"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."

~ Russel Baker

We are now finding ourselves in the hot, languid days of late summer.  This fifth season, according to the Five-Element Theory, is related to the Earth element, the center around which the other elements revolve.  Earth is a stabilizing force in the center of this seasonal transition; this grounding energy allows space for nourishment, growth and development.

Because the stomach and spleen are the organs related to this season, it is an excellent time to not only pay attention to what you are eating, but how you are eating as well.  For optimal digestion, eat small portions calmly and slowly and pay careful attention to the types of sugar you are ingesting.  After eating, take a walk or otherwise move your body, as movement aids the body in the digestion distribution of nutrients.

It's natural to experience a bit of fatigue this season, but pay attention to additional symptoms related to late summer.  Are you bruising easily, suffering from digestive or bowel problems or recurrent yeast infections?  Is it more difficult to concentrate or remember even the most simple things?  This is also an ideal time to look at eating disorders and the depression, anxiety or overall stress that is often related to this.   

Late summer is the time to nourish not only ourselves, but our relationships as well.  Make this the season you treat yourself with compassion and consider beginning acupuncture treatment as a complement to your current health-care regime.  Take this time to ground yourself in all that creates the optimal, balanced you!