Sunshine & Shen: How to Keep Your Cool with TCM

Summer is here in all its sunshiney glory—and while the longer days, warmer weather, and abundant patio time are something to celebrate, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reminds us that each season brings its own rhythms and responsibilities when it comes to our health.

In Chinese Medicine, summer is the season of Fire, which is associated with the Heart, Joy, and outward energy. It's a time of growth, connection, and expression—but just like sunscreen protects our skin, we need ways to keep our internal systems cool, calm, and collected.

Here are some fun (and simple!) ways to stay balanced this summer with the help of TCM:

🔥 1. Balance the Fire Element

Summer is governed by the Fire element, which rules the Heart and Small Intestine. When in balance, Fire brings joy, passion, and connection. But too much fire can lead to restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, or even burnout (not the fun, beach kind).

TCM Tip:

• Try a cooling tea like chrysanthemum or mint to calm the fire and support the heart.

• Practice deep belly breathing or qigong to regulate Heart Qi and keep emotions steady.

  
  

🍉 2. Eat Light, Eat Bright

Your body doesn’t need heavy, warming foods in the summer—it craves hydration and lightness. Think of the vibrant colors of a summer garden: that’s what your plate should look like!

TCM Tip:

• Enjoy seasonal fruits like watermelon, berries, and cucumbers—nature’s way of cooling you down.

• Avoid too much greasy or spicy food, which can overheat the body and disrupt digestion.

Pro tip: Eat your biggest meal at midday when digestive fire (yang energy) is strongest.

😴 3. Don’t Burn the Candle at Both Ends

Summer is full of social invites, adventures, and late nights—but even though yang energy is high, our bodies still need rest to stay in harmony.

TCM Tip:

• Keep a consistent bedtime, and wind down with calming rituals like a foot soak in cool water and a couple drops of lavender oil.

• Feeling extra buzzy? Try a gentle acupuncture treatment to help reset your nervous system and sleep more deeply.

  
  

🌿 4. Move with the Season

In TCM, movement supports the flow of Qi (energy), and in the summer, we’re encouraged to move outward and connect. Just don’t overdo it in the midday heat!

TCM Tip:

• Exercise in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.

• Walk barefoot on grass or at the beach—connecting with the Earth element can be surprisingly grounding during fiery times.

  
  

❤️ 5. Nourish Your Shen (Spirit)

Summer is the season of the Shen, or spirit, which resides in the Heart. This is the perfect time to feed your joy, creativity, and relationships.

TCM Tip:

• Laugh, dance, journal, or have meaningful conversations with loved ones.

• Take breaks from technology and give your heart-mind some space to just be.

✨ Bonus: Your Acupuncturist is Your Summer Ally

Acupuncture can help regulate the Fire element, calm the Heart, and support digestion and sleep—all of which are vital during the summer months. If you’re feeling a little overheated, anxious, or off-rhythm, your body may be calling for a seasonal tune-up.

Whether you’re soaking in the sun or hiding in the shade, keeping your body in harmony with nature is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

Wishing you a season of joy, vitality, and heart-centered living.

Stay cool,Jess at Renewable Wellness Acupuncture 🌿