It’s that time of year again when we remind you that there are actually FIVE seasons in Chinese Medicine. And we’re at the beginning of the lesser known one, Late Summer.
As you’ve probably noticed, Summer is the time to enjoy long days of rising early, staying up late and filling the time in between with both relaxing and lively activities. Late Summer, though? It has its own flavor and is quite different.
When Late Summer arrives, so does a bit of fogginess, laziness and lack of focus.
If you’re feeling a bit sluggish or unmotivated, you’re not alone. All of nature is experiencing this seasonal shift. Consider the seasonal ups and downs in a year – intense, active, yang energy rising in the Spring and hitting its peak during those sweltering summer days. Then from Summer’s heat peak, it’s a downward descent – a transition to a slower, more introspective, yin time. Don’t worry, Fall is there to soften the landing as that’s our time to plan and organize for the “new year” ahead. First, we have to shift down to a slower gear.
This winding down of activity can yield a particularly positive outcome – the acknowledgment of abundance. If we were farmers, all the field work would have been done in the Spring and Summer, and come Late Summer we would harvest and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Modern translation? It’s time to feel gratitude for the past year’s work and accomplishments. Whether it’s in your garden, career or personal life, take a moment to reflect on the ideas that were once seeds that then came to be.
On the other hand, this may be a year in which our harvest is not quite as abundant. Perhaps this year, some crops took a hit before their yield. In either case, try to draw attention to the simple pleasures. Savor and bottle these moments and tuck them away in your personal storehouse, in preparation for the Fall and Winter ahead.
No matter which season we’re heading into, it’s always about making subtle shifts to flow with nature’s intention. Some seasons may be easier to fall into than others. But when the transition is tough, you know it.
Late Summer’s “side effects” include:
- feeling “heavy,” like you’re moving through mud
- joint pain and swelling
- lack of motivation
- bloating and maybe even a bit of weight gain
- digestive issues
- frontal headaches or sinus discomfort
- worrying over the small stuff
- feeling unsupported or lonely
During the Late Summer, we particularly like to offer treatments that support digestion, pain, brain fog, fatigue and mood. If you’re noticing any of these issues, you’re likely responding to the seasonal shift. Schedule some acu-time time with us to soften Late Summer’s symptoms.
