From Summer Heat to Autumn Chill: Finding Balance in the Transition

There’s something about late summer that always feels a little bittersweet. The long days shorten, the nights cool off, and before we know it, the lush green of August fades into the golden tones of September. It’s a transition we’ve all lived through countless times, but each year our bodies and minds respond to it in their own way.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this period between the height of summer and the full arrival of autumn is often considered a vulnerable time. It’s called “late summer,” or Earth Season, and it carries its own distinct character. Instead of blazing fire or brittle cold, it’s about dampness, heaviness, and the body’s need to recalibrate. The Spleen and Stomach—organs tied to digestion and our overall energy—are thought to be especially taxed during this season. If you’ve ever noticed bloating, fatigue, or digestive sluggishness around this time of year, that’s exactly the kind of imbalance TCM warns us about.

Just as the earth shifts, so do we. Late summer is a reminder that transitions matter—not just the extremes.

The Pitfalls of Seasonal Shifts in Modern Medicine

Western medicine also recognizes that transitional weather takes a toll. Take these examples:

• Respiratory flare-ups: The sudden swing from humid heat to cooler, drier air can aggravate asthma and seasonal allergies. The mucous membranes of the nose and throat are particularly sensitive to abrupt changes in temperature and humidity.
• Circulatory strain: Cooler mornings and evenings can constrict blood vessels, which sometimes triggers higher blood pressure readings or even angina in susceptible individuals.
• Immune dips: As kids head back to school and the cooler season encourages more indoor gatherings, viruses pass more easily. It’s one of the reasons why early autumn often sees spikes in colds and respiratory infections.

None of these are catastrophic by themselves, but together they paint a picture: transitions test our adaptability.

Bridging the Perspectives

From both TCM and modern medical viewpoints, the key during late summer and early fall is balance.

• In TCM terms, we nourish the Spleen and Stomach by eating warm, cooked foods, avoiding excess dampness from too much sugar or cold/raw produce, and giving our digestion a little more rest.
• From a Western perspective, staying active outdoors while the weather is still mild, practicing good hand hygiene as viruses circulate, and layering clothing to minimize thermal stress are practical and effective strategies.

Both perspectives converge on the idea that paying attention during the “in-between” seasons matters just as much as during the extremes of summer and winter.

A Seasonal Invitation

So, as you feel the evenings cool and the first leaves drift down, consider it an invitation to tune in. This is a time to support digestion, shore up your immune system, and give yourself grace as your body adapts. Whether you lean into the wisdom of acupuncture, make mindful food choices, or simply start carrying that light jacket on your evening walk, your small actions now can set the tone for the entire season ahead.

We give our best so you feel your best—not just when symptoms shout, but also when the quieter transitions whisper.

‍