The warm, golden days of late Autumn, historically called Indian Summer, mark the Earth element transition period between seasons in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This 18-day period, occurring four times a year (January 18–February 4, April 18–May 5, July 20–August 6, and October 21–November 7), serves as grounding bridge among TCM’s longer 72-day seasons. Earth transitions Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall, and Fall to Winter. Starting October 21, 2025, this cozy season — also known as late-season warm spell or St. Martin’s Summer — invites you to tap into the power of Earth element.
We crafted PHYTO5’s Earth skincare line to balance the skin condition and emotions of the Earth element.
The Earth line:
clarifies skin
detoxifies impuritites
reduces enlarged pores
supports the energy of lymph flow and
balances emotions of overwhelm from over-caretaking and struggling with boundaries, often leading them to feel stuck, unable to accomplish projects and tasks.
While Indian Summer evokes nostalgia, its historical ties to early American settlers’ observations may feel sensitive to some, particularly Native American communities, prompting the use of inclusive alternatives.
The TCM Earth Element: Four Pauses Among the Five Seasons
In the TCM seasons, the Earth element acts as stabilizing pivot, where seasonal energies return to Earth for renewal.
Unlike yang-driven Wood and Fire or yin-focused Metal and Water, the TCM Earth element embodies yin-yang balance. It’s nurturing, warm, and communal.
From October 21, as Fall’s Metal energy fades, the Earth season guides us toward Winter’s deeper yin, resonating with the balmy glow of Indian Summer or a late-season warm spell. This period fosters connection and grounding, but imbalances can lead to stagnation or worry, impacting the TCM Earth element personality and skin health.
Earth Imbalances and Skin Health
The Chinese medicine Earth element governs the spleen, stomach, digestive system, and lymph.
All of these are vital for radiant complexion and strong immunity.
An imbalance of Earth energy within you may manifest as blemishes, acne, psoriasis, enlarged pores, or sluggish lymph circulation. These issues may intensify for the Chinese medicine Earth type during any of the four Earth seasons.
This October 21–November 7 window is ideal for addressing these concerns, as Earth’s energy heightens both challenges and healing opportunities.
PHYTO5’s Earth Element Skincare: Nature’s Finest Blend
PHYTO5’s Earth element skincare line restores harmony for the Chinese medicine Earth type with plant-based, essential oil rich quantum energetic formulations.
We synergistically blend essential oils — lemon, cypress, and eucalyptus — according to TCM principles to clarify and detoxify:
Lemon Essential Oil: An anti-inflammatory and astringent, lemon detoxifies and clarifies skin, and supports the energy of lymph movement.
Cypress Essential Oil: Boosts circulation energy and promotes a clear complexion by addressing the energy of lymph flow.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Soothes and calms, supporting emotional balance for Earth types to release stagnation, gain clarity and reclaim creative flow.
A drop of Earth Phyt’Ether serum, gently inhaled, can help spark creativity and focus, countering emotional stagnation.
This aromatherapeutic blend empowers Chinese medicine Earth types to set healthy boundaries and nurture their spirit.
Emotional Balance and the TCM Earth Element Personality
The TCM Earth element personality is nurturing, empathetic, and communal, radiating warmth when balanced. In balance, Earth types foster connection and offer selfless support to others without losing themselves.
Balanced Earth types boast healthy complexions, soft features, and sturdy frames, embodying grounded earthiness.
The Earth season strengthens these traits and amplifies the traits of unbalanced Earth, making PHYTO5’s Earth line essential for skin and emotional equilibrium.
Why the Earth Season Matters for Your Skincare
Of TCM’s five seasons, the 18-day Earth season, is perhaps the most powerful reset period.
As Fall’s Metal energy lingers, the Earth season introduces warmth and stability, preparing your skin for Winter’s hydration needs.
Even balanced skin benefits from Earth products during the Earth season, enhancing skin’s radiance and wellness.
The Role of the Energy of Lymph Flow
Research highlights lymph circulation’s importance in skin health during the TCM Earth element season.
The lymphatic system clears waste, bolsters immunity and makes skin more radiant.
But poor lymph flow can worsen acne and blemishes, exacerbating the buildp of toxicity.
Enhance Your Experience of the Late-Season Warm Spell with PHYTO5’s Earth Line
From October 21 to November 7, 2025, Earth demonstrates the last throes of Summer’s radiant warmth as a late-season warm spell.
As bridge between Fall’s gentle yin and Winter’s deeper stillness, this period channels the power of Earth element — transformation and grounding.
PHYTO5’s Earth skincare line assists you to find balance at this time by grounding and attuning yourself to Earth as you pause to truly nurture skin and spirit. Subscribe for exclusive beauty tips, offers, and a discount promo code to begin your journey with PHYTO5’s Earth line, embracing the TCM five seasons for radiant skin and balanced, grounded spirit.