The Earth element governs a unique, yet often overlooked, time of year: late summer. This is the transition between the fullness of summer and the arrival of autumn. While we don’t always name it as its own distinct season, late summer carries an energy of its own. It comes after the harvest, when the air grows softer and the first subtle hints of autumn appear. This is a season of grounding, nourishment and balance. The Earth element encourages us to find stability and confidence, while the descending Yang energy invites us to slow down and relax.
Nourish your Earth Energy with these practices
Nourishing the Spleen: try to eat warm, cooked and easily digestible food during this time
Find a steady eating habit: chew slowly and avoid eating while stressed
Nurture yourself: do something just for you each day. Small gestures of care can be just as powerful as big ones
Exercise: take regular gentle physical exercise to stimulate your digestion
Acupressure: activate points like Spleen 3 (SP3) and Spleen 6 (SP6) that boost digestion and energy levels
Foods for Strengthening the Earth Element
The energy of late summer nourishes the Stomach, Spleen, Pancreas and immune system. It is important to bring balance to these organs through our eating habits. Do this by eating foods that strengthen our grounding within the Earth Element such as:
1. Sweet Flavoured Foods
Mild, naturally sweet foods (not sugary sweet) resonate with Earth, strengthening the Spleen.
- Squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, baked root vegetables
2. Yellow Foods
Naturally yellow or orange-coloured foods align with the Earth's vibrant energy.
Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients that boost Spleen Qi
Carrots support digestion
Squash is good in reducing body dampness
3. Grains and Proteins
Millet is easily digestible and nutrient rich, supporting overall energy due to its complex carbohydrates. It stabilises emotional health and blood sugar, reducing overall stress
- Sesame seeds is packed with nutrients like protein, fibre, calcium, iron and offer benefits such a heart health or blood sugar control
- Pulses such as chickpeas, lentils, corn, and adzuki beans lower heart-disease and type-2-diabetes risk. Rich in fibre, protein, iron, zinc, and folate, they help reduce cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, improve gut health, and aid weight control
4. Herbs and Spices
Ginger warms the Stomach and reduces dampness
Cinnamon has a naturally gentle warming effect
Licorice root is a tonic for the Spleen, supporting digestion and Qi
If you would like to try some recipes specifically for the late summer time, it is worth looking at these cookbooks:
Macrobiotics for All Seasons by Marlene Watson-Tara, Chapter 8: Flourishing in late Summer
Riverford Spring and Summer cooking with a veg box by Guy Watson, July to October
The Changing Seasons Macrobiotic Cookbook by Wendy Esko, Chapter 4: Autumn cooking
Ground your body with warm, digestible foods, and harvest late summer’s abundance from the peak of warmth. Transition from summer’s intense heat into a season of balance, embracing nourishment and stability. This is the time to support your Spleen and Stomach, ensuring efficient energy transformation for enduring vitality ahead.
By Hana Starace, Certified Shiatsu & Nutritional Practitioner