The long days of summer are beginning to soften. The intense, active energy of high summer is slowing down, and we find ourselves in a beautiful pause before autumn’s arrival. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Earth Element period happens during Late Summer, which is considered a “fifth season” between Summer and Autumn.
Timing in the year: roughly last 4–6 weeks of summer
The Earth Element and Its Meaning
Late Summer is governed by the Earth Element, the anchor of nourishment, stability, and grounding. In the Five Elements cycle, Earth is the bridge between summer’s dynamic Fire energy and autumn’s introspective Metal energy.
Earth is about more than soil and harvest. It is about feeling centred, supported, and balanced. When Earth energy is in harmony, we feel grounded, confident, and at ease with change. Out of balance, Earth can manifest as worry, overthinking, or a reluctance to step out of our comfort zone.
The Emotional Landscape of Late Summer
In Chinese Medicine, every element is linked to specific emotions. For the Earth Element, the emotion is worry, particularly the looping thoughts that keep us stuck.
Late Summer invites us to release overthinking, let go of perfectionism, and reconnect to a more trusting, relaxed mindset.
This is a perfect time to:
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Slow down your pace.
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Nourish yourself with seasonal foods.
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Ground your energy through mindfulness or nature walks.
Skincare in Late Summer
Just as our emotions and energy shift in Late Summer, so does our skin. An imbalance in the Earth Element can show up as:
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Dull, devitalised complexion
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Spots beneath the skin’s surface
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Puffiness or water retention
At Ashmira Botanica, our Five Element Skincare approach adapts to the seasons, balancing both the skin and the underlying energy.
Our recommendation for Earth Element skincare balance:
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Elemental Elixir Earth – Add one drop into your Restore & Illuminate Rice Renewal Cream morning and night for a holistic skincare ritual that nurtures and rebalances your complexion.
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For emotional grounding, mix one drop of Elemental Elixir Earth with a carrier oil, apply to your wrists, and inhale deeply during moments of stress or before meditation.
The Power of Acupressure for the Earth Element
In Chinese Medicine, stimulating certain acupuncture points can strengthen Earth energy. Try gentle acupressure on:
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ST36 (Stomach 36) – On the lower leg, boosts vitality and supports digestion.
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SP6 (Spleen 6) – On the inner leg above the ankle, harmonises the spleen and calms the mind.
Pairing these points with the inhalation of the Earth Elemental Elixir can deepen the grounding and balancing effect.
A Season to Pause and Prepare
Late Summer is a gentle reminder that life moves in cycles. Just as the plants direct their energy inward to ripen fruit, we too can conserve energy, nourish ourselves, and prepare for the quieter months ahead.
By aligning your self-care rituals, inside and out, with the rhythms of the Earth Element, you not only support your skin but also your emotional and energetic wellbeing.
