Earth
In both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and yogic philosophy, nature’s rhythms are reflected in the body. Each season corresponds to an element, organ systems, and emotional patterns. In Late Summer, we enter into this unique and often overlooked season, transitioning from the fiery activity of summer to the introspective calm of autumn. This “fifth season” is governed by the Earth element.
Late Summer isn’t just a seasonal shift—it’s a symbolic invitation to slow down, stabilize, and take care of what sustains us. At the heart of this season are the Spleen and Stomach meridians, which govern digestion, both physically and emotionally.
Let’s explore how to work with this energy to feel more grounded, balanced, and nourished—on and off the mat.
The Earth Element: Stability, Support & Nourishment
In the Five Element system, Earth represents:
Groundedness and stability
Nourishment and digestion
Empathy and care
Centering and boundaries
When the Earth element is in balance, we feel supported, secure, and steady—able to nourish others without depleting ourselves. When it’s out of balance, we may feel anxious, stuck in our heads, or overwhelmed with worry.
This makes Late Summer the perfect time to ask: What helps me feel rooted? What throws me off center?
Spleen and Stomach Meridians: The Digestive Core
The Stomach meridian (yang) and the Spleen meridian (yin) are the energetic organs of the Earth element. Together, they influence:
How we digest food—and life
Our ability to focus and make decisions
How we give and receive care
Emotional regulation and mental clarity
Signs of imbalance in these meridians might include:
Bloating or sluggish digestion
Cravings for sweets or carbs
Overthinking or worry
Fatigue or brain fog
Feeling unsupported or “ungrounded”
How to Support the Earth Element This Season
Grounding Yoga & Movement
Choose practices that bring awareness to your feet, legs, and core. These build physical and emotional stability. Try:
Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
Supine Twist
Long, steady holds in poses to encourage stillness and rootedness
Nourish with Warm, Simple Foods
Late Summer calls for gentle, warm meals that are easy to digest. I will be honest, often Late Summer in Portland is still hot, and warm foods may not be your first choice. But you can start to incorporate a few of the below into your diet.
Focus on:
Root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes)
Squash, pumpkins
Rice, millet, oats
Warm teas with ginger or cinnamon
Avoid cold or raw foods, which can weaken the digestive fire (Spleen Qi)
Tend to Your Inner Landscape
The emotion of Earth is worry. If your thoughts feel heavy or repetitive, try grounding practices like:
Journaling: “What do I need to digest emotionally right now?”
Breathwork: Three-Part Breath (Dirga Pranayama) to connect to the belly and calm the mind
Spending time in nature, especially barefoot walks or gardening
Return to Center
Late Summer teaches us something valuable: we don't need to chase constant motion to feel alive. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause, breathe, and care for the foundation that carries us through all seasons—body, mind, and spirit.
So as you move through these slower, golden weeks, ask yourself:
What grounds me? What nourishes me?
When we align with the Earth element, we remember that being centered isn’t about staying still. It’s about knowing where your center is, so you can return to it again and again.