Late Summer & the Yi of the Spleen

Late Summer is a separate season in TCM theory. It is situated between Summer and Autumn and said to begin around the mid-point of August until the leaves begin to fall. It is a time of harvest and reaping what has been sown in the first half of the year. This phase belongs to the Earth element. A neutral energy, supportive, secure and stabilising- just as the Earth and the ground beneath us is to it’s inhabitants.

One of the most intriguing theories ( in my opinion) in TCM is that of The Five Spirits or The Five Shen. They each represent different elements of human consciousness and particularly relate to mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The high vibrational side of Shiatsu treatment is often experienced when working with these energies in treatment.

The spirits and where they are housed in the body are as follows-

The Shen of the Heart, The Po of the Lungs, The Hun of the Liver, The Yi of The Spleen and The Zhi of the Kidneys.

The health and harmony of each is integral to our overall well-being and how well the other spirits function too. In Late Summer, being a time of the Earth phase, an unsettled Yi may present itself more to us. The Yi is the thought or the intellect and conditions such as mental fatigue, brain fog, OCD, ADHD, and ADD have some relation to the workings of the Yi. There will usually be other spirits involved for example, OCD also suggest an imbalance of the Hun. ADHD is also linked to the Shen or the Hun, each situation as unique as the individual and one unsettled spirit affecting the other. Essentially where the issue is mental cognition with particular relation to the thoughts; focusing the mind and retaining information and the intellectual process, we look to the Yi. Rumination, worry and over-thinking are indicative of the Yi being unsettled- the external information is not being digested and transformed with ease.

Advice for a healthy Yi include good habits around eating and sleeping. There is strong link in TCM with the Yi and the attachments and stability we experienced in early life. Treating ourselves as we would a small child with regular, healthy routines around nurture and nourishment are fundamentally important to a sense of grounding the Yi. Equally in consideration of what we are ‘taking in’ on an intellectual level, just as we would with a young person in our care. An interesting concept is the link between the churning function of The Stomach, the Yang partner of the Spleen, also belonging to the Earth element and the churning of information in the mind. For this reason, it is advised to begin the digestive process well in the mouth, breaking down the food fully and mindfully to allow the Stomach to digest with more ease and subsequently affecting the digestive energetics of the mind.

Some food for thought for the Late Summer season. Wishing you a healthy and happy one, secure and at ease in your Earth element







Six Ways To Nurture Your Heart Energy.

+ Why it’s important to do so.


We all know that the heart has an important physiological function in the body but what does TCM say about it’s energetic functions? How can we honour them and ensure health on all levels of being?

Shiatsu treatment of an Acupressure point which regulates the Heart energy/ Chi/ Ki. Image by @chieramcphotography

  1. Move regularly and mindfully.

Simply walking every day, ideally in nature, will offer many benefits to the Heart, physically, mentally and emotionally. Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi offer exercise with an added element of cultivating presence and energetic connection.

Establishing a regular practice has many health benefits. According to TCM, 'The Shen', roughly translated as 'consciousness', resides in the Heart. When the Heart Blood is sufficient and abundant, The Shen can be rooted and calm. The body, mind and spirit is at peace, present in the moment and with the ability to connect well to the self and others.


2. Practice good sleep hygiene.

It can be tempting to stay up later in the lighter and brighter months, but it is important to remember, not to 'burn the candle at both ends'.

To maintain balanced Heart Fire, it is important to nourish the Yin, with rest and a regular sleeping pattern. Removing distractions and creating a relaxing space to unwind in, will help the body/ mind to fall asleep.

Using appropriate acupressure points and/or diffusing/ spraying a small amount of essential oil in the bedroom may be useful for those who find it hard to fall asleep. Be careful to select an appropriate oil and use the recommended amount for enhancing sleep.


3. Eat more red coloured foods.

According to TCM, red coloured foods bring Fire energy to the body, replenishing and supporting the Heart:

Strawberries, kidney beans, beetroot, red meat, tomatoes, red apples, cranberries, radishes, red cherries are all ideal- to name some popular Hearty foods.

Make time for cooking to be enjoyable, where possible. The energy we put into the process of selecting and preparing meals, affects how we receive it.


4. Soothe your heart.

The longer, brighter days can be busy and overwhelming. It is natural to feel stressed, but stress can become burnout when we do not take time to unwind.

When we do not complete the stress cycle, a natural and healthy process, we can stay in the fight/ flight/ freeze/ fawn response. This can occur when our bodies do not recognise that a threat/ perceived threat has passed. One way to integrate that a stressful situation is over, is to take a moment to breathe deeply and meaningfully. Repeating words of affirmation such as 'I am safe' or 'I am OK.' The Heart is always listening.


5. Listen to your heart.

With our Hearts, we connect, communicate and express emotions. Healthy and safe connection with others, allows warmth and joy to circulate from one Heart to another. In relationships like this we can be our most vulnerable selves. Expressing our true nature and feelings.

The Heart recognises when a connection is not entirely 'safe' before the mind does. Feelings of anxiety may arise, along with the need to 'shrink' or 'hide' aspects of ourselves. We may fall into behavioural patterns, such as defensiveness, avoiding or people-pleasing to feel safe.

Listening to the Heart, means recognising symptoms from the body- mind. Then making changes to our environment and relationships which do not offer authentic, heartfelt connection.

6. Receive Shiatsu- of course.

The Heart is known as 'the ruler of the Five Organ networks'. In other words, if the Heart energy is healthy, then the other Organs are healthy too. Likewise, if the Organs are healthy, then they will protect and support the Heart.

Shiatsu treatment balances the Heart energy, encouraging a smooth and healthy flow throughout the Organs. Regulating the nervous system and enhancing blood and lymph circulation. Treatments are known to calm the mind, body and emotions. Creating a peaceful inner environment for ‘The Shen’ or ‘consciousness’ to reside.

Enhancing the body- mind connection helps the Heart to integrate and process emotions, past and present. Allowing space for happiness and presence in the here and now.

So there we have it. Some ways that you can nurture and protect your Heart energy for better health and wellbeing.

Take good care of yourself,

Natalie