Late Summer Tips for Stomach & Spleen

What is Late Summer?

Traditional East Asian Medicine identifies Late Summer as the period from the 3rd week of August to the Fall Equinox.

This short and significant season connects to the

• Stomach and Spleen organs

• Digestive functions

• harvest

• transition to Fall

• a reminder that Earth is our center
  and…

by attending to Spleen and Stomach Qi we prepare our bodies and minds for the fall and winter seasons, boosting immunity and supporting the inward turn. This gives us time to reflect, decide what we want to grow and rest while different parts of us develop in the subconscious.

Late Summer is the perfect time to support digestion, muscles, the thinking mind, and overall Qi (Life Force Energy).

The Role of the Stomach & Spleen

The Stomach and Spleen are responsible for:

• “Rotting and ripening” food

• Transforming Dampness

• Holding us together structurally

• Emotionally connecting us with worry, pensiveness, and contemplation

What Does It Mean to Attune to a Season?

Attuning means adjusting food, clothing, practices, and daily activities to align with the physical and energetic climate of the season.

When we attune, our body, mind, and spirit function optimally.

✨ Seasonal attunement boosts Qi, helping you to feel grounded, whole, and ready to engage with life.

In Late Summer, you can attune by:

• Eating foods that nourish Spleen Qi (see list below)

• Easing worry with intentional relaxation practices

• Booking appointments for relaxation (Massage, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, etc…)

• Eating to match the season (e.g., root veggies in Late Summer, warm foods in Fall/Winter)

• Movement practices that flow Qi through Stomach & Spleen meridians

• Ask yourself: “What do I want for my health right now?”

✨ Check in seasonally ✨
What do you want for your health? What’s happened since we last spoke?

For Ongoing clients: Book a virtual seasonal check in or an in person treatment.
For New clients: Book a Free 15 min meet & greet or an Initial Consultation w/ treatment]

Foods to Nourish Stomach & Spleen Qi

Grains: cooked whole grains, rice, congee, oats, roasted barley, sweet rice, spelt, millet
Vegetables: pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squash, carrots, rutabaga, corn, parsnips, yams, peas, onions, leeks, garlic, turnip, mushrooms (oyster & shiitake)
Fruit: stewed fruit, figs, small amounts of cherries and dates
Beans: chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, fava beans
Nuts/seeds: walnuts
Fish: mackerel, tuna, anchovy, perch, eel, catfish, halibut
Meat: small amounts of chicken, beef, beef liver or kidney, turkey, lamb, Chinese black chicken, quail, goose, rabbit, frog
Dairy: minimal to none (prefer goat dairy)
Herbs: black pepper, fresh ginger, cinnamon, garlic, nutmeg, fennel
Beverages: lukewarm or warm drinks
Other: small amounts of barley malt, sugar cane, molasses, rice syrup

Remember: YOU are the greatest knower of you, your intuition is invited to the table.

Cooking Tips for Spleen Qi Abundance

• Slow cooking (crock pot or instant pot) = gentle nourishment for Spleen Qi

• Light, low-heat cooking preserves nutrients and makes food easier to digest

• Keep stews and soups simple for easy assimilation

Life Habits for Spleen Qi

Because the Spleen is connected to worry and overthinking, practices that give your mind a break are deeply supportive.

Some contemplative practices include:

• Staring at a spot on the wall

• Watching clouds float by

• Taking a stroll in green spaces (trees, grass, leaves)

• Listening to expansive music

• Trying something new that suspends habitual thinking

📖 For inspiration: Contemplative Practices Resource

Reflection supports the Spleen & Stomach

• What is one thing you can do to align with the season?

• What is your favourite way to suspend thinking and give your mind a break?

A Seasonal Blessing

May each of you be nourished this Late Summer.
May you tend to your Spleen and Stomach in some way.
May you be free from inner and outer danger.
May anyone on Earth who is hungry, starved or malnourished be fed, cared for and protected.
There is enough for all to be fed, we have enough here on Earth.

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About the Author

Lamia Gibson, R. Ac is an Acupuncturist, Shiatsu Therapist, Traditional Chinese Medicine food nerd and certified World Maker.
I work with people healing stress, trauma, and grief.

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💻 Learn more: lamiagibson.com