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From Summer to Autumn: What You Can Learn from the Five Elements

First part in our series on the earth element and the transition to autumn

Summer is coming to an end, and we are slowly transitioning into autumn. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the seasons—and the transitional periods between them—are considered highly important for health and well-being. Each phase in nature is reflected in the human body and requires its own balance. An acupuncturist always takes these natural rhythms into account: not only the symptoms someone experiences but also the influence of the season and the transition we are in.

Five Elements: From Fire to Earth
In summer, the fire element takes center stage: warmth, joy, expansion, and outward focus. Think of long days, social activities, and vibrant energy.

After summer comes late summer, which is associated with the earth element. This element represents stability, nourishment, and harmony. It is a period when nature yields its harvest, preparing us for the stillness of autumn. The earth provides the peace and strength needed to transition smoothly into a new season.

When this element is out of balance, we may feel anxious, tired, or unsteady. When in balance, the earth element provides grounding and contentment, supporting healthy digestion.

How the Earth Element Affects Your Body
In TCM, the earth element is linked to the stomach and spleen. These organs together form the “digestive fire,” essential for converting food into energy and maintaining resilience, especially in colder months. The earth element is also associated with the color yellow and the gentle, natural sweetness of seasonal foods such as pumpkin, carrot, and apple.

By taking good care of your earth element through nutrition, rest, exercise, and aligning your breathing with the changing seasons, you can stand more firmly—both mentally and physically—in autumn.

What You Can Do During This Transition
To support your health during this transitional period, there are many things you can do yourself. Here are some tips:

Nourish Yourself with Seasonal Foods
Autumn brings an abundant harvest: pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, apples, and pears. These soft, sweet flavors nourish the earth element and support your digestion.

Take Time for Rest and Routine
After an active summer, it is helpful to reintroduce rhythm and routine. Adequate sleep, a regular daily schedule, and moments of rest help ground your energy.

Move Mindfully
Yoga, walking, or gentle forms of exercise are often more suitable during this period than intense physical activity.

Support Your Body with Breathing
The fire element is exuberant and outward-focused, while the earth element encourages turning inward. Simple breathing exercises can help release tension and center your energy.

Finally: Move with the Seasons
The transition from summer to autumn is a natural invitation to turn inward, find balance, and nourish yourself both physically and mentally.

In the upcoming articles in this series, we will explore themes such as digestion, emotional balance, and movement, providing practical tips to optimally support your earth element.

An acupuncturist always considers these natural cycles and can support you with treatments that help you move more smoothly with the seasons.

Want to learn more? Feel free to contact one of our NVA acupuncturists.