ll explore the emotional side, like overthinking and worry, in Part 3 of this series.)