The Healing Power of Gemstones in Late Summer: A TCM Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Late Summer season — the transitional time between the height of summer and the arrival of autumn — is associated with the Earth Element. This is a time of grounding, nourishment, and integration. Just as the harvest gathers the fruits of the season, our bodies and minds seek stability, balance, and a sense of center.

In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are the Earth Element organs, governing digestion — not only of food, but also of thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. The Earth Element is also tied to empathy, stability, and the ability to nurture ourselves and others. When in balance, we feel centered, generous, and supported. When out of balance, we might experience worry, overthinking, fatigue, digestive discomfort, or a feeling of being “ungrounded.”

Gemstones, like foods and herbs, carry energetic properties that can help bring us back into balance. From a TCM perspective, stones can be selected to harmonize with seasonal energy, strengthen Earth Element organs, and restore the body’s natural flow of Qi.

Gemstones for Late Summer in TCM

During Late Summer, we look to stones that support digestion, encourage grounding, and stabilize emotions while gently uplifting the spirit. Here are a few powerful allies for this season:

Citrine – The Stone of Abundance & Digestive Harmony

Citrine’s warm, golden tones resonate with the Earth Element’s color: yellow. In TCM, this stone is believed to support Spleen and Stomach Qi, helping to transform and transport nutrients through the body. Citrine encourages optimism, clarity, and a lighthearted approach to life — the perfect antidote to worry and overthinking.

Yellow Jasper – The Grounding Protector

Yellow Jasper is deeply stabilizing and grounding, making it an ideal stone for centering the mind and body during seasonal transitions. In TCM terms, it helps strengthen Spleen Qi, which supports physical energy, digestive health, and mental focus.

Carnelian – The Qi Activator

With its rich, earthy-orange hue, Carnelian warms and invigorates the body. In TCM, it can be thought of as a mover of Qi, helping to clear stagnation, boost vitality, and encourage motivation. Its warmth is especially helpful if Earth energy feels sluggish or heavy.

Tiger’s Eye – The Balancer

Tiger’s Eye blends grounding Earth energy with the movement of Fire, making it an excellent stone for late summer when we’re balancing the heat of the season with the need for stability. It can help strengthen confidence, willpower, and clarity of thought, all while protecting the body’s core energy.

Moonstone – The Harmonizer

Moonstone’s gentle, nourishing energy complements the Spleen and Stomach’s role in nurturing the body. It encourages emotional balance and helps regulate the body’s rhythms, making it a supportive stone for stress-related digestive issues or emotional eating patterns.

How to Work with Gemstones This Season

• Wear them as jewelry close to the Spleen/Stomach area (such as pendants or bracelets).

• Meditate with them to invite grounding energy and mental clarity.

• Place them in your home in spaces where you eat, cook, or gather to promote harmony and nourishment.

  
  

In TCM, the goal is always to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. By working with gemstones that resonate with the Earth Element, you support not only your physical digestion but also your ability to “digest” life’s experiences. This late summer, let your gemstones be reminders to ground, center, and nourish yourself — body, mind, and spirit.