We are in the third seasonal node of summer called “Grain in Ear” 芒种, which signifies the ripening of crops such as barley and wheat. We get a little busier with tasks outside. We are also in that transitional space between Spring and Summer where seeds are becoming, but not quite in full bloom. During these seasonal transitions, also known as Doyo periods, your body, mind and spirit are a little more exposed or “open” to the elements. We can help ourselves gracefully move from one season to the next by monitoring the state of our Earth element, specifically digestion.

As the yang rises, we can pay closer attention to the rising yang within our own bodies. When it rises too much, gets stuck or doesn’t have enough force, it can create challenges. In this seasonal transition from Spring to Summer, an imbalance can lead to the accumulation of dampness. One way to tend the rising yang energy gradually is to tend to the Earth element; our digestion. 

In Chinese Medicine 5 Element theory, the Earth element can be seen as an anchor, the center and transition between each season. We can help ease into the changing seasons by paying close attention to how our digestion is doing. During the DOYO periods; between seasons, you can evaluate your digestive vigor and make small adjustments to make sure you're eating consistently, and that your food is actually digesting and being assimilated. If there are some challenges, you can anchor into more simplification for a week or more before the Solstice. Try a digestive reset with congee or kitchari for a few days. Monitor your circadian rhythm and sleep and wake times. Massage your abdomen daily.

“The spleen, that is the soil. It governs the center. Throughout the four seasons it tends the four depots.

In each [season] it is entrusted with the government for eighteen days.” 

- Classical Chinese Medicine text Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen.

How to Maintain Harmony during the DOYO 

1. It’s important to stay away from too much of anything; use moderation! Be sure to specifically moderate sweets, dairy, and fried foods during this time as these foods accumulate dampness and are difficult to digest during times of transition.

2. Eating meals at regular times with minimal distraction will help to harmonize the Earth element and support feeling calm, secure, grounded, and nourished.

3. Incorporate fresh ginger steeped in warm water to start the day and support the Earth element organs.  

4. Eat foods that improve digestive function and help transform dampness. These include foods such as Chinese yam, ginger, millet, red rice, peanuts, adzuki beans, barley, lotus root, mushrooms, asparagus, and perilla leaves.  Cooking your foods during the DOYO periods can help digestion and delivers the added benefit of fortifying your Earth organ systems.

5. Pay close attention to your emotions during seasonal transitions. You are a little more “open” and vulnerable during these times. Acknowledging the emotions and allowing them to flow and metabolize are important during these transitional times. Resisting your emotions only allows them to persist. Ask what these emotions are trying to show you, as Lao Tzu explained, “anxiety is living in the future, depression is living in the past and peace is living in the present moment.” Journaling can help clarify the medicine these emotions are providing.

6. Journaling in the morning can set the tone for the day, and provide some mental clarity and focus.  

7. What does your body need? Does it need movement and exercise or sitting still in some quietness? Balancing exercises can help to strengthen the Earth element and ground your mind. Tai Chi and Qigong often guide you through balancing yin and yang within your body. Or, sitting quietly may be helpful to check in and steady the rising yang of this season from spring to summer. 

Reflective Prompts for the Spring to Summer Transition

• What seeds have I nurtured and are ready to flourish in the upcoming summer season?

• What is ripening within you? Is there anything I crave to be expressed?

• How does this rising yang feel in my body? Do I need to slow things down or encourage it up the hill?

Recommended Traditional Chinese Medicine Tonics for the Doyo Period:

Dampness Reducing:

Dampness can be an obstructive force in our bodies, similar to metabolic waste, which can make you feel heavy or find it difficult to lose weight. Look to strengthen spleen Qi, transform dampness, and remove turbid materials from within.

Calming:

Try Shen (spirit) calming herbs to help produce a soothing effect and engender calming effects on the body. Calm helps nourish our hearts, reduces episodes of mood swings, and helps us lay down to sleep more peacefully, with consistent use.