Summer 2024Health and wellbeing during Fire and Earth season

In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the seasons are closely linked with the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Summer is associated with two elements – fire and earth – which shows us how seasonal transitions affect our health in subtle ways.

Staying healthy and happy during the summer is all about going with the flow of the season’s energy. Think of it like tapping into the good vibes of sunshine and warmth while keeping your body and mind in balance.

Early summer is all about embracing that vibrant fire energy, which means finding joy, staying active, and keeping your heart happy.

Early summer is characterised by rising temperatures and increasing yang energy. Fire corresponds to this phase, particularly in the beginning of summer when the weather becomes warmer.

During early summer, fire acknowledges the peak of yang energy, so there’s a need to balance it with appropriate practices and lifestyle choices that are more yin, like meditation and gentle exercise.

Protecting the heart from emotional stress is key, along with staying hydrated and eating cooling foods like cucumber and watermelon. Rest and self-care replenish qi, our life force energy, while moderate exercise supports circulation and vitality. Care should be taken when spending time outdoors to avoid excessive sun exposure.

Late summer represents the transition from the peak of yang energy to the beginning of yin energy. This phase is associated with the earth element, which corresponds to the spleen and stomach organ systems.

In TCM, the spleen is considered one of the most vital organs for overall health and wellbeing: it plays an essential role in digestion, energy production, immune function, and it also regulates metabolism and fluid balance.

Emotional wellbeing is linked to the spleen, with excessive worry affecting its function. Symptoms of a spleen imbalance may include fatigue, digestive issues and susceptibility to illness. A balanced diet, stress management and adequate rest can support spleen health.

The earth element represents stability, nourishment and transformation. Late summer is a time where it’s essential to support digestion and overall stability, especially as the season shifts towards autumn.

This includes maintaining a balanced diet with emphasis on easily digestible, nourishing foods such as whole grains, root vegetables and cooked foods. Avoiding excessive worry and overthinking, which can weaken the spleen, is also important. Engaging in grounding activities such as walking in nature, practicing mindfulness, and gentle exercise can help balance the earth element.

Complementary and alternative holistic therapies such as reflexology, acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathy, etc. can provide additional support tailored to your individual needs.

About the writer

Suzanne Cooper is a complementary healthcare therapist using the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.