Did you know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are five seasons, not just four? Just like the five elements, TCM recognizes five distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Late Summer is the often-overlooked liminal season, lasting about five weeks, typically from the third week of August until the fall equinox. It’s a brief yet essential time for slowing down, resting, and resetting before the deeper transitions into fall and winter.
This period is associated with the Earth element, and the corresponding organ is the Spleen. In TCM, the spleen plays a vital role in digestion and assimilation— responsible for transforming food, information, and life experiences into usable energy.
The spleen transforms food and drink into vital energy ("Qi") and blood. It then transports these essential nutrients throughout the body, nourishing our cells and organs.
When the spleen is functioning optimally, digestion is smooth, bowel movements are regular, and mental clarity is sharp. This is because the spleen also houses "Yi", the spirit of the spleen, which governs intellect, focus, intention, and clear thought. A strong spleen Qi supports your ability to concentrate, make decisions, and form clear intentions.
In TCM, each organ is linked to an emotion, and the spleen is associated with worry. This connection works both ways: excessive worry can deplete spleen Qi, and weak spleen energy can make you more prone to anxiety and overthinking.
This is why nurturing your Spleen Qi during Late Summer is crucial—not just for physical health, but for mental and emotional well-being as we move into the next season.
Late Summer Season Tips:
- SLOW DOWN & PAUSE : Shift from the hectic pace of summer into a more relaxed rhythm. Allow yourself time to rest and reflect. What’s working in your life and what isn’t? What brings you joy? What causes stress? Use this opportunity to reassess goals, adjust your intentions, and express gratitude for the progress you’ve made.
- GROUND: Connect with the Earth element by walking barefoot on the earth for 10–15 minutes daily. Focus on your breath as you do so—this helps align your body’s energy and re-establish a connection with nature.
- MOVE: Keep the energy flowing by engaging in gentle movement, whether it’s walking, yoga, tai chi, dancing, or even swimming to soak up the last warm days of summer.
- EAT WARM GROUNDING FOODS: Avoid icy cold drinks and raw foods. Emphasize root vegetables, cooked foods and warm drinks which are easier for the spleen to digest.
- SUPPORT WITH HERBS: Consider adding herbs that nourish the nervous system, support the immune system, and tonify the spleen. Nervines, adaptogens, immune tonics, and warming spices can all be beneficial at this time.
The Chinese have long understood the importance of specific herbs during transitional seasons. One notable remedy is the Change of Seasons Soup, a blend of four potent tonic herbs, traditionally used to support the body through seasonal shifts.
Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) : Helps to strengthen the immune system, nourish the spleen and tonifies the blood and lungs.
Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) Tonifies chi energy. Builds blood and balances body fluids. Codonopsis is an adaptogen that alleviates the effects of stress.
Chinese Yam Root (Shan Yao): Supports digestion, tonifies and balances the lungs and kidneys.
Lycii (Goji) Berries (Gou Qi Zi) : Strengthens the liver and the kidneys. Brightens the eyes and protects against depletion.
Change Of Seasons Soup Recipe:
(upgraded version of the traditional Change Of Seasons Soup by This Doctor’s Kitchen):
1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms or 1/2 cup dried.
8 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped in half
1 onion, roughly chopped
4-6 stalks of celery, roughly chopped
2-3 large carrots, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons of turmeric powder (optional)
1 tsp of salt
1/4 cup Astragalus Root (1 oz)
1/4 cup Codonopsis root (1 oz)
1/4 cup Chinese Yam Root (1 oz)
1/4 cup Chinese Lycii (goji berries) (1 oz)
Instructions:
Place 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot.
Add the chopped garlic, onions, mushrooms, celery and carrots to the pot along with turmeric powder and salt.
Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes until the onion and celery are translucent.
Fill a stock pot with 2 liters of chicken broth or homemade bone broth and 2 liters of water.
Add 1 oz each of the four traditional change of seasons soup herbs into the pot.
Place the lid on, bring to a boil and then simmer for 4-6 hours.
Using a slotted spoon or strainer, remove the herbs and the vegetables.
At this point you can drink this as a broth but it’s also tasty and healthy as a base for soup recipes.
You can reheat it with extra bone broth, add in some chopped veggies, shitake mushrooms and pulled rotisserie chicken for a delicious immune boosting soup!