Seasonal Eating for Summer in TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides Summer into two parts - Summer and Late Summer due to the circular 5 phase system it uses in many treatment strategies. But really Summer is just one thing! ... with a few slight variations as the season draws to an end.
In TCM and even practices such as Japanese Yoga, each season corresponds to an element, organ system, and emotional state, giving us ideas for how we should care for our bodies. Summer is associated with the Fire element and Late Summer with the Earth element. Here's how to work WITH with these seasons for optimal health:
Summer: The Fire Element
- Organs: Heart and Small Intestine
- Emotion: Joy (or lack of Joy when exhausted)
- Mental aspect: Clarity, clear thought, fully present and embodied.
- Characteristics: Summer is a time of outward energy, warmth, and connection. The Heart governs blood circulation and houses the Shen, which is about your mental clarity, emotional balance, and Spirit.
TCM Advice for Summer:
- Stay Cool: Avoid overheating by wearing light, breathable clothing and staying hydrated.
- Connect Socially: Cultivate joy through meaningful connections, as joy nourishes the Heart.
- Rest Wisely: Balance active, long summer days with adequate rest to prevent exhaustion.
- Protect Against Heat: Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and watch for heat-related symptoms like irritability, insomnia, or rashes.
Seasonal eating for Summer:
- Eat cooling foods like watermelon, cucumber, mint, and leafy greens to counteract heat.
- Lightly cooked meals, such as steamed fish or stir-fried vegetables, are ideal.
- Avoid excess spicy or fried foods, which can generate internal heat.
- Drink cooling teas such as Peppermint, Spearmint, Red date, Licorice root.
Late Summer: The Earth Element
- Organs: Spleen and Stomach
- Emotion: Worry
- Mental aspect: Overthinking, rumination, deep thinking, processing, digesting ideas.
- Characteristics: Late Summer is the transitional season, representing grounding and nourishment. The Spleen and Stomach are central to digestion, the muscles and the production of Qi (energy) and blood. The spleen is specific to movement of body fluids and therefore issues with fluid retention and weight gain/ loss. The stomach is relating to digestive fire, the solar plexus chakra in Yoga - drive and willpower.
TCM Advice for Late Summer:
- Nourish Digestion: Focus on foods that are warm, cooked, and easy to digest. Bone broth is THE BEST!!! Raw or cold foods can be hard work for the Spleen to process. Here's a recipe for home-made bone broth.
- Stay Balanced: Avoid overthinking or worrying, as these emotions weaken the Earth element. Practice mindfulness and grounding activities - what works for you? Yoga? Meditation? Tai Chi? Qi Gong? Swimming? Surfing?
- Support the Gut: Incorporate probiotics or fermented foods like miso and kimchi to enhance digestive health. Here's a link to another post with a Kimchi stew recipe.
Seasonal Eating for Late Summer:
- Go for naturally sweet, neutral root veg like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots to build up the Stomach and Spleen.
- Avoid overeating and dampness-inducing foods like dairy, fried foods, and sugary treats.
- Chais, Ginger or cinnamon teas can support digestion and dispel dampness. Here's a delicious recipe for a Chai Dandy.
Holistic Tips for Both Seasons
- Mind the Transitions: Seasonal changes can challenge the body. Lots of clients talk about having SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which can also impact on your mood, leaving you feeling a bit low. Slow down and listen to your needs.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink warm or room-temperature water with lemon to support digestion and cool the body.
- Acupuncture and Herbs: These can help balance your Qi, address heat or dampness, and support seasonal health. To make an appointment on Sydney's Northern Beaches, you can go here.
Seasonal change is inevitable and it's really an opportunity! TCM offers a plan to synchronise with nature’s rhythms by adjusting our lifestyles and diets. Embrace joy, stay grounded, and nourish your body with seasonal foods to maintain the best health you can.
References:
- Maciocia, G. (2005). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine.
- Ni, M. (1995). The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine.
- Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods.
