Late summer is upon us, with its hot, muggy weather and heat-breaking afternoon thunderstorms. Late summer is considered one of the five most important seasons in the East, according to the Five Element Consciousness Framework. This age-old theory of interrelationships describes how we are influenced by many aspects of nature. We are all energy beings. All life – human, plant, animal and universal – is connected in the greater whole.
Late summer begins around the third week of August and continues until the autumnal equinox. In August, nature undergoes its last burst of growth before harvest time. The energy of this season corresponds to the nurturing element Earth. The coming weeks are an important time for self-care and self-development. This is a powerful time to fully mature and transform, using the last of summer’s abundant energy.
The stomach and spleen resonate with the energetic vibration of late summer. If this organ pair has little energy, you may experience nausea, stomach flu, IBS, weight gain, blood sugar disorders or low energy. However, if your stomach and spleen are in tune with the energies of late summer, your digestive system may feel more balanced than normal.
Just as all of nature depends on Mother Earth for its sustenance, we also rely on our digestive system for emotional and physical support. Think of everything we ask our body to digest: the food we eat, the things we see or hear, and the emotions we feel and experience. Keeping our stomach and spleen energy in balance provides a solid foundation for lifelong health of mind, body and spirit.
Healing Foods for Late Summer
Late summer is the season associated with the stomach and spleen, your energy generators. These digestive organs process worries, thoughts, emotions and of course food! Remember: you are what you eat, but at a higher level you are what you think!
Here are some foods that support your stomach and spleen function:
Chinese barley
Lotus seed
red apples
Chinese red dates
Sweet potato
Mango
Papaya
Peanuts
Pumpkin
Ginger
Cinnamon
Turmeric
Fennel seed
Garlic
Black and white pepper
Be creative!
What recipes can you make with the foods on this list?
Interested in discovering more?
Discover the enormous power of the stomach-spleen function: The body never lies: stomach and worries, worries, worries
Then discover our ‘Food for Healing’ recipes to fill your plate with what nourishes you.
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