What Is Late Summer? Discover the 5th Season in TCM

Most of us think of the year as having four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But what is late summer? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), late summer is a fifth season that slips in between summer and autumn.

It usually lasts about four to five weeks, from late August to the autumn equinox (though the exact timing can shift depending on climate and region). 

You’ve probably felt it without giving it a name. The days are still warm, but less intense. The air gets heavier and more humid, and gardens are overflowing with ripened fruits and vegetables. 

Late summer is often called the “season of transition.” It’s the moment to slow down after summer’s high energy, nourish yourself, and prepare for the shift into autumn.

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Organs and Elements Associated with Late Summer

Every season has its own unique “energy” that influences how we feel and move through life. Summer is fiery, fast, and full of activity. Autumn is crisp, clear, and reflective. Late summer is a grounding season. It’s a pause between extremes and a chance to come back to center. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer is linked to the Earth element, which represents nourishment, grounding, and stability. The organs most connected with this season are the spleen and stomach.

When these organs are balanced, digestion feels smooth, energy stays steady, and we feel supported. When they’re out of balance, it can show up as bloating, fatigue, food cravings, or constant overthinking.

This is a season to focus on digestion, both physically and emotionally. Just as the earth offers its harvest, late summer invites us to take in what we’ve gathered (food, experiences, and lessons) and process them fully.

How Late Summer Affects Us

Many people notice changes in both body and mood during late summer. Physically, it’s common to feel heavier or more sluggish in the humid air. Emotionally, this season can make worry and overthinking surface more easily than usual.

When things are in balance, late summer can feel comforting and nourishing. You enjoy good food, good company, and a sense of stability. But when the Earth element is out of balance, it’s easy to feel stuck, drained, or weighed down.

Some common signs of imbalance during late summer include:

• Tiredness after eating

• Sugar or carb cravings

• Trouble focusing or constant “mental looping”

• Feeling heavy, swollen, or bloated

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On the flip side, supporting yourself in this season can bring a deep sense of harmony. 

Food and Nutrition for Late Summer

One of the best ways to support yourself in late summer is through food. Since this season is linked to the Earth element and digestion, the goal is to eat in a way that feels nourishing and grounding.

This is the perfect time to enjoy the harvest: squash, sweet potatoes, corn, zucchini, carrots, peaches, and pears. Foods that are naturally sweet (not sugary, but sweet in a gentle and earthy way) are especially supportive for the spleen and stomach.

Warm and cooked meals tend to be easier on digestion than raw or cold foods, especially if you notice bloating or fatigue after eating. Soups, stews, and lightly roasted vegetables are simple choices that keep your system steady. Whole grains like rice, millet, or oats also fit this season well.

And try to eat slowly and mindfully. Digestion starts with how we approach our food. 

Recipes for Late Summer

Late summer is the season of abundance, which makes it the perfect time to bring fresh and nourishing ingredients straight from the garden or market to your table. 

Here are a few simple recipe ideas that support digestion and help you feel grounded:

1. Golden Millet Porridge with Steamed Pears

A warm bowl of millet porridge is gentle on the stomach and naturally sweet. Top it with lightly steamed pears and a drizzle of honey for a soothing breakfast or evening snack.

2. Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of squash and carrots. Blend them into a creamy soup with a touch of ginger for warmth and digestive support.

3. Steamed Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

Steam sweet potatoes until tender, then sprinkle with a little cinnamon. They’re grounding, nourishing, and easy to digest.

4. Warm Peach Compote

Cook fresh peaches slowly with a splash of water and a pinch of cardamom. This makes a gentle dessert or topping for porridge, without the heaviness of refined sugar.

Lifestyle Practices for Balance

The way you live day-to-day can either support or throw off your balance in late summer. This is the time for grounding, so it helps to build routines that bring steadiness and calm. The goal is to do less, but with intention.

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Simple practices work best:

• Spend time in nature. Walk barefoot on grass, garden, or just sit outside to feel connected to the earth.

• Create gentle routines. Regular mealtimes, enough sleep, and consistent self-care signal stability to your body.

• Practice mindfulness. A few minutes of breathing, journaling, or simply pausing during the day helps quiet racing thoughts.

• Move gently. Activities like walking, yoga, or tai chi keep energy flowing without draining you.

Natural Support in Late Summer

Late summer can feel heavy. To stay grounded and balanced, it helps to lean on natural practices that support digestion, calm the mind, and bring steady energy. Here are six gentle ways to do that:

1. Herbs

Herbal teas are one of the simplest ways to support your body in this season. Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are classics for soothing the stomach, while lemon balm or lavender can help ease restlessness. Even a cup of warm water with fresh ginger can feel comforting and grounding.

2. Homeopathy

Homeopathy works by gently stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Late summer often brings digestive discomfort, bloating, sluggishness, or worry that shows up in the stomach. Homeopathic remedies can help restore balance in a safe and natural way. Our own remedies, such as BM213, are designed to work with your body to help you process food more smoothly.

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3. Qi Gong or Tai Chi

These slow, flowing movement practices are all about balance. They strengthen the body, calm the mind, and keep energy (Qi) moving freely. Practicing just a few minutes a day can leave you feeling lighter and more centered, which is exactly what late summer calls for.

4. Acupressure & Acupuncture

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, certain points on the body are closely linked to the spleen and stomach. Stimulating points like Stomach 36 or Spleen 6 can support digestion, ease bloating, and calm the mind. If you don’t see a practitioner for acupuncture, you can simply use gentle self-massage on these points. It’s a great way to restore balance.

5. Abdominal Massage

Gentle massage around the stomach area can help support digestion and ease tension. In TCM, this is thought to improve energy flow through the spleen and stomach channels. Even a few minutes of light, circular massage can make you feel more comfortable and connected to your body.

6. Aromatherapy with Earth Element Scents

Warm and comforting scents like ginger, citrus peel, or clove can uplift your mood and strengthen the Earth element. Diffusing these oils or using them in a massage oil blend creates a soothing atmosphere that supports both body and mind.

Embrace Transition and Let Go

Late summer is a natural pause. A time to digest what has happened so far this year and gently prepare for what’s ahead.

This is a good moment to look at what you’ve been carrying and decide what to keep and what to let go of. Think of the lessons, habits, and experiences you want to bring forward, and the ones you’re ready to release.

Simple practices can help: writing down what you’re grateful for, organizing your space, or even spending quiet time outdoors to reflect. These small acts of letting go create room for new energy as autumn arrives.

The Bottom Line

Late summer may be the shortest season, but it has an important message: slow down, ground yourself, and take care of your center. This is a season for pausing and reflecting, digesting not only your meals but also your experiences. When you honor this rhythm, you set yourself up for a smoother shift into autumn and a healthier balance overall.