In modern terms, digestion and the immune system are deeply connected. If you strengthen your gut health in late summer, you set yourself up for natural immune support as the weather cools.
TCM Late Summer Health: Why Digestion Shapes Immunity
In Five Element Theory:
- Late Summer (Earth) → Stomach & Spleen
- Autumn (Metal) → Lungs & Large Intestine
The stomach and spleen transform food into Qi (energy) and blood, nourishing all organs—especially the lungs. In TCM, weak digestion means the lungs have less “fuel” to defend the body from pathogens.
By focusing on stomach and spleen health in late summer, you give your lungs the resources they need for strong immune function in fall.
The Western View: Why Immunity Begins in the Gut
Modern science agrees: about 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). This immune network detects harmful pathogens, supports healthy bacteria, and helps regulate inflammation.
A healthy gut:
- Maintains a strong intestinal barrier to keep pathogens out
- Promotes a balanced microbiome that supports immune response
- Reduces chronic inflammation, which can weaken defenses
When digestion is compromised—through stress, travel, or poor diet—immune health suffers. This is why late summer is the perfect time to focus on gut health and immunity.
Why Late Summer Challenges Digestion
- Travel and irregular meals disrupt digestive rhythm
- Hot, humid weather can slow appetite and affect nutrient absorption
- Cold drinks and heavy foods can weaken the spleen’s function (TCM)
These factors can lead to sluggish digestion, bloating, fatigue, and lowered immune resilience heading into fall.
How to Support Digestion and Boost Immunity Naturally
- Eat warm, cooked foods—soups, stir-fries, and lightly steamed vegetables.
- Include yellow and orange foods like sweet potatoes, squash, corn, and millet to strengthen the spleen.
- Avoid excess sugar, dairy, and iced drinks, which can impair digestion and encourage mucus formation.
- Sip herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, or peppermint after meals to aid digestion.
- Practice mindful eating—chew thoroughly, eat without distractions, and slow down.
- Use acupressure on Stomach 36 (below the knee) to enhance digestive and immune function.
Acupuncture for Seasonal Wellness
Seasonal acupuncture is an effective way to maintain balance between digestion and immunity. In late summer, treatments focus on strengthening the stomach and spleen while priming the lungs for autumn. Many patients schedule a Late Summer Digestive Tune-Up to help transition into the cooler months with optimal health.
Your Next Step for Seasonal Health
Don’t wait until cold and flu season to think about immunity—start now by supporting your digestion.
Call 650-564-9002 or Book Online to schedule your late summer acupuncture session and get personalized dietary and herbal recommendations.
