Late Summer in Victoria: What It Means for Your Body

Most Chinese medicine guides talk about Late Summer as a Damp season. That works in humid regions like parts of Asia where the air is thick, sticky, and heavy. But here in Victoria, the story is different.

Our Late Summer is hot, dry, and often windy. We don’t get the same heavy humidity, so the “Damp accumulation” you read about in classic texts doesn’t quite resonate here. Instead, what we feel is heat combined with dryness and that affects our bodies in very real ways.

How Dry Heat Affects Us

Even without high humidity, Victoria’s dry Late Summer can:

• Deplete stomach and body fluids – You may feel thirsty, a little dizzy, or have a dry mouth

• Slow digestion – Appetite may be lighter, stools a little harder, and bloating or fullness can appear in different ways than in humid climates

• Increase fatigue and irritability – Heat stresses the body, which can make the mind feel restless or “scattered”

• Dry skin, lips, and eyes – Subtle signs that fluids are being used up faster than they’re replenished

  
  

In Chinese medicine terms, this is Yin (fluids) depletion, particularly in the Stomach and Spleen, the organs responsible for digesting food and generating nourishment for the rest of the body.

Supporting Your Stomach Fluids

Here are simple, practical ways to support digestion and maintain fluids during dry Late Summer:

1. Warm, cooked meals – Avoid over-relying on raw salads or cold drinks, which can “tax” the Stomach. Think soups, stews, porridge, lightly steamed vegetables.

2. Hydrate thoughtfully – Drink water throughout the day, but also include herbal teas that nourish fluids, like chrysanthemum, mint, or mild Licorice-root infusions and electrolytes like coconut water and Sodii.

3. Eat at regular times – Late Summer is a time to strengthen your digestive rhythm. Try to eat in consistent intervals to support Spleen function.

4. Moderate sugar and alcohol – These can further deplete fluids and weaken digestion, especially in hot weather.

5. Gentle grounding practices – Short walks in the cooler parts of the day, mindful breathing, or gentle yoga help the body stay centered while digesting efficiently.

6. Herbal support if needed – Formulas that nourish Yin and support the Stomach can be helpful if you notice ongoing dryness, fatigue, or digestive sluggishness. A consultation with a licensed practitioner can determine the best approach.

   
   

Why This Matters

Even though Victoria isn’t humid, Late Summer is still a pivot season. How we support digestion now affects our energy, immunity, and overall wellbeing as we transition into Autumn’s cooler, drier days.

By focusing on protecting stomach fluids, eating mindfully, and nourishing the middle, you help your body stay balanced, energised, and resilient, all season long.