From Summer to Late Summer: Understanding the Fifth Season in TCM

A Time to Nourish, Ground and Return to Centre

As the intensity of summer begins to soften, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) invites us to enter a quieter period of transition: Late Summer.

Within the Five Element framework, this period is associated with the Earth Element, the Spleen and Stomach, and the qualities of nourishment, stability and grounding.

It is a time to slow down, reconnect with our centre and prepare gently for the transition into Autumn.

The Fifth Season in Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM observes nature as a continuous cycle of transformation. Each season corresponds to an Element and particular organ systems:

Spring — Wood — Liver & Gallbladder
Summer — Fire — Heart & Small Intestine
Late Summer — Earth — Spleen & Stomach
Autumn — Metal — Lung & Large Intestine
Winter — Water — Kidney & Bladder

Late Summer represents the transition between the expansive Yang energy of Summer and the more inward energy of Autumn.

Just as the Earth nourishes and sustains life, this season reminds us of the importance of nourishing ourselves.

Spleen & Stomach: The Centre of Late Summer

In TCM, the Stomach receives food, while the Spleen transforms and transports its nourishment, contributing to the production of Qi and Blood.

This makes digestion central to the Earth Element.

Late Summer is therefore a wonderful time to pay closer attention to regular meals, comfortable digestion, adequate rest and daily routines that help us feel grounded.

The Earth Element is also traditionally associated with worry and overthinking, reminding us that nourishment is not only physical. Creating moments of stillness and allowing the mind to rest are equally important.

Eating with the Season

TCM traditionally encourages simple, nourishing and easily digestible foods during Late Summer.

Seasonal choices may include pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, rice, millet, oats, legumes, cooked vegetables, soups and broths.

The flavour associated with Earth is Sweet — referring primarily to the gentle, natural sweetness found in whole foods rather than refined sugar.

As the weather begins to change, gradually moving away from an excess of cold and raw foods can also help us transition towards the cooler months ahead.

Herbs for the Earth Element

Chinese Herbal Medicine offers many herbs traditionally selected by practitioners to support the Spleen and the body's centre.

At Ventus Clinicals, some examples include:

Bai Zhu — traditionally supports Spleen Qi.
Fu Ling — traditionally supports the Spleen and fluid balance.
Shan Yao — gently nourishes and supports Spleen Qi.
Da Zao — nourishes Qi and harmonises herbal formulas.

The selection of herbs always depends on the individual's TCM pattern and should be guided by a qualified practitioner.

Classical Formulas for Late Summer

Classical formulas can also be selected according to each person's individual presentation.

Si Jun Zi Tang — a foundational formula traditionally used to tonify Spleen Qi.

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San — traditionally selected when Spleen Qi deficiency is accompanied by patterns of Dampness.

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang — traditionally used to tonify the Middle and support Qi in appropriate deficiency patterns.

Rather than being "seasonal formulas", these are examples of classical prescriptions that reflect some of the principles associated with the Earth Element. Their use should always be based on an individual TCM assessment.

Preparing for Autumn

Late Summer is a transition rather than a destination.

As Earth gradually gives way to Metal, we move towards Autumn and its association with the Lungs and Large Intestine.

This period offers us an opportunity to establish a strong centre before the energy of the season begins to turn inward.

At Ventus Clinicals, we believe that living in harmony with nature also means recognising when our needs begin to change.

As summer begins to soften, Late Summer invites us to slow down, nourish our centre and return to balance — following the rhythm of nature.