The end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn marks a specific Season in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This is called Late Summer and bring the time when summer begins to give way to autumn. The days can still feel surprisingly hot, but the mornings and evenings are becoming cooler and the air gradually becomes drier.
This is a time of transition. Your body is moving from the outward, active energy of summer towards the more inward, restorative energy of autumn.
Why might you feel a little out of balance?
You may notice that your body seems to be caught between two seasons. There can still be some of summer’s humidity and warmth, while the dryness of autumn is beginning to appear.
Beware the “Autumn Tiger”
The phrase “Autumn Tiger” describes those deceptively hot days when summer seems to have returned.
The important thing to remember is that the temperature can change quickly. A hot afternoon may be followed by a cool evening, and sudden exposure to cold air or wind can catch your body off guard.
This is a good time to be particularly mindful of air conditioning, draughts and chilly evening breezes. Rather than going from very hot to very cold, try to keep your body temperature comfortable and allow yourself to adjust gradually.
Supporting yourself through the transition
Think “protect, hydrate and gently adapt.”
– Drink plenty of fluids, especially if the weather is warm.
– Eat easy to digest nourishing foods that support your digestion.
– Avoid getting chilled when you are hot and sweaty, particularly around the neck and upper back.
– Most importantly, listen to your energy.
Feeling a little more tired as autumn approaches is not necessarily something to push through.
This is a natural time to begin slowing down, restoring your energy and preparing for the season ahead.
Your Quick Guide to Late Summer Symptoms
The Autumn Tiger Syndrome
Respiratory & Digestive Tug-of-War
This is where Physical symptoms include a dry or “scratchy” throat and a dry cough with little to no phlegm as the Lungs “The Delicate Organ” lose moisture.
Inflammation & Stool Fluctuations
Symptoms manifest as mouth ulcers or swollen gums (Tiger’s Heat), while digestion varies between sticky stool (lingering damp) and dry, hard stool (new dryness).
Autumn Fatigue
Feeling sleepy in the morning and persistently tired throughout the day as the body struggles to pull its energy inward.
Who is at risk?
Most vulnerable people are those who are exposed to sudden windy conditions, as the pores close, cold air and wind can get trapped under the skin, leading to neck stiffness and transition or seasonal colds. Protect yourself by being prepared for the temperature drops in the evenings.
Heart Aggravation Syndrome
Emotional symptoms manifest as a sense of anger, restlessness, and general irritability. Dream-Disturbed Sleep, An inability to settle the mind. Resulting in poor quality sleep or frequent, vivid dreaming.
Digestive Cold Syndrome
Physical symptoms include sudden diarrhoea, watery stool, and stomach pain immediately following the consumption of cooling summer fruits like watermelon.
Abdominal Sensitivity – Increased bloating and digestive discomfort triggered by exposure to cool evening air.
The Late Summer Pantry for Transitioning, Gentle Clearing & Moistening
Grains & Seeds – Spleen (Digestive) Support
Nourish the “Tired Spleen” and drain lingering dampness without drying the Lungs.
Rice – A neutral base that strengthens the Spleen and provides the fuel to generate new body fluids.
Millet – Represents the ‘ripening grain’ energy of the season, excellent for nourishing the digestive centre.
Vegetables – Lung Moisteners
Protect ‘The Delicate Lungs’ with white foods and clear lingering excess heat.
White Radish – Helps descend Qi and clear heat, making it an ideal partner for heavier proteins like duck.
Tomato – Provides the ‘Sour + Sweet’ flavour profile necessary to generate fluids and quench thirst.
Fruits – Fluid Builders
Shift to “Sour + Sweet’ fruits to generate fluids and prevent dryness.
Pear – The ‘King of Autumn Fruit,’ used to directly clear heat and moisten a dry, scratchy throat.
Grapes – Naturally sour and sweet, they pul issues together to prevent fluid loss.
Apples – Help to gather QJ inward and provide gentle hydration for the transition.
Pomegranate – Its astringent nature helps lock moisture inside the body against the drying autumn air.
Kiwi – Rich in moisture and sour energy to support the Lung’s Gathering’ momentum.
Lemon – A primary tool for the ‘Increase Sour’ strategy to generate Yin fluids.
Proteins – Essence Tonics
Nourish ‘Yin” and ‘Essence’ with light proteins: avoid BBQ to prevent adding “fire”.
Duck (The Hero Protein of the season) – Sweet and cool in nature: it nourishes Stomach Yin and drains dampness through gentle urination.
Fresh Fish – A light, high-protein option that is easier on a ‘tired’ Spleen than red
Wild-Caught Seafood (Clams/Shrimp) – Harvested during the ‘Opening of Fishing Season,’
Tofu – cool, gentle protein that clears internal heat – best used when the Autumn Tiger heat is high or the hotter days during this transition time.
Herbs & Aromatics – Balanced Support
Goji Berries – Nourishes the Liver and Kidneys: pairs with sour fruits to activate fluid generation.
Honey – Use in warm water in the evening to moisturise the Lungs and skin from the inside out.
Chrysanthemum Flower – Add to teas if the ‘Autumn Tiger’ brings sudden heat, headaches, or irritated eyes.
Fresh Ginger – Use in small amounts to balance ‘cool’ foods like duck, but avoid as a primary dominant flavour.
If you have enjoyed reading this newsletter please feel free to share it with your family and friends so that they can enjoy good health this Late Summer into the Autumn.
In Friendship Your Iwood Health Therapists,
–Dan, Jackie, John, Hazel, Áine, Lisa, Katie, Louise and Alison –
Iwood Health, Wrington 