Late Summer: A Fifth Season Focused on Stability and Nourishment

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer is associated with the Earth element—a symbol of grounding, nourishment, and emotional balance. It’s the season of the Spleen and Stomach meridians, which govern digestion and the transformation of food into energy (or qi).

When these systems are in balance, you feel energized, clear-headed, and well-nourished. When they’re not? You may feel bloated, sluggish, foggy, or emotionally unsettled—sometimes with a vague sense of scarcity or anxiety. That’s where acupuncture comes in. Kaz works with the body’s natural rhythms to support the organs and meridians most active during this season, helping clients feel more balanced and resilient as summer winds down.

Digestive Woes? You’re Not Alone

Late summer is known for “dampness” in TCM—a type of internal heaviness that can show up as bloating, gas, constipation, or a general lack of appetite. This is especially common if your summer meals have leaned a bit too heavy on iced drinks, cold salads, or sugary snacks.

By stimulating the Spleen and Stomach channels, acupuncture can help transform this dampness, improve digestion, and get your gut back on track. Kaz often incorporates gentle techniques that calm inflammation and improve nutrient absorption, helping you feel lighter and more energized after eating.

Pro tip: Supporting digestion this time of year is also about lifestyle. Kaz often recommends eating warm, mildly flavored foods (think: steamed vegetables, rice, or brothy soups) and avoiding too many icy drinks. Your stomach will thank you.

Feeling Drained? Late Summer Fatigue Is Real

Even though the sun’s still shining, August has a way of draining our batteries. Between the lingering heat, back-to-school bustle, and subtle seasonal transition, it’s common to feel tired or mentally scattered. Acupuncture helps restore energy by harmonizing the Earth element and counteracting the fatigue caused by dampness and overexertion. Treatments during this time are designed to ground your energy, calm the mind, and regulate your nervous system—so you can move through the month feeling focused, steady, and clear.

Allergies, Asthma, and Respiratory Health

Late summer allergens like grass pollens and molds can trigger flare-ups in those with respiratory sensitivities. Acupuncture stimulates the Lung meridian, helping regulate immune function and reduce inflammation in the sinuses, throat, and lungs. Kaz works with clients to address both seasonal allergies and more chronic conditions like asthma or recurring sinus infections. Over time, regular acupuncture sessions may not only reduce symptoms but also build long-term resistance.

Balancing Body Temperature the Natural Way

Do you run hot while others seem fine? Or find yourself chilly even on warm days? Late summer temperature swings—hot days, cool nights—can throw your internal regulation out of sync. Acupuncture supports the body’s natural temperature regulation by improving circulation and calming internal inflammation. It also helps the body adapt more easily to environmental shifts, so you’re not caught off guard when the breeze turns cool or humidity spikes.

The Emotional Side of Earth Season

TCM tells us the Earth element governs not just digestion, but also how we process emotions—especially worry and overthinking. When this element is out of balance, it may feel like your mind is stuck in a loop of stress or scarcity (not enough time, money, energy, etc.). Acupuncture calms the sympathetic nervous system, supports emotional grounding, and promotes a feeling of stability—qualities that are essential as we move from the expansive yang energy of summer into the more introspective yin of autumn.

A Late Summer Wellness Ritual

Every session with Kaz is personalized. He might use techniques to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, support the Lung and Kidney meridians, or calm the Heart and Shen (spirit), depending on what your body is asking for. Some clients benefit from gentle abdominal treatments, while others may enjoy the warming effects of hot stones placed over a sheet on the stomach to soothe digestive sluggishness. He may also suggest seasonal essential oils—like jasmine or spearmint—for their calming, digestive, and uplifting effects.

Ready to reconnect with your center this late summer? Acupuncture offers a powerful way to support digestion, regulate energy, calm the mind, and prepare your body for the seasonal shift ahead.

Book a session with Kaz at Forest Park Wellness and experience what it feels like to truly come back into balance—just in time for fall. Whether you’re new to acupuncture or a longtime fan, you’ll feel supported, heard, and cared for every step of the way. Book your next acupuncture session with our online portal or call (503) 272-6646.