Why Seasonal Transitions are the Best Time to Reset Stomach Health

With the end of August upon us, the hot summer season has officially ended. September 7th marks the beginning of bái lù (白露), or the seasonal transition from hot weather to cooler weather. This phase of the year includes fall harvest and often brings seasonal rains. Most Asian cultures traditionally celebrate this bountiful time on the full moon (September 18th) with the Moon Festival, right before Fall Equinox (September 22nd).

According to Five Element theory, the transitional phases between seasons is an ideal time to nurture your Stomach and Spleen health, or the Earth element of your body. Taking extra care of your body's major digestive organs at this time sets a strong foundation for staying well for the rest of the season. We can best revitalize the Stomach and Spleen by giving it a well-deserved break during these transitions, using lifestyle changes, nutrition, and emotional awareness.

Your Stomach "digests" everything - thoughts, food, experiences, information. A simple way to give it a rest is to cut back on internet use, emails, and overthinking at this time. Try not to "bite off more than you can chew" or have "eyes that are bigger than your plate," both literally and figuratively. The energy saved by doing so can fix any wear and tear accumulated throughout the season. Eating naturally sweet foods (sweetness strengthens digestive function), whole grains, root veggies, and Chinese barley can also gently support your Stomach and Spleen.

If you are craving bread, pasta, rice, grains, or even sweets at this time, listen to your body's wisdom -- it is telling you your Stomach needs support. Try to let go of preconceived notions that sugar or carbs are bad. If you have such thoughts, your body will actually respond to that narrative and react to those foods with undesired symptoms, even weight gain. You are what you eat, but you are mostly what you think. Tell yourself a different story and see if it changes your response to certain foods over time. Your body will thank you for it and, over time, the more you truly believe that all food serves a good purpose, the more your body's metabolism and immune system will respond in a favorable way, no matter what you eat.