Just as I sat down to write about 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.

What Is Late Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the year has five seasons, not four. Right now, we’re getting ready to shift from Fire (peak summer) to Earth — the Late Summer season. It’s a time of transformation: the harvest ripens, the energy settles, and our bodies crave nourishment, routine, and balance.

Earth is associated with:

  • The Stomach and Spleen organs (think digestion and assimilation)
  • The element of damp (hello humidity … and surprise downpours)
  • The emotion of worry (yep, it’s not just you)
  • A deep yearning for stability, support, and sweetness — not candy, but comfort: warm grains, cooked veggies, hugs, and community

Why It Matters for Our Yoga Practice

Earth season invites us to slow down, center ourselves, and digest — food, information, emotions, and experiences. In practice, this means:

  • Grounded standing poses (hello, Horse stance and Goddess)
  • Core connection to support the Spleen & Stomach
  • Twists to wring out dampness and aid digestion
  • Time to just be in the pose — feel the feet, breathe into the belly, soften the edges

This is the season to nourish yourself — not to chase, hustle, or strive.

In the Studio (and the Weather)

It’s totally normal to feel a little off during this seasonal shift — especially when it ’s hot AND raining AND your garden’s confused too. That’s Earth energy in action: complex, rich, and sometimes contradictory.

Let’s honor it.​


This season in class, we’ll focus on movement that:

  • Centers and grounds
  • Strengthens digestion (physical & emotional)
  • Helps you stay present, without overthinking

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


💛
See you on the mat.
— Sheri

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