Staying Cool: Supporting Your Body During Summer with Chinese Medicine
As the heat of summer arrives, many of us feel the shift in our energy and daily rhythms. Longer days and higher temperatures can be energizing, but they can also leave us feeling drained if we do not support our bodies properly. In Chinese Medicine, summer is connected to the Fire element, which governs the Heart and mind (or the Shen), making it a season of outward activity and joy. It is also a time when heat can build up, leading to restlessness, irritability, or feeling burned out.
Here is how Chinese Medicine views summer and practical ways you can support yourself during the warm months.
Understanding the Fire Element
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season corresponds with an element. Summer is linked with Fire, symbolizing warmth, expansion, and activity. The Fire element is connected to the Heart and Small Intestine meridians, impacting our circulation, mental clarity, and emotional wellbeing.
When the Fire element is in balance, we feel vibrant and connected. When it becomes excessive, we might experience symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, heat rashes, or digestive discomfort.
Hydration and Food Choices
During summer, it is important to stay hydrated, not only with water but also with foods that nourish fluids in the body. In Chinese Medicine, we recommend:
Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, berries, and leafy greens to cool the body gently.
Avoiding heavy, greasy, and overly spicy foods that can add internal heat.
Including cooling herbs like mint and light herbal teas such as chamomile to help clear heat and support hydration.
Eating lighter meals and incorporating more cooked vegetables can also support digestion, which can become sluggish in the heat.
Rest and Movement
Summer naturally brings more activity, but it is still important to find moments of rest, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Gentle movement like walking in the morning or evening, swimming, or light stretching can help circulation without overheating the body.
Acupuncture for Summer Balance
Acupuncture can support your body in adapting to seasonal changes. During summer, treatments may focus on:
Regulating heat in the body to address irritability or restlessness.
Supporting digestion to prevent bloating or discomfort.
Helping with insomnia that may arise from heat disturbing the mind.
Boosting energy without overstimulation, helping you feel vibrant and clear-minded during your activities.
Acupuncture sessions during summer can also include lifestyle and food recommendations specific to your body’s needs, ensuring you feel supported through the season.
A Note on Mind and Heart Connection
Summer and the Fire element emphasize the connection between mind and body. If you notice emotional stress or anxiety rising during this season, it may be your body’s way of asking for balance. Supporting your emotional wellbeing is just as important as taking care of your physical health during summer.
Closing Thoughts
Summer is a time for connection, warmth, and enjoying the outdoors. By aligning your lifestyle with the season, you can support your body and mind to thrive during the warmer months. Chinese Medicine offers gentle, effective ways to maintain balance, allowing you to feel your best while enjoying all that summer has to offer.
If you are curious about how acupuncture can help you feel more grounded and comfortable this summer, we would love to support you in your wellness journey.
Written by: Alex Simmonds R.Ac TCM