The Fifth season: Long Summer and the Transition to Fall
Late September in Minnesota can feel confusing. The days are still hot and humid, but the mornings and evenings cool quickly, and suddenly the farmers’ markets are filled with squash instead of strawberries. If you are feeling sluggish, craving different foods, or struggling with shifting routines, this transition is real. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) even has a name for it: the Fifth Season, also called Long Summer.
Prepping for change
At Stockheart, we pay attention to this time because it shapes how our bodies prepare for autumn and the long winter that follows. Healing is not about perfection. It is about noticing rhythms, adjusting gently, and finding steadiness through change.
🧠 Why This Issue Matters for Root-Cause Healing
In TCM, Long Summer is linked to the Earth element and the Stomach and Spleen system. This is the foundation of digestion, nourishment, and immune strength. When Earth is balanced, we feel grounded, centered, and well-fed on all levels. When it is not, we may notice bloating, fatigue, worry, or brain fog.
For those living with migraines, autoimmune conditions, or nervous system sensitivity, these seasonal shifts can feel especially disruptive. Energy dips, food sensitivities flare, and changes in daylight affect mood and immunity. Supporting your body now is an act of root-cause healing that prepares you for the months ahead.
🧩 Why does this seasonal change throw us off balance?
In the modern world, we have become detached from nature. We forget that our environment, including seasonal changes, create internal changes in our bodies. Our needs are different, from the amount of sleep we need to what we need to eat and drink. Here are a few examples of how this happens:
Fast pace of life: Modern schedules rarely adjust to the slower rhythm our bodies crave.
Dietary habits: Cold drinks, ice cream, and raw salads are common in summer, but they can weaken digestion in TCM.
Minnesota weather swings: One day can be hot and sticky, the next damp and chilly. This challenges immunity and mood.
Disconnection from nature: Without seasonal awareness, many people miss their body’s signals until symptoms grow stronger.
🌿 Gentle, Everyday Support Strategies
Here are simple ways to honor the transition from Long Summer into Fall:
Warm your plate: Begin shifting from raw salads to gently cooked, roasted, or steamed vegetables. Add warming spices like ginger.
Support digestion: Herbal teas such as ginger, cinnamon, or chamomile can comfort the stomach. Probiotics or digestive enzymes may help too.
Ground your movement: Choose centering practices like yoga, tai chi, or mindful walks rather than high-intensity workouts.
Protect your energy: Prioritize consistent rest as days shorten. Even a short afternoon pause with your feet on the ground can help regulate your nervous system.
Prepare with supplements: Vitamin D, adaptogens, and immune-supportive herbs can provide resilience before winter. Guidance from a provider ensures these are tailored to your needs.
🤝 How We Support This in the Clinic
Transitions are easier with support. At Stockheart, we help people navigate seasonal change through:
Acupuncture for digestion, immunity, and nervous system regulation
Functional medicine to identify nutritional gaps and recommend targeted support
Gentle chiropractic and bodywork to ease tension and keep the body adaptable
Trauma-informed care to guide lifestyle shifts without pressure or overwhelm
If these ideas sound helpful but feel difficult to put into practice, don’t worry. Our team is here to walk with you and create care that fits your life.
📍 Local Connection
Minnesota seasons are powerful. The crisp air of September reminds us that long, dark winters are near. Preparing now by nourishing digestion, boosting immunity, and setting restorative rhythms makes the colder months less draining. Just as we winterize our homes, we can winterize our bodies with care and intention.
📚 Suggested Reading (Internal Links)
You might also like:
[Understanding Nervous System Regulation Through a Trauma-Informed Lens]
[Holistic Strategies for Managing Seasonal Fatigue in Minnesota]
[How Gentle Movement Supports Chronic Pain and Migraine Recovery]
💬 We’re Here to Help.
You deserve care that honors your body’s rhythms and the seasons you live through. Whether you are managing chronic fatigue, supporting your immune system, or simply looking for steadier energy, our team in Minneapolis is here to help.
👉 Book a discovery session today and let’s move into fall with balance and strength.
Our $19 Discovery Session is designed for people with complex cases like yours. We’ll listen to your full story and help you understand how our trauma-informed approach could support your healing.
"Dr. Thompson helped me make sense of how I was feeling and saved me a ton of time running around to different providers. I feel so lucky to have found him!" – Paul, Minneapolis
Have some more questions? Come see us in our cozy clinic soon. We look forward to learning more about you and what you’re looking for.
