Five Element Acupuncture: About Late Summer and The Earth Element

Nourishing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

As we move into Late Summer, the Earth element becomes our guiding force—offering us

nourishment, grounding, and a sense of deep support. In Five Element Acupuncture, Earth

represents the energy of holding, caregiving, and abundance. It is the bridge between the outward expression of Summer and the inward turning of Fall.

Take a few moments for this simple Earth meditation:

Close your eyes for three minutes and imagine yourself in a lush forest during Late Summer,

the time of harvest. What colors and textures surround you? What sounds echo through the trees?

Can you smell the richness of ripening fruit or sun-warmed soil? How does the air feel on your

skin? Take a breath and allow yourself to settle into the moment.

Now, envision standing barefoot on the earth. Feel the solid ground supporting your weight.

Allow your awareness to drop into your feet, then into the soil beneath them. Earth is the

season’s energetic anchor—steady, nurturing, and full of quiet abundance.

The Energetics of Late Summer

In the cycle of the Five Elements, Late Summer is a time of slowing down. The vibrant activity

of Spring and Summer begins to soften as we turn toward the harvest. Gardens overflow, fruit is at its sweetest, and nourishment is everywhere—both literally and energetically. It’s a time when the Earth gives without asking for anything in return.

Five Element Acupuncture teaches us that our internal landscape mirrors the natural world. As

the Earth energy rises in Late Summer, it invites us to connect to the qualities of caregiving,

empathy, and nourishment—both for ourselves and for others.

How Earth Shows Up Within Us

Emotionally, Earth governs compassion, empathy, and our ability to both give and receive care.

Physically, Earth is expressed through the Stomach and Spleen—our digestive system’s ability

to break down food and distribute nourishment throughout the body.

Spiritually, Earth provides the feeling of being full and stable—so content and grounded that we overflow with abundance, ready to share it with others.

When Earth energy is balanced, we feel stable, generous, thoughtful, and deeply connected to

our sense of home and belonging.

When Earth energy is out of balance, we may feel worried, needy, over-sympathetic, or

disconnected. This imbalance can show up physically as digestive issues, fatigue, weight

fluctuations, or difficulty nourishing ourselves and others emotionally.

Support Your Earth Element This Late Summer

If you’re feeling depleted, anxious, or “stuck” in this season, here are four simple ways to

support and strengthen your Earth element:

1. Give Generously

Offer a helping hand, cook for a friend, give a heartfelt hug, or volunteer your time. Earth

energy thrives on the act of giving from a full and generous heart.

2. Practice Daily Gratitude

Keep a journal, offer thanks before meals, and express appreciation with sincerity.

Gratitude roots us in the abundance already present in our lives.

3. Receive Fully

Accept compliments, food, or physical gestures (like hugs or handshakes) with

mindfulness. Let nourishment in, both emotionally and physically.

4. Come in for Seasonal Acupuncture

Late Summer is an ideal time for an acupuncture tune-up. If you already receive seasonal

treatments, now is the time to nurture your Earth energy. If you’re new to Five Element

Acupuncture, this is a perfect season to begin your journey toward greater balance,

nourishment, and emotional stability.

As the sweetness of Late Summer settles in, let it remind you of the richness available both

around and within you. With the support of Earth and the wisdom of the Five Elements, you can feel rooted, full, and ready to share your harvest with the world.

Ready for your Late Summer treatment? Book your session now and let your body, mind, and

spirit receive the nourishment they deserve.

Author: Jean Donati PA-C, M.Ac, L.Ac. 

Jean Donati is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Jean Donati Acupuncture.  She specializes in Traditional Five Element Acupuncture, and Facial Rejuvenation for physical, mental and emotional concerns.