Seasonal Transitions

Fire Through Earth To Metal

In Chinese Medicine, the transition from summer (Fire element) to autumn (Metal element) is a crucial energetic shift marked by the Late Summer period governed by the Earth element. This short but pivotal season acts as a harmonizing bridge, where the expansive, outward, and yang energy of Fire begins to yield to the contracting, inward, and yin energy of Metal. The Earth element—associated with the Spleen and Stomach—is responsible for digestion, nourishment, and grounding, and it’s during this time that building strong Qi and Blood is essential to prepare the body for autumn’s dryness and winter’s cold. Supporting Earth strengthens the immune system, digestion, and emotional stability, which is necessary as we move into the more introspective Metal season. A key practice during this transition is “treating winter diseases in summer”, a preventative approach that uses summer’s abundance of Yang Qi to treat latent cold illnesses (like asthma, arthritis, colds), fortifying the Wei Qi (defensive Qi) before the colder, illness-prone months. Properly managing this seasonal transition helps maintain physical balance and emotional clarity, and ensures the lungs—rulers of the fall season—are well supported. Utilizing acupuncture, food therapy, and herbal therapy are great companions for seasonal shifts!

Transitional tips

Practice breathing exercises and gentle movement (tai chi, walking), keep the Qi moving and oxygen circulating In a natural rhythmic pattern.

Get enough rest and protect against sudden weather changes; start carrying a sweater In case you need It and switch to sneakers Instead of sandals. Pay attention to the subtle shifts in your sleeping patterns as your body nudges you into fall.

Begin introducing white-colored + moistening foods: pears, white fungus, almonds, daikon, & lotus root. And continue to eat with the seasons, what Is naturally abundant In nature during this season should be a part of your meals. Avoid heavy, damp, fried foods.

Use mild spices like cinnamon and ginger to begin warming the digestion without overheating the body. Avoid excess cold/ raw foods that tax the spleen and weaken lung defenses.

Wind down late nights, tune into shorter daylight hours. The abundance of yang that keeps our evenings alive and stimulated has diminished, match your nightly routine to this shift.

Journal or reflect to align with fall’s introspective nature; Metal values clarity, structure, & refinement. It is about letting go, just as the trees shed leaves and foliage it no longer needs, what do you need to let go of as well?

A Quick Peak At Each Element- Compare + Contrast

Summer – Fire Element

• ●  Organs: Heart (Yin), Small Intestine (Yang)

• ●  Emotion: Joy

• ●  Climate: Heat

• ●  Energy: Most Yang, outward, expressive

• ●  Focus: Circulation, spirit (Shen), emotional expression, expansiveness

• ●  Imbalances: Restlessness, insomnia, overheating, overexertion, anxiety

Late Summer – Earth Element (Transitional)

● Organs: Spleen (Yin), Stomach (Yang)

● Emotion: Worry/Overthinking

● Climate: Dampness

● Energy: Centering, stabilizing, nourishing

● Focus: Digestion, transformation of food into Qi and Blood

● Imbalances: Fatigue, bloating, loose stools, mental fog, damp accumulation, over worry

Autumn – Metal Element

• ●  Organs: Lungs (Yin), Large Intestine (Yang)

• ●  Emotion: Grief/Sadness

• ●  Climate: Dryness

• ●  Energy: Clearing, contracting, inward

• ●  Focus: Respiration, immunity, letting go (physically and emotionally)

• ●  Imbalances: Dry skin, cough, sinus issues, emotional stagnation, sadness/ grief that won't clear

Here are two Chinese Medicine-based recipes designed to support the body through the seasonal transition from Late Summer (Earth Element) to Fall (Metal Element). This period is crucial for nourishing the Spleen and Lungs, supporting immunity, digestion, and emotional balance.

🌾 RECIPE 1: Sweet Potato & Millet Congee with Figs and Ginger

Supports: Spleen Qi + digestion + immune preparation for Fall

🍲 Ingredients:

• ½ cup millet (pre-soaked if possible)

• 1 medium orange sweet potato, peeled and diced

• 3-4 dried figs (or fresh if in season), chopped

• 1 small piece of fresh ginger (3-4 slices)

• 4–5 cups water or light vegetable broth

• Pinch of sea salt

• Optional: goji berries, a few jujube (red dates), or a drizzle of raw honey (after cooking)

  
  

TCM Benefits:

• Millet: Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; calms digestion.

• Sweet Potato: Tonifies Spleen Qi, helps prevent dryness as fall approaches.

• Figs: Moisten the Lungs and Large Intestine, gently nourish Yin.

• Ginger: Warms the middle, disperses cold, supports digestion.

  
  

🥣 Directions:

1. Rinse millet well. Add to a pot with 4–5 cups water.

2. Add diced sweet potato, figs, ginger slices, and a pinch of salt.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy and soft.

4. Add more water if needed for thinner consistency.

5. Serve warm. Optionally top with goji berries or a drizzle of honey (after it cools slightly).

🍐 RECIPE 2: White Pear & Snow Fungus Soup with Almond and Lily Bulb

Supports: Lung Yin + moistens dryness + preparation for fall dryness/ dry cough

🍲 Ingredients:

• 1 Asian pear (or Bartlett if unavailable), peeled and sliced

• ½ snow fungus (Tremella), soaked until soft, then torn into small pieces

• 10 almonds (sweet almonds preferred; avoid bitter almonds if unsure)

• 10 dried lily bulbs (optional but highly beneficial for Lung Yin)

• 2–3 red dates (jujube), pitted

• 4–5 cups water

• Optional: rock sugar to taste

  
  

TCM Benefits:

• Asian Pear: Cools and moistens the Lungs, clears heat.

• Snow Fungus: Tonifies Lung Yin, deeply hydrating.

• Lily Bulbs: Calm the Spirit, moisten Lungs, support emotional transition.

• Almonds: Stop cough, moisten Lungs and Intestines.

• Jujube: Strengthens Spleen, harmonizes herbs, supports Qi.

  
  

🥣 Directions:

1. Soak snow fungus in warm water for 20–30 minutes until soft. Trim the hard center.

2. In a pot, add snow fungus, pear slices, lily bulbs, almonds, and red dates.

3. Add water and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Cook for 45–60 minutes until ingredients are tender and soup is slightly gelatinous.

5. Add a small piece of rock sugar near the end if desired.

6. Drink warm or at room temperature, especially in the afternoon or evening.