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Using Seasonal Changes in Your Diet to Balance Your Health

The teachings of Traditional Medicine map out five unique seasons, rather than the four we in the US are accustomed to, with the insertion of a ‘Late Summer’ differentiated from regular Summer.

In this Traditional Medicine modality, eating with the seasons and fortifying yourself, specifically when one season moves to another, is an important part to keeping yourself healthy. This ancient knowledge from the East provides dietary guidance for healthy living, based on organ (Zang-Fu) imbalances.   Ancient practitioners identified five elements that correspond with the seasons: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.

Late Summer: August 16th thru September 22nd

This late ‘second’ summer begins in mid-August and runs through the Autumn Equinox on September 22. It’s a season of grounding, nurturing, and reflection, rooted in the Earth element. Pay attention to appetite and stress and how it could be impacting healthy digestion during late summer heat.

Note:  For a limited time, ask Dr. Skip during any scheduled appointment for a free sample of Lumino Food Grade Diatomaeceous Earth which can naturally boost your digestion.

Late Summer Nutritional Guidelines
“The Tao of Nutrition: Harmonizing the Seasons” by Cathy McNease

This is the transition season between the heat of Spring and Summer and the coolness of Fall and Winter; associated with the Earth element, and our digestive system.  By balancing your energies, the body heals itself. Balance is the key to health.  Dampness may present easily now, so the diet must be “Spleen-friendly”.

Be sure to include:
Complex carbohydrates, whole grains, legumes
Plenty of vegetables
Some animal protein

Limit the dampening foods:
Fruit juices
Salads
Refined sweets

Herbs to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach:
Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
Poria (Fu Ling)
Dioscorea (Shan Yao)
Licorice (Gan Cao).

Herbs & Seeds to facilitate digestion:
Hawthorn (Shan Zha)
Citrus Peel (Chen Pi)
Ginger (Sheng Jiang)
Cardamom (all types)
Fennel
Anise
Caraway
Coriander
Cumin

Use these tips as you cook during the next few months as the summer heat wanes to the cooler fall weather.  Also, be sure to watch for our upcoming guidelines as we move into the cooler weather.

For additional assistance on digestive issues, check out this blog on digestive health.

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Disclaimer & Legal Notice:

All information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never self-prescribe. Call 911 for a medical emergency. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any supplement, medication, diet, or exercise routine, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. The services, products, and information shared have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease outside the scope of Oriental Medicine. Patrick W. Hart Jr., “Dr. Skip,” O.M.D., is a licensed Oriental Medicine Physician (WV Board of Acupuncture) specializing in Holistic Functional Wellness. All content is copyright protected and may not be reproduced without permission.