How TCM Views Summer

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views each season as having unique qualities that impact the body's balance and health. During summer, the focus is on cultivating energy, regulating heat, and maintaining balance within the body. Here are some TCM theories and practices that are particularly helpful for summer health:

1. The Element of Fire

In TCM, each season is associated with an element; summer is associated with the Fire element. Fire is connected to the heart and small intestine, as well as to the emotions of joy and excitement. Too much heat, however, can lead to an imbalance, resulting in symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and irritability. To harmonize, TCM suggests focusing on calming and cooling activities and diet.

2. Yin and Yang Balance

Summer is a Yang-dominant season, marked by increased activity, warmth, and long days. To balance the abundant Yang energy, TCM advises nurturing Yin energy by incorporating cooling foods, staying hydrated, and resting adequately to prevent overheating and fatigue. Ensuring a balance between activity and rest helps preserve energy for the cooler seasons. Coconut water plus magnesium can help with hydration.

3. Cooling and Moistening Foods

Summer heat can deplete bodily fluids, which TCM calls "Yin deficiency." To counter this, TCM recommends hydrating with foods that are cooling and moistening. Some foods thought to "clear heat" include watermelon, cucumber, mint, leafy greens, mung beans, and green tea. Remember though if you have a weaker digestion and a tendency to bloat, have gas or diarrhoea that a lot of cooling foods will make these symptoms worse. Avoiding overly spicy, fried, or greasy foods helps reduce internal heat as well.

4. Emotional Well-being and Joy

Since the heart is associated with summer, TCM encourages focusing on emotional well-being and joy. Lighthearted social activities, enjoying nature, and engaging in hobbies you love can help maintain a positive emotional state. However, moderation is key, as too much excitement can lead to imbalances in heart energy. Take this last sentence with a grain of salt as I feel we can all tend to be in a deficit of fun. So go for it!!! TCM is just pointing out that any excess of emotion can disrupt the balance of qi and our health.

5. The Role of Qi Circulation

Summer is a time for activating and circulating Qi, the life force energy, in the body. Any practices that move the body that you love will move your Qi, so walking, Qigong, yoga, Tai Chi and acupuncture are especially helpful in the summer to maintain the smooth flow of Qi, prevent heat stagnation, and promote a sense of vitality.

So give some of these TCM concepts a go this summer to help you maintain balance and well-being, setting up a healthy transition into the next season.

Happy Summer Vibes.

Tabitha X