Well-Being In the 5th Season: Late Summer
“Summer ends and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night.”
In traditional wisdom and medicine like TCM, there is a fifth season—Late Summer.
Late Summer is a time of transition, when we move from a more Yang, or active and warm time of the year to the beginning of more Yin, retractive, and passive time. The Earth and your body are preparing for the next season.
During these periods —transitions between seasons—require special health and skincare. Our bodies reflect the natural world we live in, and being in harmony with the seasons increases health and well-being. During this period of transition, the Earth element correlates with the Spleen and Stomach, which are primarily digestive organs. These organs (spleen, stomach, and pancreas) are highlighted and more susceptible to health issues, reminding us of the importance of dietary habits to support digestion and balanced eating.
Digestion, as a functional concept, represents the central axis around which everything else revolves. We should strive for optimal digestion all year round, but these transitional times between seasons are fantastic opportunities to strengthen this ‘central axis’ by slowing down and simplifying our diet while making sure it’s as nutritious as possible. This Earth element is all about food and nourishment, what we eat, and how it makes our bodies feel, and therefore shows up on our skin. This period symbolizes the bridge between all things, highlighting the significance of nurturing ourselves both physically and emotionally while moving through change. Maintaining digestive harmony will also balance the skin. More moderation and simplicity should be emphasized for these organs to stay strong. They are at the center of health, therefore regulating and harmonizing the effects of seasonal extremes is essential.
Image by Evi Abeler Property of Claudia Colombo Skin Wellness, Fabula, Inc.
NURTURING TRANSITIONS: FOOD
Keep the spleen happy and the digestive fire burning with warm, ‘dry’ foods.
First, keep things simple. It is important to shed complexity and avoid extremes. Not too hot, not too cold, not too sweet, not too spicy, etc., and not too much food at once. This helps to maintain that simple balance of temperature but also assists the spleen qi (chi) in maintaining the digestive fire.
Avoid, excessively cold food (like ice cold drinks or ice cream) where this can extinguish that essential fire and must be avoided especially during the season change.
Stop eating before you’re full.
Start transitioning to cooked foods if you’ve been doing more raw fruits and veggies in the summer. Warm ginger tea, turmeric, and bone broth, and add mild spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
The other threat to our digestive fire is foods that are considered ‘damp’ in nature. Greasy/fried foods, refined sugars, and excess dairy and gluten can slow down metabolism, and weigh down the body energetically and eventually physically. We can see the down-river result of too many damp foods manifest in the body as weight gain, sore joints, a foggy head, loose stools, and issues like candida and edema.
The spleen also likes sweet flavor. Think slightly sweet and naturally sweet. Foods such as fruit like figs, plums, and apples, and vegetables like beets, carrots, parsnips, and squash. Lentils and legumes can be added in for their protein and fiber which help to regulate the blood sugar. Avoid fruit juices, as they lack the fiber to balance the sugar.
Round out your meals, and add some (free-range organic when possible) meat, nuts seeds, and leafy greens for balance.
Soups and stews are a great way to bring together a few simple ingredients in a spleen-friendly way. Just don’t forget: slow, simple, balanced, warm, dry, and slightly sweet.
Spleen Health Supplements To Consider:
Vitamin B-12—If your B-12 levels are too low, the body starts to make abnormal red blood cells. Damaged red blood cells will pool inside the spleen and cause the organ to work too hard. Supporting your B-12 levels keeps your blood and spleen healthy.
Vitamin C—helps your body absorb iron, which reduces the chances of you developing anemia and an enlarged spleen. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it is a nutrient that combats damage from free radicals.
Iron—Important for producing hemoglobin and continuing the transport of oxygen in red blood cells throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to an enlarged spleen
Red Ginseng—This organ can easily get overworked during periods of stress and anxiety. Calming stress or nervous energy can keep the spleen working in optimal conditions. Ginseng also supports the your digestive system and the circulatory system. Helping these work better takes strain off the spleen and works to re-energize and reinvigorate the spleen.
Licorice—This supplement supports a healthy flow of blood throughout the body, making sure the spleen isn't overtaxed with damaged blood cells. Supplementing with a tea, tincture or pill could offer an effective boost to the spleen.
Astragalus—It builds Blood the way astragalus builds Qi, bringing warmth and nourishment to the viscera as well as to the skin, muscles, and flesh. By quickening and enriching blood, it banishes “damp” which is not good for spleen energy. It also benefits the Liver, Heart, and drives away the pain of obstructive stagnation.
NURTURING TRANSITIONS: SKIN
Face Mapping via Pinterest
The science of face mapping, a pearl of ancient wisdom, is the ability to see the reflection of the body’s organs on each part of the face by observing the face’s complexion. It’s a truly unique skill and gift to be able to connect the dots. It’s been in my professional tool kit and used in my holistic practice and facials for decades. I discover what’s happening in your inner world that you may not know or reveal to me (but your skin and body tell the truth 😉) and the technique when done correctly by a professional can help get to the root of your skin issues and determine the best approach to heal from the inside out.
Transitions and change are never easy because we are creatures of habit. We are comfortable with a routine where everything flows smoothly. It can cause stress and wreak havoc on the skin when it doesn't. It can show up as acne, a mysterious rash, or hives. Mostly, because rumination — the act of rehashing problems over and over — is destructive. It weakens the spleen and causes stress to stick around in the body long after the reason for the stress is over.
WORRY—I believe this is a big culprit. WORRY—the emotion of the spleen/stomach/pancreas network, and not being grounded with this Earth element. Too much pensiveness, worrying, and insecurity can weaken our ability to digest – knot the energy. When we are worried about a state of anxiety, we find it hard to digest and accept a situation or life event. There is prolonged high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and higher cortisol levels. The spleen is also governed by the lymphatic system which is part of our immune system. The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies that protect our body from infection and disease. It’s important to our overall health and appearance.
If you're seeing “skin issues” and flare-ups, save this map, it’s one of many that dive even deeper but it can act as a simple reminder during times of change and transitions to know that any disharmony inside the body will show up on the outside. When there’s an imbalance or blockage in energy channels, health symptoms will emerge. Diet, lifestyle, emotional trauma, chronic stress levels, no rest or sleep, and hormonal changes show outward signs on the face. The lips are a reflection of the Spleen, and when it’s healthy the lips are rosy and moist, when deficient lips are pale, dry, and cracked.
The spleen is also responsible for nourishing all of the tissue in the body if its “Qi” or energy can’t be transported to the muscles you have symptoms like weak muscles, heaviness, and feeling fatigued
It’s a good reminder to slow down and reflect inward. Try these self and skincare rituals to engage in your slow beauty practice and continue it through Autumn.
Baths
Rolling & Stretching
Yin Yoga
Colonics
Meditation
Dry Sauna (Infared)
Nature Hikes
Until Next Time
Claudia xx