The arrival of Summer (yippee!) and the change of season is a reminder of the need to balance external influences of the season with our internal harmony. Summer is a Yang season – our energy is moving up and out, vibrant and bright. In Chinese medicine, Summer is also associated with the Fire element. The Fire element can give our bodies a boost of expansive energy. However, the season’s warmth often brings two potential imbalances – Excess Heat and Dampness. 

Signs of Excess Heat

The hotter temperatures of Summer can make hard work for our bodies. Hot days can put increased pressure on the circulatory and digestive systems especially. Heat can also be generated from within, where stuck Qi blocks the normal flow of energy causing a build up of Heat.  

Heat in the body has two main effects – it rises up and out, and it dries our internal fluids. Signs of excess Heat include:

~ A red face or red eyes

~Acne or skin eruptions

~ Headaches, dizziness or irritability

~ Anxiety, restlessness or insomnia

~ Constipation

Signs of Excess Damp

Dampness can also worsen in Summer, especially when the weather is humid. Damp in the body can also come from foods such as ice cream, cakes or sweets, but even healthier foods can cause dampness if you overeat. The Summer festive season can be a killer combination of dampness – humid weather, damp foods and overeating – that can weigh down the body, impairing your digestive function and causing:

~ A heavy sensation in the body

~ Swollen joints or puffiness

~ Digestive issues like bloating, nausea, or loose stools

~ A foggy mind or lack of clarity

Managing Heat and Damp with Chinese Medicine

The key to maintaining health in summer is aligning with its natural rhythms while supporting the body’s ability to counteract Heat and Dampness. Here are some strategies inspired by TCM principles:

Dietary Choices

Cooling Foods: Summer is a time of abundant produce and many of the best heat clearing foods are at their best in Summer. Include strawberries, peaches, avocado, watermelon, cucumber, mung beans, and mint to clear heat and replenish fluids. 

Eat in Moderation: Minimize consumption of fried foods, dairy, and excessive sweets. Light and easy to digest foods lighten the load on your digestive system

Drink Herbal Teas: Chrysanthemum tea is a favourite for balancing heat in the body. Some pre prepared options have lots of sugar – choose a low sugar option if available. Peppermint is a pungent, cooling herb. Peppermint can help with heat related pain such as migraines or headaches. PMS symptoms such as irritability and pain may be helped by peppermint tea, as it also moves Liver Qi. 

Lifestyle Adjustments

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid ice-cold beverages as they can strain the Spleen.

Engage in Gentle Movement: Practices like Qi Gong can harmonize internal energy and prevent stagnation caused by heat and damp. Gentle movement after meals can support digestion and invigorate the Qi. Think a walk to the park, a lawn game or a relaxing swim.

Rest Wisely: Take midday breaks to conserve energy and avoid overexposure to the sun. Recuperate with a Summer holiday daytime nap or read a book under a tree.

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture treatments during summer can harmonize the Fire element, support Spleen function, and alleviate symptoms of heat and dampness. Herbal formulas that regulate Qi, clear Heat and drain Damp can be used to address specific symptoms and restore health. 

Prevention and Long-Term Balance

In Chinese Medicine, the focus is on prevention. By balancing our diet and lifestyle with the seasons, we can stay in harmony with nature and minimise illness. Aligning with the energy of the season not only helps us stay healthy in the moment but also strengthens our resilience for the seasons to come.  Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help to prevent illness by balancing Qi before it causes disharmony. When symptoms do arise, we can return to good health by supporting the body to return to equilibrium with the Earth’s natural cycles.