LATE SUMMER: The Earth-Season of Gentle Nourishment

Late Summer leaves in Greenwich Park, London

Although Late Summer isn’t listed on our wall calendars— to the five-element wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it matters deeply. This season runs from mid-August to the Autumn Equinox, acting as a golden bridge between the heat of high summer and the cool breath of autumn.

Here are a few elements you might like to keep in mind…as well as some tips to help you navigate this season!

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Earth: Grounding, Abundance, Balance

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Late Summer belongs to the Earth element—the centre point that nourishes, stabilises, and brings balance. It’s a time to harvest, to digest (literally and figuratively), and to prepare for the inward turn of the year.

Organs: Spleen and Stomach

In this season, the focus rests on the Spleen and Stomach. These organs are said to transform food into Qi—vital energy—and distribute nourishment through the body. When they’re balanced, we feel well-fed on every level: physically, emotionally, even spiritually. When they’re burdened, digestion and energy can feel heavy or sluggish.

Emotions: Clarity and Anxiety

The Earth element is linked to mental clarity, the ability to process thoughts with ease and stability. When out of balance, however, Late Summer can bring worry, rumination, or anxiety—like thoughts circling endlessly without resolution. Finding grounding practices at this time helps restore calm and focus.

Weather: Damp

Late Summer often carries a humid, heavy quality. In TCM this “dampness” can manifest in the body as bloating, fatigue, or a sense of heaviness. Lifestyle choices—like eating warm, simple foods and moving regularly—can help offset this seasonal influence.

Colour: Yellow

The colour of the Earth element is yellow—think of ripe corn, golden fields, and late summer sunlight. Surrounding yourself with these warm tones, whether in food, clothing, or even flowers at home, can support a sense of harmony and balance.

Tissue: Muscles

The muscles are the tissues most associated with Late Summer. This makes it an ideal time to notice how you carry yourself, to nurture strength without strain, and to cultivate awareness of tension or fatigue. Gentle, mindful movement helps keep the muscles supple and supported.

Taste: Sweet

The flavour of this season is sweet—but not the kind from ultraprocessed refined sugars. Instead, it’s the gentle sweetness of whole foods: ripe fruits, roasted root vegetables, and grains that nourish without overwhelming the digestive system.

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Shiatsu Treatments:

Spleen & Stomach

Are you currently experiencing any bloating, fatigue, or mental overthinking?

Although every Shiatsu treatment is unique and always addressing the body as a whole, during this time of year I often notice more sensitivity along the Spleen and Stomach meridians—pathways that help regulate digestion, transform dampness, and calm an anxious mind.

Through acupressure (pressure abe release technique performed with hands) and gentle stretching, Shiatsu can greatly help release such symptoms, opening up all meridians of the body and stimulating a better functioning of all internal organs.

If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to look for a practitioner near you and try out a Shiatsu Treatment.

It offers an effective and holistic way to harmonise with the season, supporting both body and emotions.

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Pilates Offerings:

Grounding Movement for Late Summer

In my Pilates classes this season, I’m (broadly) drawing inspiration from the Earth element. Expect movements that centre and stabilise—core work that supports the stomach area, flowing exercises that connect the whole body, and breath-led sequences that invite calm focus.

Keeping in mind this season’s needs, I also love weaving in some stretches which (beside improving the body’s flexibility) are design to stimulate organs’ functioning. Such stretches belong to a wholesome sequence called Yoga of Meridians — introduced to me by Sensei Tzvika Calisar as part of my Shiatsu training.

Personally, I see them as the perfect bridge between my practices: Pilates and Shiatsu. As such stretches encourages greater flexibility in the physical body...whilst promoting a more holistic balance of body - mind - emotions.

Illustrates below are the meridians’ stretches for this season’s organs: Spleen & Stomach.

A longer and more detailed video, with step by step instructions on how to perform these exercises effectively and safely, can be found in the Virtual Studio > Short Sessions > Meridians

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Late Summer whispers:

You are your own soil. Ground. Nurture. Digest.

Whether through Pilates, Shiatsu, or mindful nourishment, may you anchor yourself in harmony with the rhythms of Earth!

With love & gratitude,

Chiara

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