In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body is viewed as a landscape with ecosystems, just like in nature. Within it, everything is interconnected—the seasons with our organs, and even our emotions—through the Five Elements theory (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). Summer represents the most active, warm, and radiant element of them all: the Fire element.
But how do you make sure you don’t ‘overheat’ during the hot summer months? In this blog, we dive into the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and share practical dietary and lifestyle tips to protect your inner balance during the summer. I was very excited to host a TCM workshop last week. Seeing so many people interact and being curious about TCM warms my heart. We will run through some of the key points I’ve discussed in last weekend.
The Fire Element in Summer: The Peak of Yang Energy
In TCM, summer is associated with the Fire element. This is the period of extreme Yang energy; the sun is at its highest point, and nature is in full bloom. It is a time of warmth, outward activity, and upward energy.
Within our bodies, the Fire element is directly connected to the Heart and the Small Intestine. The emotion belonging to Fire is joy, the associated color is red, and the Fire-type personality is often characterized by sensitivity, passion, and charisma.
Beware of ‘Summer-Heat’ and ‘Shang Huo’
Fire is indispensable as a catalyst for transformation, but it must be kept in check by Yin (Water). If your internal Fire becomes imbalanced, you may experience what TCM calls ‘Shang Huo,’ which literally translates to “catching fire.” This is an extreme version of a heaty body constitution, but a healthy person with excess fire can also experience a degree of these symptoms. Symptoms of Shang Huo include:
Restlessness and insomnia
Mouth sores (canker sores)
A dry throat and red eyes
Constipation
Thirst and dry mouth
In addition, summer has a unique, seasonal pathogen: Summer-Heat. While it might not always seem as relevant in the Netherlands, Summer-Heat can certainly still occur here during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This can cause sudden fever, excessive sweating, confusion, blurred vision, and an intense thirst.
Why Excessive Sweating Isn’t Healthy According to TCM
In the West, we often think that sweating profusely is a good way to cool down, for example in the sauna or during intense workouts. Chinese medicine, however, warns against this. Excessive sweating (beyond your physiological limit) depletes your Qi (vital energy) and damages your bodily fluids and your Blood.
Because sweat is viewed in TCM as “the fluid of the Heart,” sweating too much can lead to palpitations, dizziness, and mental exhaustion. Therefore, seek shade in a timely manner, exercise in moderation, and prevent completely exhausting your precious Yang energy during the summer.
TCM Dietary Tips for the Summer
To calm your internal Fire during the hot summer, you can apply the ancient principles of Chinese dietary therapy:
Eat more Bitter and Red: The bitter flavor is highly cooling, clears heat, dries dampness, and calms the Heart. Think of bitter melon, dandelion, celery, and cooling honeysuckle flower tea (known as Jin Yin Hua). Red foods, such as cherry tomatoes and watermelon, directly nourish the Heart and Blood.
Choose cooling ingredients: Put raw salads or light, steamed meals on the menu more often. Great summer ingredients include cucumber, mung beans, mint, purslane, and strawberries. Watermelon, in particular, is a fantastic natural remedy to clear Summer-Heat from the body and replenish lost fluids.
Avoid ice-cold drinks and heavy BBQs: An ice-cold beer or fatty grilled meat is tempting on a summer evening, but alcohol, spicy food, and deep-fried snacks actually create an excess of internal Heat. Moreover, drinking too many ice-cold beverages can “freeze” your digestive fire (your Spleen/Earth element), leading to a bloated, heavy feeling. Instead, opt for lukewarm peppermint tea or honeysuckle herbal tea to truly quench your thirst.
Besides food, acupuncture is an effective modality to calm the heart and clear heat with: To calm the heart we use specific acupuncture points. They work to help your body activitate the rest and digest system. Besides this there are specific acupuncture points to clear heat. Points that your acupuncturist can use are amongst others: Li 11 (Quchi) and HT 8 (Shaofu).
Bring Your Body into Balance and Seek Internal Cooling
Enjoy the abundance of the season—but don’t forget to cool down in time using the tips above.
Do you want to get through the summer balanced and with plenty of yin energy? Acupuncture is an excellent way to draw the heat out of your system, calm your nervous system, and bring your energy (Qi) back into balance.
Make an appointment for acupuncture at my clinic in Amsterdam East.
Join the TCM community
Would you like to receive TCM wisdom more often and read more inspiring articles like this?
Newsletter: Sign up here for the newsletter that helps you stay balanced.
Instagram: Follow me here for insights and inspiration on TCM, mindfulness, and health.
Acupuncture in Amsterdam East
My clinic is located in the Eastern Docklands (Oostelijk Havengebied), centrally situated between Java Island and Amsterdam Central Station.
Public Transport: Bus 43 and tram 26 stop just a 5-minute walk from the clinic.
Car: There is a lot of parking available nearby in the De Loodsen or Withoedenveem parking garages.