Nourishing the Earth Within: Supporting Digestion During Late Summer
Essence Acupuncture Wellness Blog
Nourishing the Earth Within: Supporting Digestion During Late Summer
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine in Corning, NY
Serving the Southern Tier & Twin Tiers
As we move into August, we find ourselves in what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers Late Summer—a unique season that bridges the energetic transition between the vibrant activity of summer and the inward reflection of autumn.
While Western calendars often recognize only four seasons, TCM recognizes a fifth season: Late Summer, associated with the Earth element. This season invites us to slow down, find balance, and pay special attention to the systems responsible for nourishment, digestion, and energy production.
In TCM, the Earth element is governed by the Spleen and Stomach systems. Together, they are responsible for transforming the food we eat into the energy, blood, and nutrients that sustain every aspect of our health. When these systems are functioning optimally, we feel grounded, energized, focused, and resilient. When they become imbalanced, we may experience symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, fatigue, loose stools, sugar cravings, brain fog, worry, or a general feeling of heaviness.
Late Summer offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen and support these important systems.
The Earth Element: Finding Stability in a Busy Season
The Earth element represents nourishment, stability, and our ability to feel centered amidst life's demands. Much like fertile soil provides the foundation for growth, a healthy digestive system creates the foundation for overall wellness.
One emotion associated with the Earth element is worry or overthinking. Many people notice that periods of stress can lead to digestive discomfort, while digestive issues can make it harder to feel emotionally balanced. TCM recognizes this connection and views emotional and digestive health as deeply intertwined.
This month, consider asking yourself:
• Am I nourishing myself consistently?
• Am I rushing through meals?
• Am I spending more time worrying than digesting life's experiences?
• Am I giving my body the rest and support it needs?
Eating With the Season
One of the simplest ways to support digestion is to eat foods that naturally grow during the season in which we live.
Here in Upstate New York, August brings an abundance of fresh produce that beautifully aligns with the Earth element. Many of these foods are naturally sweet in flavor—not sugary sweet, but the gentle sweetness that TCM associates with nourishing the Spleen and Stomach.
Seasonal foods to enjoy include:
• Sweet corn, summer squash and zucchini, green beans, carrots, beets, potatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches, plums, blueberries, apples, pears
Try incorporating these foods into soups, roasted vegetable dishes, grain bowls, salads, or simple side dishes alongside quality proteins.
A Few TCM-Inspired Dietary Tips:
• Eat meals at regular times whenever possible.
• Favor warm, cooked foods if you struggle with bloating or sluggish digestion.
• Limit excessive iced drinks, especially during meals.
• Chew thoroughly and eat mindfully.
• Avoid eating while working, driving, or scrolling on your phone.
• Choose whole foods over highly processed convenience foods.
The goal isn't perfection—it's creating an environment where your digestive system can do its job efficiently.
Lifestyle Practices to Strengthen the Earth Element
Supporting digestion extends far beyond food.
Take a Walk After Meals
A short 10–20 minute walk after eating can encourage healthy digestion, support blood sugar balance, and help move stagnant energy throughout the body.
Practice Belly Breathing
Stress can significantly impact digestive function. Taking a few minutes each day for diaphragmatic breathing can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body's "rest and digest" mode.
Try this simple exercise:
1. Place one hand on your chest and one on your abdomen.
2. Inhale slowly through your nose for four counts.
3. Allow your belly to gently expand.
4. Exhale for six counts.
5. Repeat for five minutes.
Create Moments of Stillness
The Earth element thrives on consistency and routine. Consider creating small daily rituals that help you feel grounded:
• Morning tea before checking emails
• Sitting down for meals without distractions
• Evening stretching
• Gratitude journaling
• Spending time in nature
Even a few intentional minutes each day can help calm the mind and support healthy digestion.
What I Often See in Practice
While digestive concerns can certainly show up as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or acid reflux, the Spleen and Stomach systems influence much more than digestion alone.
In my practice, digestive imbalances frequently appear as food sensitivities, particularly to gluten, dairy, and sugar. I also commonly work with patients experiencing autoimmune conditions such as Celiac disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where digestive health often plays an important role in the overall picture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes a strong connection between our emotional and digestive health. Stress, frustration, and emotional tension can disrupt the smooth flow of Liver Qi. When this occurs, the Liver can "overact" on the Spleen and Stomach, leading to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, food cravings, and digestive upset. Many patients notice that their digestive symptoms worsen during periods of increased stress, and TCM has recognized this connection for thousands of years.
Sometimes patients seek treatment because they feel sluggish, struggle with weight management, experience frequent bloating, or battle persistent brain fog. In these cases, we often look to the digestive system as a foundational piece of the puzzle.
From a TCM perspective, some individuals may present with an excess pattern, such as Dampness accumulating within the body and slowing the digestive process. Others may have a deficiency pattern, where the body's digestive energy lacks the strength needed to efficiently transform food into energy and nourishment. While the symptoms may appear similar on the surface, the underlying patterns can be very different.
This is why acupuncture treatments are never one-size-fits-all. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, helping to restore balance, support healthy digestion, and address the root cause of symptoms rather than simply managing them.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture offers a gentle and effective way to support the Spleen and Stomach systems during Late Summer.
Treatments are tailored to your unique constitution and symptoms, helping to regulate digestion, reduce bloating, improve energy levels, support stress management, and encourage overall balance throughout the body.
Whether you're experiencing digestive discomfort, fatigue, increased stress, or simply looking to maintain your health through the changing seasons, acupuncture can help support your body's natural ability to heal and thrive.
As August unfolds, consider embracing the wisdom of the Earth element. Slow down when possible, nourish yourself with seasonal foods, spend time outdoors, and create space for your body to digest not only what you eat, but also the experiences of daily life.
After all, health is built from the ground up—and in TCM, that foundation begins with the Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Acupressure Points can I perform on myself, in between visits, to aid in my Digestive Support?
Acupressure is a wonderful way to support your body's natural healing abilities between acupuncture visits.
Stomach 36 (Zu San Li)
Located approximately four finger widths below the kneecap and just outside the shinbone.
Often called the "Longevity Point," Stomach 36 is one of the most commonly used points in Chinese medicine. It helps support digestion, energy levels, immune function, and overall vitality.
How to use it: Apply gentle, steady pressure or massage the area in small circles for 1–2 minutes on each leg.
Ren 12 (Zhong Wan)
Located halfway between the bottom of the breastbone and the belly button.
Ren 12 is known as the Front-Mu point of the Stomach and is commonly used for bloating, indigestion, and feelings of fullness.
How to use it: Place your palm over the area and gently massage in a clockwise direction for 1–2 minutes while breathing slowly.
Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao)
Located approximately four finger widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shinbone.
Spleen 6 helps support digestion, fluid metabolism, and overall balance within the body.
How to use it: Apply gentle pressure for 30–60 seconds on each side. Avoid this point during pregnancy unless directed by a qualified healthcare professional
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Located in Corning, NY, Essence Acupuncture welcomes patients from Painted Post, Big Flats, Horseheads, Elmira, Bath, Watkins Glen, Addison, and surrounding Southern Tier and Twin Tiers communities. Treatment plans are individualized according to each patient's health history, needs, and wellness goals.
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