Indian Summer

By Jennifer Kelleher

Did you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes five seasons instead of four? Of course we are all familiar with winter, spring, summer, and fall, but this one ancient medicine system also includes Indian Summer, which runs from the third week of August up until the Fall Equinox.

As Earthly beings, we experience the seasons inside our bodies. Indian Summer is said to be a bridge between the expansive growth and extroverted activity of spring and summer (Yang energy) and the more inward and still spirit of fall and winter (Yin energy). In today’s column, we will have some fun looking through the lens of TCM to discover how Indian Summer affects us and how we may attune our energies with this season to live in greater equilibrium.

TCM links late summer to the earth element. The Earth provides us with nourishment, stability, and bounty. As you gather, distribute, and enjoy nature’s harvest, it is also important to focus on returning to your central core. It is recommended to spend devoted time grounding and establishing a solid foundation. What helps you feel stable? Creating order in your physical environment and bringing intentionality and consistency to your personal routines are great ways to develop inner peace and stability. The Taoists teach us to be like bamboo: Able to bend in the wind, while always remaining firmly rooted.

The organs TCM associates Indian Summer with are the stomach and spleen, and the taste of this time of year is sweet. To keep the stomach and spleen well-nourished and functioning properly, do your best to eat meals at the same time each day. Eat without distractions (no screens), chew your food thoroughly, and allow time for digestion before resuming activity. Have breakfast by 9 a.m. each morning and finish your last meal at least three hours before bed. Consume warm drinks and cooked meals over ones that are cold and raw and have slightly sweet foods (like ripe fruits) at appropriate levels.

Also, take time to digest your emotions. Allow yourself space to feel what you are feeling instead of stuffing it down or trying to change it. Breath work, yoga asana, and journaling are a few practices that can help you in this process. Finally, use acupressure or tapping on the spleen and stomach meridian lines to encourage energy flow and a balanced state of being.

TCM correlates late summer with the emotions of worry and desire. Along with keeping your diet and lifestyle in check as described above, it can be helpful to focus on trust, acceptance, and appreciation, while remembering that we are innately abundant  and whole within ourselves. Mindfulness and meditation, along with embodiment practices, such as yoga and Pilates, are great tools to help get you out of your head and into the present moment. As you come into the here and now, you will find that worry does not exist in the present moment.

I encourage you to get outside and enjoy this very brief, very particular time of year in Rockaway– September has always been my favorite month! Next Wednesday, September 18, Christine Walker and I are hosting a special breath + sound journey at Ocean Bliss Yoga from 7 – 9 p.m. Spaces are limited, reserve your spot in advance at oceanblissyoga.net, or call or text me at 917-318-1168.