Late Summer: The Season of Nurturing and Transformation

Late summer is upon us, with its hot, muggy weather and heat-breaking afternoon thunderstorms. Late summer is considered one of the five major seasons in the East, according to the Five Element Consciousness Framework. This ancient 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—are connected in the larger picture.

Late Summer begins around the third week of August and runs through the Fall Equinox. In August, Nature is undergoing its last burst of growth before harvest time. The energy of this season is associated with the Spleen/Stomach—your energy generators—and corresponds to the nurturing Earth element. The next few weeks are an important time for self-nurturing and self-cultivation. This a powerful time to fully ripen and transform, using the last of Summer’s bountiful energy.

Stomach and Spleen: Your Digestive Allies

The Stomach and Spleen resonate with Late Summer’s energetic vibration. This organ pair is responsible for digesting and processing. Think about all that we ask our bodies to digest—foods that we eat, things that we see or hear, and emotions that we feel and experience. As Grand Master Lu says, “Emotions have a stronger effect than food on our bodies. On one level, you are what you eat; at a higher level, you are what you think!”

Take a moment to think back on the experiences and interactions you’ve had over the last few days. Were all of them pleasant? Likely not. Life has its share of ups and downs; however, recognizing your emotional expenses and physical responses can lead to a more self-aware lifestyle.

So, what happens when your Stomach and Spleen are low on energy? You may experience nausea, stomach flu, IBS, weight gain, blood sugar disorders, or low energy. However, if your Stomach and Spleen are harmonizing with the energies of Late Summer, your digestive system may be feeling more balanced than usual. While we often “blame” the stomach for digestive issues, the Spleen and Stomach must communicate and harmonize with the Liver and Gallbladder for true digestion to take place. Keeping our Spleen and Stomach energy balanced provides a solid foundation for lifelong mind-body-spirit health.

Visit our blog this Wednesday to learn about the intricate connection between the Stomach/Spleen and the Liver.