In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), The Five Element Theory serves as a major diagnostic and treatment tool. Five Element Theory is based on natural cycles and interrelationships that occur within ourselves and within the environment. There are five environmental elements – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood – each corresponding with specific body organs, such as the heart, gall bladder, stomach, liver, and intestines.

Different seasons of the year are associated with the five different elements: Fire with summer, Earth with late summer, Metal with autumn, Water with winter, and Wood with spring. The element of summer is Fire and connects with the heart, pericardium and the small intestine. The Fire element moderates how we relate to others, and the season is an ideal time to manifest positive relationships.

Chinese food therapy also indicates a seasonal diet. Because summertime is a yang season, yin foods should be incorporated on a daily basis. Because summer is associated with the heart, eating foods beneficial to the heart is important and may aid in preventing illness. Lifestyle and routines should be modified according to the season in order to maintain wellness. Late summer is associated with the Earth element. In Five Element Theory, a fifth season, late summer, is associated with the end of August. With the beginning of September, days become hotter with an increase in humidity that produces heaviness in the air. Individuals may feel a similar heaviness in their bodies during this season. Because dampness is connected to late summer, factors that cause illness may blend with the humidity.

Late summer symptoms of illness or disease may include lethargy, aching joints, and heaviness in the chest. Qi, or vital energy flow, may stagnate or become blocked. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can occur with prolonged outdoor exposure. Symptoms of exhaustion and dehydration can include dizziness, headache, tiredness, and heavy sweating. Individuals should take care to prevent excessive sun exposure.

For information about TCM for wellness during the late summer season call Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500 or visit www.amcollege.edu for complete program information and class descriptions.