Late summer is considered a separate season in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It corresponds approximately to the last month of the summer.

Late summer is a time of transition between the hot summer and the cooler months ahead.

According to the Five-element Theory in Chinese medicine, there are five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element is associated with a season, body organ, color, emotion, taste, and stage in life.

Because dampness is a common denominator of late summer, getting rid of dampness is essential during this season. Dampness damages the Spleen and can make us feel fatigued, bloated, with low appetite, loose stools, and brain fog.

Sp-9 (Spleen-9) is the perfect acupuncture point because it helps resolve dampness. It is located in the depression inferior and posterior to the medial condyle of the tibia.

The easiest way to find it is by placing your finger in your inner ankle and following the bone up (posterior border of the tibia) until you reach the inferior edge of the knee. It is usually very tender there.

Massage this point in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. You can do it as often as you want, but doing it at least once a day will be helpful.

Nurturing the Earth element during this season will allow for an easier Fall season, and your immune system will be ready and strong to fight the flu and colds in the coming months.

Living according to the seasons can make us stronger and healthier.