Basic TCM Seasonal Guidance
What Nourishes the Spleen & Stomach in Late Summer
Acupuncture & Bodywork
Acupuncture points along the Spleen and Stomach meridians help regulate digestion, transform dampness, and support steady, grounded energy
Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) — located above the inner ankle — is one of the most commonly used points for digestive health, hormonal balance, and calming overthinking
Stomach 36 (Zusanli) is a classic tonification point, used to boost energy, strengthen digestion, and support overall vitality
Bodywork like Tui Na and abdominal massage help move Qi through the digestive system, relieving the bloating and heaviness that stagnant Earth energy creates
Ear Seeds (Auriculotherapy)
The ear contains microsystem points corresponding to the Stomach, Spleen, Shen Men, and Nervous System — all relevant to digestion, worry, and mental clarity
Regular stimulation of these points supports ongoing digestive and nervous system balance between sessions
Ear seeds are especially powerful when paired with intention — what you focus on while receiving them matters
Movement & Exercise
Gentle, grounding movement is deeply nourishing to Spleen Qi — think walking, especially after meals, along with tai chi and qigong
Qigong practices focused on the abdomen and center support digestion and cultivate stability
Overexertion depletes Spleen Qi, so movement in this season should feel sustaining, not draining
Walking after eating is especially resonant — it directly supports digestion while keeping Qi moving
Social Connection & Emotional Expression
The Spleen governs our capacity to process and "digest" experience — being able to talk things through with others is literally medicine for this organ system
Slow gatherings, shared meals, and unhurried conversation are not extras. In TCM they are therapeutic
Expressing worry — through talking, journaling, or creating — keeps Qi moving and prevents the rumination that leads to stagnation
Feeling supported enough to set worries down, even briefly, can be one of the deepest forms of Earth nourishment
Foods That Support the Spleen & Stomach
Yellow and orange foods — squash, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots — correspond to the Earth element and support digestive strength
Warm, cooked foods — soups, stews, steamed vegetables — are easier to digest than raw or cold foods, which are thought to tax digestive fire
Whole grains — especially rice, oats, and millet — build steady, sustained energy
Root vegetables — beets, parsnips, turnips — ground and stabilize digestion
Dates and goji berries — classical TCM Spleen tonics used to nourish Qi and Blood
Mild, naturally sweet foods — squash, carrots, dates — support the Spleen in small, consistent amounts
Ginger and warming spices — support digestive fire and help move dampness
Foods to limit — excess sugar, dairy, raw or cold foods, and greasy foods create dampness in the Spleen, contributing to bloating, sluggishness, and brain fog
Lifestyle & Daily Practices
Routine — the Spleen thrives on consistency, especially around mealtimes and sleep. Irregular schedules are both a symptom and a cause of Earth imbalance
Journaling & reflection — processing worry on paper moves Qi and prevents rumination from taking hold
Mindful eating — slowing down and being present with meals directly supports the Spleen's ability to transform food into energy
Spending time near water, gardens, or open land — Late Summer's harvest energy is the Spleen's natural environment
Creative expression — cooking, gardening, organizing — anything that connects you to nourishment and process feeds the Spleen
Laughter — intentional laughter that lightens a heavy or overthought moment is an Earth practice. It helps digest what the mind is holding onto
Rest without guilt — the Spleen thrives when we give ourselves permission to pause and simply take in nourishment, without productivity attached
What Nourishes the Lungs in Autumn
Acupuncture & Bodywork
Acupuncture points along the Lung and Large Intestine meridians help support the immune system, ease grief, and encourage healthy release
Lung 7 (Lieque) — located near the wrist — is commonly used for immune support, grief, and opening the chest
Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) supports the immune system and is widely used for stress relief and clearing stagnation
Bodywork focused on the chest and upper back helps open breathing and release held grief or sadness
Ear Seeds (Auriculotherapy)
The ear contains microsystem points corresponding to the Lung, Shen Men, and Immune System — all relevant to grief, breath, and seasonal immunity
Regular stimulation of these points supports ongoing respiratory and emotional balance between sessions
Ear seeds are especially powerful when paired with intention — what you focus on while receiving them matters
Movement & Exercise
Deep-breathing movement is deeply nourishing to Lung Qi — think walking outdoors, swimming, and qigong
Breathwork practices that expand the chest support the Lung's natural function and help process grief
Autumn is a good season to move at a slightly slower, more sustainable pace than summer's intensity
Time outdoors in crisp air is especially resonant with the Lung's connection to fresh breath
Social Connection & Emotional Expression
The Lung governs our capacity to take in and let go — grief, loss, and endings are the emotional territory of this organ system
Space to grieve, reflect, and say goodbye to what's ending is not an extra. In TCM it is therapeutic
Expressing sadness or loss — through talking, crying, or quiet reflection — keeps Qi moving and prevents the grief from settling into the chest
Being allowed to slow down and let something go, without rushing past it, is one of the deepest forms of Lung nourishment
Foods That Support the Lungs
White foods — pears, daikon radish, cauliflower, white beans — correspond to the Lung in five element theory and support moisture in the respiratory system
Pungent flavors — ginger, garlic, onion, scallion — the pungent taste is associated with the Lung and helps disperse and protect against colds
Warm, moistening foods — soups, congee, cooked pears — support the Lung during autumn's dry, cooling shift
Honey and pear — a classical TCM combination used to soothe dryness and support the throat and lungs
Root vegetables — support grounded, steady energy as the body transitions toward winter
Foods to limit — excess dairy and mucus-forming foods can burden the Lung, especially during seasonal immune shifts
Lifestyle & Daily Practices
Breathwork — deep, conscious breathing directly nourishes Lung Qi and supports processing grief
Journaling & reflection — writing about what you're releasing or letting go of moves Qi and eases the transition
Layering & warmth — protecting the body as temperatures drop supports the Lung's role in immunity
Spending time in nature — crisp autumn air and changing leaves are the Lung's natural environment
Creative expression — writing, music, anything reflective — supports processing endings and change
Laughter — used gently here, to soften grief rather than override it — is a Lung practice
Rest without guilt — the Lung thrives when we allow ourselves to slow down as the season does
What Nourishes the Kidneys in Winter
Acupuncture & Bodywork
Acupuncture points along the Kidney and Bladder meridians help build deep reserves, ease fear, and support restorative rest
Kidney 3 (Taixi) — located near the inner ankle — is one of the most powerful points for building energy reserves and calming fear or anxiety
Bladder 23 (Shenshu) directly supports Kidney energy and is widely used for fatigue, lower back health, and vitality
Bodywork focused on the lower back and legs helps support the Kidney's role as the body's deep energy reserve
Ear Seeds (Auriculotherapy)
The ear contains microsystem points corresponding to the Kidney, Shen Men, and Endocrine System — all relevant to fear, fatigue, and deep restoration
Regular stimulation of these points supports ongoing energy conservation and calm between sessions
Ear seeds are especially powerful when paired with intention — what you focus on while receiving them matters
Movement & Exercise
Gentle, restorative movement is deeply nourishing to Kidney Qi — think slow walks, tai chi, and restorative yoga
Winter is the season for conserving rather than expending energy, so movement should replenish, not deplete
Overexertion in winter is thought to draw directly from the Kidney's deep reserves
Practices that build strength slowly, like tai chi, support long-term vitality without draining reserves
Social Connection & Emotional Expression
The Kidney governs our capacity for deep trust and security — feeling safe with others supports this organ system directly
Quiet, close connection — rather than large or high-energy gatherings — is often more nourishing in winter
Expressing fear or uncertainty, rather than pushing through alone, keeps Qi moving and prevents depletion
Being able to rest and be cared for, without needing to perform strength, is one of the deepest forms of Kidney nourishment
Foods That Support the Kidneys
Black and dark foods — black beans, black sesame, seaweed, mushrooms — correspond to the Kidney in five element theory and support deep reserves
Salty flavors — in moderation — miso, seaweed, mineral-rich broths — the salty taste is associated with the Kidney
Warm, deeply nourishing foods — bone broth, stews, slow-cooked dishes — support the body through winter's cold
Walnuts and chestnuts — classical TCM Kidney tonics used to build energy and support vitality
Root vegetables — grounding and warming, supportive of winter's conservation energy
Foods to limit — excess cold or raw foods, and overconsumption of salt, can strain Kidney function
Lifestyle & Daily Practices
Rest and early sleep — the Kidney governs deep reserves, and winter is the season to sleep longer and rise later
Journaling & reflection — processing fear or uncertainty on paper moves Qi and prevents it from settling into the body
Warmth — keeping the lower back and feet warm directly protects Kidney energy
Stillness — winter is the season to slow down, turn inward, and conserve rather than produce
Creative expression — quiet practices like reading, slow projects, or reflection support the Kidney's introspective nature
Laughter — light and easy here, used to ease fear rather than force high energy — still supports the Kidney's overall balance
Rest without guilt — the Kidney thrives most when we allow true winter rest, without pressure to stay productive
What Nourishes the Liver in Spring
Acupuncture & Bodywork
Acupuncture points along the Liver and Gallbladder meridians help smooth Qi flow, relieve frustration, and support clear decision-making
Liver 3 (Taichong) — located on the top of the foot — is one of the most powerful points for releasing stuck Qi, easing irritability, and calming an overactive mind
Gallbladder 34 (Yanglingquan) supports the tendons and ligaments, and is widely used for tension, stiffness, and stuck emotional energy
Bodywork like Tui Na, cupping, and stretching help move Liver Qi, relieving the tightness and tension that suppressed frustration creates
Ear Seeds (Auriculotherapy)
The ear contains microsystem points corresponding to the Liver, Shen Men, and Nervous System — all relevant to stress, irritability, and emotional release
Regular stimulation of these points supports ongoing Qi movement and stress relief between sessions
Ear seeds are especially powerful when paired with intention — what you focus on while receiving them matters
Movement & Exercise
Vigorous, expansive movement is deeply nourishing to Liver Qi — think brisk walking, running, stretching, and yoga
Morning movement is especially resonant with Spring's rising energy, helping shake off winter's stillness
Stretching directly benefits the Liver, since it governs the tendons and ligaments
Movement that lets you push against resistance — vigorous cardio, dynamic yoga — helps discharge built-up frustration
Social Connection & Emotional Expression
The Liver governs our capacity for vision, planning, and forward motion — having space to voice ideas and frustrations is medicine for this organ system
Honest conversation, boundary-setting, and healthy assertiveness are not extras. In TCM they are therapeutic
Expressing anger or frustration — through movement, speaking up, or creative release — keeps Qi moving and prevents the stagnation that leads to irritability
Being able to say "no" or change direction without guilt is one of the deepest forms of Liver nourishment
Foods That Support the Liver
Green foods — leafy greens, sprouts, herbs — correspond to the Liver in five element theory and support detoxification
Sour flavors — lemon, lime, vinegar, fermented foods — the sour taste is associated with the Liver and helps it contract and cleanse
Fresh, lightly cooked foods — quick sautés, steamed greens — support the Liver's need for freshness and movement in spring
Sprouted foods — sprouts, microgreens — reflect spring's upward, expansive energy
Beets and leafy greens — classical TCM Liver foods used to move Blood and clear stagnation
Foods to limit — excess alcohol, fried and greasy foods, and heavy, rich meals create stagnation and heat in the Liver, contributing to irritability and tension
Lifestyle & Daily Practices
Waking with the sun — the Liver energy rises early in spring, and honoring that rhythm supports smooth Qi flow
Journaling & goal-setting — spring is the season for vision; putting plans on paper moves Qi and channels ambition productively
Stretching & breathwork — releasing physical tension directly supports Liver Qi flow
Spending time outdoors — spring is the season to be in fresh air, among new growth — this is the Liver's natural environment
Creative expression — planning, designing, starting new projects — anything connected to growth and vision nourishes the Liver
Laughter — used to release built-up tension or frustration before it turns into resentment — is a Liver practice
Flexibility without guilt — the Liver thrives when we allow plans to shift and adapt rather than forcing rigid control
What Nourishes the Heart in Summer
Acupuncture & Bodywork
Acupuncture points along the Heart and Pericardium meridians help regulate the Shen, calm anxiety, support restful sleep, and move stagnant Qi
Heart 7 (Shenmen) — located at the wrist crease — is one of the most powerful points for emotional regulation, insomnia, and settling an anxious or scattered mind
Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) supports the heart, calms the nervous system, and is widely used for stress, palpitations, and emotional overwhelm
Bodywork like Tui Na and acupressure help move Qi and Blood, relieving the physical tension that emotional suppression creates
Ear Seeds (Auriculotherapy)
The ear contains microsystem points corresponding to the Heart, Shen Gate, Nervous System, and Liver — all relevant to emotional regulation and stress relief
Regular stimulation of these points supports ongoing nervous system balance between sessions
Ear seeds are especially powerful when paired with intention — what you focus on while receiving them matters
Movement & Exercise
Gentle, rhythmic movement is deeply nourishing to Heart Qi — think walking, dancing, swimming, tai chi, and qigong
Qigong practices specifically designed for the Heart meridian cultivate joy and open the chest
Vigorous exercise moves Liver Qi stagnation, which directly relieves pressure on the Heart
Dancing is especially resonant — it combines movement, music, expression, and often connection, all of which feed Heart energy
Social Connection & Emotional Expression
The Heart governs our capacity for connection — meaningful relationships are literally medicine for this organ system
Gatherings, community, storytelling, and shared laughter are not extras. In TCM they are therapeutic
Expressing emotion — through talking, crying, creating, or laughing — keeps Qi moving and prevents the stagnation that leads to disease
Being witnessed and feeling safe enough to be fully yourself is one of the deepest forms of Heart nourishment
Foods That Support the Heart
Red foods — tomatoes, red berries, cherries, watermelon, beets — correspond to the Heart in five element theory and support the blood
Bitter greens — arugula, dandelion, kale — the bitter flavor is associated with the Heart and helps clear heat and calm the Shen
Whole grains — especially oats and brown rice — support steady energy and calm the nervous system
Healthy fats — walnuts, flaxseed, avocado — nourish the blood and support cardiovascular health
Longan fruit and goji berries — classical TCM Heart tonics used to nourish Blood and calm the Shen
Dark leafy greens — spinach, chard — build and move Blood
Reishi mushroom — deeply calming to the Shen, used in Chinese medicine to support heart health and ease anxiety
Foods to limit — excess sugar, alcohol, very spicy or greasy foods create Heat in the Heart, disturbing the Shen and contributing to restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia
Lifestyle & Daily Practices
Sleep — the Heart governs the Shen, and the Shen needs rest to settle. Poor sleep is both a symptom and a cause of Heart imbalance
Journaling & reflection — processing emotion on paper moves Qi and prevents stagnation
Meditation & breathwork — slowing and deepening the breath directly calms Heart Qi and helps the Shen settle
Spending time in nature — summer is the season to be outside, in the light, in warmth — this is the Heart's natural environment
Creative expression — art, music, writing, cooking — anything that connects you to joy and flow nourishes the Heart
Laughter — intentional, regular, unguarded laughter is a Heart practice. It is not frivolous. It is medicine
Rest without guilt — the Heart thrives when we give ourselves permission to simply be, without productivity attached