Summertime in TCM

TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, refers to a holistic healing system that has been trusted for thousands of years to help promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. A core principle of TCM is adapting to the seasons to help the body stay in balance with its ever-changing environment. Summertime is associated with the fire element and is governed by yang energy. Yang is known for being hot, expansive, and active, in contrast to yin energy, which is cool, soft, and still. When yin and yang are in balance, the body thrives, but when one dominates, as yang does during summer, it can cause stagnation, flare-ups, and increased health issues. Here are some TCM-inspired tips to help you enjoy a healthy, joyful summer while keeping your fire energy in check.

Emotional & Energetic Balance

The fire element is associated with the heart, joy, and outward energy. In TCM, the heart controls blood circulation and is the home of Shen (mind/spirit). Heart energy peaks in the summer, making it the ideal time to focus on emotional well-being and mental clarity. Too much heat can cause Shen to become out of balance. To avoid this during summer, it’s important to prioritise:

1) Rest after time in the sun with a mid-day nap

2) Avoiding heavy workouts during peak heat

3) Incorporating gentle movement - yoga and walking

4) Winding down earlier in the evenings when possible

Staying Cool

Staying cool is essential to maintaining balance during the summertime. Too much heat (external or internal) can lead to:

• Irritability & restlessness

• Trouble sleeping

• Overheating, acne, or red eyes

• Low appetite and digestive changes

To prevent overheating, it is important to focus on protecting your Qi (life force energy) by staying hydrated, resting, and eating in alignment with the season. TCM recommends focusing your diet on cooling and hydrating foods (cucumber, watermelon), light and easy fruits and veggies (berries, zucchini), and damp-draining ingredients (cooked mushrooms, bitter melon).

While it may seem counterintuitive, TCM discourages the consumption of raw or icy foods and ice-cold drinks in the summertime. This is to maintain healthy digestion, which is powered by the “spleen-stomach qi,” or “digestive fire,” and requires warmth to function properly. Overindulging in cool beverages can lead to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and sluggish digestion.

Sweating is important

In TCM, how much or how little you sweat is a good indication of your health.

• A little sweat: helps you stay cool & regulated

• Lots of sweat: sign of yin deficiency (fatigue, dehydration)

• No sweat: trapped heat, stagnant qi

Oversweating is often a sign of deficiency. Too much sweat during the day is a sign of weak yang; night sweats are a sign of weak yin. Lack of sweating is an indication that qi is not flowing properly, suggesting blockages in the body that are preventing proper detoxification. If you’re suffering from excess or too little sweat, acupuncture, herbs, and diet adjustments can play a vital role in restoring harmony between yin and yang and aid in restoring qi flow.

Top TCM tips for a healthy summer

1. Stay cool - avoid overexertion & overheating with proper rest and gentle movement

2. Eat light, cooling foods

3. Avoid iced drinks and raw food

4. Support your heart - focus on calming activities like breathwork, yoga, and reading

5. Prioritise acupuncture treatment to balance fire energy

6. Use herbs for relief from fatigue, bloating, and stress

7. Get cupping or gua sha treatment to release heat and tension in the body