Just as I sat down to write about Late Summer / Earth season — that rich, grounded moment between summer and fall, when the damp sets in and the rhythms slow — it was 85°, sunny, and buzzing with August heat. I thought, “Maybe it’s too early for this.” But then … it rained. Classic Earth Season move.

Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn’t follow the Gregorian calendar — it follows nature. And nature loves to keep us on our toes. Starting with adding a Late Summer / Earth season after the bright and outwardly energetic Summer / Fire season.

What Is Late Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The Late Summer or Earth season is a time of transformation: the harvest ripens, the energy settles, and our bodies crave nourishment, routine, and balance.

It is associated with:

  • Organs: the Stomach and Spleen — which govern digestion and assimilation, not just of food, but also of ideas and experiences.
  • Element: dampness — think humidity, stickiness, and surprise downpours.
  • Emotion: worry — when Earth energy is imbalanced, the mind spins.
  • Qualities: stability, sweetness, comfort, community, and support.

The Meridians of Earth

In TCM, each organ system has an energy pathway (meridian) that can be stimulated through movement, pressure, or stretching. For the Late Summer / Earth season, these are:

  • Stomach Meridian: Begins just under the eye, travels down the face, throat, and chest, then moves along the front of the torso and thighs, ending at the second toe.
  • Spleen Meridian: Starts at the big toe, travels up the inner leg and groin, through the abdomen, and ends in the chest near the heart.

Why It Matters for Our Yoga Practice

This is the season to nourish yourself — not to chase, hustle, or strive. It’s a time to let the body and mind soak in nourishment.

It’s totally normal to feel a little off during this seasonal shift. You might notice:

  • Feeling heavy, sluggish, or foggy.
  • Craving comfort foods.
  • Overthinking or looping worries.
  • Wondering why it’s hot, humid, and rainy all at once — and your garden’s confused too.

That’s Earth energy in action: complex, rich, and sometimes contradictory.

In the Studio (and the Weather)

Earth season invites us to slow down, center ourselves, and digest — food, information, emotions, and experiences.

Let’s honor it. Our practice themes this season will be:

  • Grounded standing poses to root into stability and bring focus to the strength of the legs and big muscles of the body.
  • Core connection to support the Spleen & Stomach.
  • Twists to wring out dampness and aid digestion.
  • Longer holds to cultivate patience and presence.
  • Belly breathing to calm the nervous system and strengthen digestive fire.

Poses we’re likely to practice this season:

  • Horse / Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana): deeply activates the inner thighs → stimulates the Spleen meridian,.
  • Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) with legs slightly apart: stretches the front thighs → opens the Stomach meridian.
  • Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): compresses the belly and massages the digestive organs → aids Spleen & Stomach.
  • Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): stretches the front body and thighs while activating the core → stimulates both Earth meridians.
  • Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): allows the inner thighs (Spleen) to open while the belly softens → nourishment and release.

Bring yourself, your water bottle, and maybe a raincoat — because, well, Earth season.

Off the Mat (Live in Rhythm with the Season)

Some ideas for self-care during the Late Summer / Earth season.

  • Eat to support digestion: Choose warm, cooked foods like rice, millet, roasted root vegetables, and soups. Avoid too much cold or raw food, which can stress the Spleen.
  • Find sweetness in balance: Reach for comforting foods and connections that truly nourish, rather than sugar highs that drain you.
  • Create steady routines: Regular meals, consistent sleep, and time for reflection are stabilizing in this season.
  • Tend to community: Earth energy thrives in connection — cooking with friends, sharing meals, offering support, and receiving it.

Stay grounded. Stay hydrated.
💛
See you on the mat.

Posted in Yoga