Summer 'Doyo' in Traditional Chinese Medicine: How to Support Digestion and Emotional Balance During Seasonal Transitions

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the change between seasons is marked not by a sudden shift, but by a gentle threshold called doyo.

Occurring four times a year, doyo begins the day before a new season and lasts about eighteen days. This transitional time invites us to slow down, nourish our body, and prepare for the energetic changes ahead.

Rooted in the Earth element, doyo is intimately tied to digestion—both the physical act of nourishing ourselves and the emotional “digestion” of recent experiences. Supporting the spleen and stomach qi during this time ensures a smoother shift into the next season.

What Is Summer Doyo in TCM?

The late Summer doyo season bridges the high, expansive Yang energy of mid-Summer with the cooling, introspective Yin of autumn. This period is governed by Earth energy, which brings stability, grounding, and nourishment.

From a TCM perspective, seasonal qi dips into the Earth for resources during doyo. The spleen and stomach—Earth’s primary organs—are most vulnerable now, making it the perfect time to focus on digestive health and qi balance.

9 TCM Tips for Summer Doyo Self-Care

1. Make mealtime sacred — Be mindful and present while preparing and eating.

2. Eat on a schedule — Regular intervals stabilize digestive rhythms.

3. Prioritize seasonal root vegetables — Support Earth element nourishment.

4. Choose warm, simple meals — Soups, porridges, and stews are spleen-friendly.

5. Avoid refined sugar and heavy foods — Reduce spleen strain and dampness.

6. Incorporate slow carbohydrates — Whole grains nourish qi and provide gentle sweetness.

7. Practice Earth Element Qigong — Strengthen spleen and stomach qi through movement.

8. Massage your abdomen — Stimulate warmth and digestive vitality.

9. Book seasonal acupuncture — Support digestion, balance qi, and prepare for autumn.

   
   

Best Foods for Late Summer Digestion Support

During the Summer doyo, TCM emphasizes warm, cooked meals that strengthen spleen qi and transform dampness. These foods help prevent bloating, indigestion, and fatigue.

TCM-friendly late Summer foods include:

• Root vegetables — carrots, sweet potatoes, beets for grounding Earth energy.

• Whole grains — millet, barley, oats, or ancestral grains to build qi and blood.

• Aromatic spices — ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper to warm digestion.

Avoid: Cold salads, iced drinks, excessive sugar, and heavy fried foods, as these can weaken spleen qi and create dampness.

Mindful Eating for Spleen Qi Health

In TCM, how we eat is as important as what we eat. Support digestion during the doyo transition by:

• Eating in a calm environment free from distractions.

• Chewing thoroughly to aid nutrient absorption.

• Eating at regular intervals to maintain energy flow.

  
  

Emotional Digestion in TCM

The spleen and stomach are sensitive to worry, overthinking, and unprocessed emotions. Late Summer invites reflection: How are you digesting your life experiences? By acknowledging and processing emotions, we prevent qi stagnation and dampness from developing.

By honoring the Summer doyo with TCM digestion practices, Earth element foods, and emotional balance, we can move into autumn nourished and grounded.

Download our Free 7-Day Guided Reset—a gentle week of rituals and reflections designed to help you realign with your rhythms, naturally. Or schedule a personalized acupuncture session at our Boulder clinic.

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