How to Release Stagnation Before Autumn Arrives

Seasonal change is a time of movement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the shift from late summer to autumn is especially important because it marks the transition from Earth element to Metal element. Earth energy is heavy and stabilizing, while Metal energy is about clarity, letting go, and drawing inward. To cross this bridge smoothly, we must release stagnation — the heaviness and stuckness that builds up in both body and mind during late summer.

Stagnation in TCM refers to blocked Qi or fluids that do not circulate properly. This can show up as digestive sluggishness, tight muscles, irritability, or a foggy mind. By moving Qi gently and consistently before autumn sets in, we clear space for new rhythms and invite the clarity that Metal season brings.

Why Late Summer Is Prone to Stagnation

Late summer belongs to the Earth element, which governs the Spleen and Stomach. These organs manage transformation and transportation of food and fluids. When dampness builds, the body feels heavy and digestion slows. Combined with lingering heat from summer, this can create stagnation that weighs down both the body and spirit. Without clearing it, autumn may feel harder to enter, leaving you more vulnerable to fatigue or seasonal illness.

Signs of Stagnation

• Digestive heaviness, bloating, or sluggish appetite
• Tightness in the neck, shoulders, or chest
• Mood swings or irritability
• Mental fog or lack of clarity
• Low motivation or feeling “stuck” emotionally

TCM Practices to Release Stagnation

1) Move Qi with Gentle Exercise

Walking, tai chi, and qigong are ideal for circulating Qi without draining energy. Even 15 minutes of mindful movement outdoors each day helps clear stagnation and harmonize body rhythms with the season’s shift.

2) Use Food as Medicine

Incorporate foods that dry dampness and move Qi, such as ginger, garlic, barley, adzuki beans, and leafy greens. Warm soups and teas are preferable to cold foods. Avoid excessive sugar or greasy meals that add to stagnation.

3) Support Emotional Flow

Stagnation is not only physical. Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or practicing breathwork can transform emotional heaviness into clarity. Emotional stagnation often manifests in the Liver, so practices that encourage expression are especially helpful.

4) Self-Massage and Acupressure

Rubbing along the ribcage, pressing the point Liver 3 (on the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe), or rolling the shoulders can help Qi circulate. These techniques ease both physical and emotional tension.

Affiliate Pick: A Simple Tool for Releasing Stagnation

One of my favorite tools for easing stagnation is a Foam Roller for Muscle Release and Circulation. To unwind, I like to roll my back, legs, and shoulders in the evening after a long day. The gentle pressure not only loosens tight muscles but also promotes circulation of Qi and blood, which is exactly what TCM recommends to clear stagnation. Using the foam roller has become my favorite way to combine physical care with energetic release. Even a few minutes makes me feel lighter, more flexible, and mentally clearer. It’s a practical, modern ally that aligns beautifully with TCM principles of keeping Qi moving and balanced.

Other Supportive Rituals

• Warm baths with ginger: Encourage circulation and ease damp heaviness.
• Decluttering: Clearing small spaces at home mirrors the process of clearing Qi internally.
• Breathwork: Exhaling slowly and fully supports the transition into the Lung’s autumn energy.
• Consistent routine: A steady sleep and meal rhythm helps the Spleen stay strong during change.

Closing Thoughts

Stagnation builds easily in late summer, but with small, intentional practices, it can be released before autumn arrives. Gentle movement, supportive foods, emotional expression, and tools like foam rolling all clear space for the clarity of Metal season. By tending to these rituals now, you set yourself up for a smoother seasonal shift and more resilient energy.

May your Qi flow freely, your body feel light, and your mind meet autumn with clarity.

— Jake