What should you eat this season according to Chinese medicine?

Each season brings its own rhythm, not only in nature but within our bodies too. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the food we eat is closely linked to the cycles of the year. As the weather shifts, so too should our meals, not only to nourish the body, but to stay in tune with nature’s changing energy.

At her clinic in Lincolnshire, Alison Seymour offers lifestyle consultations grounded in Chinese medicine, helping people reconnect with natural rhythms through seasonal eating, digestion support, and personalised guidance. It’s not about dieting or restriction, it’s about balance, nourishment, and understanding what your body truly needs.

The seasons and your body’s energy

In TCM, each season is associated with an element, an organ system, and specific energetic qualities:

Spring – wood element, linked to the Liver and Gallbladder; a time for light, fresh foods that support movement and detoxification

Summer – fire element, connected to the Heart and Small Intestine; enjoy cooling, hydrating foods and avoid excess heat

Late summer – earth element, focused on the Spleen and Stomach; grounding foods support digestion and stability

Autumn – metal element, related to the Lungs and Large Intestine; warming, pungent foods strengthen immunity and clear the airways

Winter – water element, connected to the Kidneys and Bladder; nourish deeply with warming, mineral-rich foods and longer cooking times

Eating in alignment with the seasons supports your digestion, energy levels, and emotional balance. It also strengthens your immune system and helps prevent seasonal illnesses.

“Seasonal eating isn’t a trend – it’s ancient wisdom that connects you to the rhythm of nature and your own body.”

Alison Seymour, lifestyle consultant and acupuncturist, Lincolnshire

Simple tips for seasonal eating

Alison often encourages her clients to make small, mindful changes with each new season. Here are a few examples:

Spring: Add bitter greens like rocket, dandelion, or watercress to help cleanse the Liver. Lightly steam or stir-fry foods to aid digestion.

Summer: Focus on hydration with fresh fruits, cucumber, and lightly cooked vegetables. Avoid excessive barbecued or spicy foods, which can overheat the system.

Late summer: Use naturally sweet vegetables like squash and carrots. Soups and stews with grains like millet and rice help nourish the spleen.

Autumn: Add onions, garlic, and warming spices like ginger. Roasting and baking help protect against seasonal damp and wind.

Winter: Use slow-cooked meals like stews and broths. Include Kidney-supporting foods like black beans, seaweed, walnuts, and root vegetables.

Avoid cold, raw foods in the colder months, and try not to eat too late in the evening – digestion slows down as the day draws to a close.

More than what, it’s how you eat too

Chinese medicine places just as much importance on how you eat as it does on what you eat. Eating while distracted, on the go, or under stress can impair digestion. Alison recommends slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and sitting comfortably at a table whenever possible.

The Stomach is seen as a warm cauldron that likes gentle, regular meals. Overeating, skipping meals, or constant snacking can disturb its rhythm. By eating in tune with the seasons and respecting the body’s need for consistency, we create a foundation for better health.

Support for seasonal well-being in Lincolnshire

At Eight Branches in Lincolnshire, Alison Seymour offers guidance on seasonal eating, digestion, and energy through lifestyle consultations, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Whether you’re feeling sluggish, run-down, or simply out of sync, she helps bring the body back into balance – gently, naturally, and in harmony with the seasons.

Book a consultation or get in touch to find out how seasonal eating could support your health and energy year-round.