Overthinking and Worry in Late Summer
When the Mind Feels Foggy, the Earth Element May Need Support
This is a part 3 of 4 in the Late Summer Health Series:
(We recommend starting with the Five Elements Series for deeper context if you haven't yet.)
Late Summer: Overthinking and Worry (You are here)
Late Summer is a transitional season, and for many of us, the mind can feel as unsettled as the weather. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen governs both digestion and thought. When this organ is out of balance, worry and mental fog may take over. This post explores how to care for the mind and digestion together, starting with a pause.
The Foggy Mind of Late Summer
Late Summer is full of contradictions:
Some days are hot, some cool. The air feels heavy with humidity, yet the season whispers that drier times are coming. It's a moment of in-between, and for many, this creates a subtle inner disorientation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Late Summer is governed by the Earth element and its organs, the Spleen and Stomach. The Spleen is responsible not only for digesting food but also for processing thoughts and information.
When this system is overtaxed, it can lead to what might be called "mental indigestion."
From Food to Thought: How the Spleen Processes Both
The Spleen doesn’t just break down food. It transforms it into usable energy, nourishment, and clarity. And it does the same with thoughts, emotions, and sensory input.
But when there’s too much to process, too many rich foods, back-to-school transitions, inbox overload, or emotions that haven't had time to land, the Spleen can falter.
Symptoms of this kind of overload might include:
Brain fog
Constant rumination
Difficulty concentrating
Worry or anxiety that won’t turn off
Bloating or sluggish digestion
In TCM, worry is the emotion most closely linked to the Spleen. When the Spleen is weak, worry emerges more easily. And when worry dominates, it further weakens the Spleen. A classic feedback loop.
Why “Chewing” Matters
Just like you can get indigestion from eating too fast, the same goes for thoughts. Taking in too much without “chewing” (means without space to integrate) can cause stagnation.
On the other hand, over-chewing thoughts (rumination) can also lead to bloating, both literal and emotional.
Practical Self-Care for Late Summer Mental Fog
You don’t need a silent retreat, just a few grounded rituals that invite the Earth element back into balance.
Try these:
Engage your 5 senses before eating: pause, smell, see, feel, and listen. It grounds the nervous system.
Chew 30 times per bite (or just chew more than you think you need to). It helps your digestion and slows the mind.
Breathe deeply before meals. Even one deep breath makes a difference.
Switch to cooked, warm, or room temperature foods. Cold smoothies and raw salads can dampen Spleen function in this season.
These small practices remind the body that it’s safe to digest: food, feelings, and life.
Gentle support from TCM
Sometimes, body and mind need a little extra help digesting life.
Acupuncture is often used to support both digestion and emotional processing, and many of the same points that aid digestion also support menstrual and pelvic health. It’s all connected. You can learn more about acupuncture HERE.
In Chinese herbal medicine, there are formulas (what is a formula?) traditionally used to ease worry, bloating, and mental fog. These formulas are tailored to your unique pattern, so it’s always best to work with a trained practitioner rather than self-prescribing.
If this season has you feeling foggy, heavy, or a little ungrounded, your Spleen might be asking for a little extra care.
Want to explore more about Chinese medicine? You can start HERE.
Other posts on this series:
Late Summer: Overthinking and Worry (you’re here)