In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Earth element represents the pivotal 18-day transitional periods that connect the major seasons: from Spring to Summer, Summer to Autumn, Autumn to Winter, and Winter to Spring. These subtle "Earth seasons," often referred to as the "Doyo," emphasize balance, digestion, and renewal. Centered on the Spleen and Stomach, Earth invites us to cultivate stability through TCM Earth foods and eating practices that harmonize our Qi (vital energy), countering the flux of seasonal change.
When the current Earth transition is underway (Jan. 18 to Feb. 4, April 18 to May 5, July 20 to Aug. 6 and Oct. 21 to Nov. 7), dietary choices become essential for warding off common imbalances of Earth:
dampness
mental fog
sluggish digestion.
Distinct from the partying yang energy surge of peak Summer or the yin energy of slower, quieter eating practices of Fall, the Earth season thrives on grounding foods that are warm, mildly sweet, and digestible.
These down to earth natural foods:
fortify the Spleen's transformative power
boost nutrient uptake and
support emotional equilibrium.
When we eat foods in concert with the Earth season during Earth periods, we’re able to better ease into the next seasonal cycle.
Rooted in foundational TCM principles from the Neijing Suwen¹ and echoed in modern resources from trusted bodies like the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM), this refreshed guide builds on our legacy posts at phyto5.us. We've incorporated 2025's evolving wellness trends, such as ethical sourcing and microbiome-friendly tweaks, while staying true to authentic transitional nutrition.
Discover how to align your meals during Earth periods with Earth's gentle rhythm.
The Essence of Earth Foods in Seasonal Transitions
The Earth element embodies the nurturing core-like rich soil fostering life amid change.
During each of the four 18-day periods of the year, shifting humidity and barometric pressures can tax the digestive system, manifesting as bloating, overthinking, or fatigue.
Embracing Earth foods counters this by:
Bolstering Digestive Fire: The Spleen converts sustenance into vital Qi and Blood; supportive eating prevents damp stagnation.
Fostering Mental Clarity: As the seat of intention, Earth diets quell rumination with steady nourishment.
Facilitating Smooth Shifts: Grounding foods like tubers and cereals stabilize volatile energies, priming the body for what's ahead.
Contemporary TCM scholars at institutions like the Pacific College of Health and Science highlight the role of yellow-hued foods during Earth. These foods support both Spleen and your immunity.
Guiding Principles for Earth-Season Eating
To thrive during Earth, stick to these rules of thumb for the season:
Prioritize Gently Cooked Meals: Steaming or light stir-frying preserves warmth without taxing the Spleen. Limit raw food intake.
Savor Subtle Sweetness: Harness the Earth's flavor by eating foods that epitomize earthiness like squash or dates.
Focus on Golden Hued Produce: Orange and yellow edibles deliver antioxidants.
Maintain Rhythm: Three balanced meals daily sustain without overload.
Sip with Intention: Opt for room-temperature infusions like licorice root tea to dispel internal moisture.
Steer clear of heavy dairy, fried foods, or chilled beverages which provoke disharmony. Center your cuisine on grounding foods.
Curated Earth Foods for 2025 Transitions
Tailor your selections to fresh, local bounty.
Here's a TCM-vetted lineup, refined for sustainability:
| Category | Examples | Benefits in Earth Season |
|---|---|---|
| Roots & Tubers | Sweet potatoes, beets, yams | Quintessential Earth foods for anchoring and Spleen toning. |
| Whole Grains | Quinoa, barley, corn | Neutral warmth aids Qi flow and satiety. |
| Seasonal Squashes | Acorn squash, kabocha | Fiber-rich grounding foods to clear dampness. |
| Legumes | Mung beans, chickpeas (yellow varieties) | Light protein without burdening digestion. |
| Stone Fruits | Nectarines, yellow peaches | Hydrating down to earth natural foods with gentle astringency. |
| Warming Add-Ins | Turmeric, cardamom, goji berries | Kindle middle-warmer energy subtly. |
Bonus! Effortless Recipes for Earth Harmony
These contemporary recipes honor tradition with quick-prep formats, spotlighting grounding foods.
Yield: 2–4; prep time under 30 minutes
Golden Millet Congee: A soothing dawn ritual for centered beginnings.
This Earth foods bowl sustains through transitional haze.
Ingredients:
¾ cup millet, rinsed
3 cups bone broth or oat milk
1 grated carrot
4 dried dates, chopped
½ tsp cardamom pods
Instructions:
Simmer millet in liquid 25 minutes till fluffy.
Fold in carrot, dates, and cardamom; rest off-heat 5 minutes.
Enjoy warm—elevates Spleen Qi per classical congee lore.
Spleen-Nourishing Beet Stir: Midday vitality with root depth
Down to earth natural foods shine here, dispelling fatigue while honoring Earth's fertile vibe.
Ingredients:
2 beets, roasted and sliced
1 cup cooked adzuki beans
½ onion, caramelized
1 tsp turmeric
Drizzle of olive oil
Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Warm oil; sauté onion and turmeric 3 minutes.
Add beets and beans; toss 7 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro; serve over greens if desired.
Centering Herbal Broth: Twilight unwind for thoughtful repose
This infusion, a nod to TCM's middle-burner elixirs, uses grounding foods to hush the mind's chatter.
Ingredients:
2-inch ginger knob, sliced
Handful barley grains
3 yellow apricots, halved
4 cups spring water
Optional: Pinch saffron
Instructions:
Bring all to boil; reduce to simmer 20 minutes.
Strain; sip mindfully.
Weaving Earth Nourishment into Daily Life: Extend the Benefits
Pair all your meals with slow and present breathing.
Sync with PHYTO5's Earth skincare for truly holistic grounding. Earth Phyt’Ether serum is a great starting choice. All products in the 5-element lines are quantum energetic with that potency very much concentrated in the Phyt’Ether serum.
Quantum energetic, the serum’s function is three-fold:
balances skin by clarifying and detoxifying
supports the energy of lymph circulation
balances emotions of overwhelm from over-thinking; leaves you feeling more free to express yourself creatively and to finish unfinished projects.
Each Earth period celebrates enduring wisdom amid the fluxing times and energies of today. In fact, Earth is probably more important now than it ever was.
Honor the Earth season as a sacred interlude. Nurture yourself in alignment with Earth and radiant equilibrium will follow. Nourish yourself during transitional seasons with the ground TCM Earth diet.
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Endnotes:
¹ The Yellow Emporer’s Classic of Internal Medicine, an ancient foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine, compiled around 2,000 years ago, the text explains core principles like balancing yin and yang energies, the five elements, human anatomy, disease prevention, and harmonious living with nature's cycles.
This article draws from AAAOM protocols and Pacific College's seasonal TCM compendia for verified transitional guidance.