As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, many of us welcome the warmth of summer with open arms. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer brings more than just sunshine and outdoor fun — it brings an energetic shift that directly affects our heart health, both physically and emotionally.
In this article, we’ll explore how TCM understands the connection between summer, the Heart, and your overall well-being. You’ll also learn how to stay balanced in body and mind during the hottest season of the year, with insights supported by both ancient wisdom and modern science.
The Element of Fire and the Heart in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the year is divided into five seasons, each associated with an element and organ system. Summer corresponds to the Fire element, which governs the Heart and Small Intestine.
The Heart in TCM:
While the Western view of the heart focuses on its role in pumping blood, in TCM, the Heart is considered the “Emperor” of the body. It’s responsible not only for circulation, but also for housing the Shen, which can be understood as your mind, spirit, and consciousness.
When the Heart is in balance, you experience:
- Joy and emotional resilience
- Clear thinking and speech
- Restful sleep
- Healthy circulation and body temperature
But in the heat of summer, this system can become overstimulated, leading to irritability, insomnia, restlessness, and even palpitations or heat stroke in extreme cases. You can learn more about the summertime in Chinese medicine here.
Signs of Heart Imbalance During Summer
As temperatures rise, you may notice signs that your Heart energy is out of balance. These include:
- Difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams
- Anxiety or feeling “overheated” emotionally
- Rapid heartbeat or chest discomfort
- Excessive sweating
- Red complexion or irritability
Of course, if you’re experiencing chest pain or signs of a cardiovascular emergency, seek immediate medical attention. Visit the American Heart Association to learn more about heart attack warning signs and prevention.
Struggling with anxiety and insomnia? See how we can help.
How TCM Supports Heart Health in Summer
1. Acupuncture to Regulate Shen and Cool the Body
Acupuncture supports Heart health by:
- gulating the Shen (spirit) for better emotional balance and sleep
- Cooling internal heat and calming overactive yang energy
- Supporting the Small Intestine, which helps manage fluids and digestion during hot weather
Commonly used points include Heart 7 (Shenmen) and Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) — both known for calming the mind and supporting cardiovascular health.
Acupuncture improves sleep and emotional wellness.
2. Summer Lifestyle Tips in TCM
Living in harmony with the season is a cornerstone of TCM. Here’s how to support your Heart this summer:
- Wake early with the sun and rest during the hottest part of the day
- Eat cooling foods: watermelon, cucumber, leafy greens, mint, mung beans
- Drink herbal teas like chrysanthemum or peppermint
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or fried foods that create internal heat
- Express joy and connect with others, which supports the natural emotion of the Heart
For gentle movement, practices like Qi Gong and Tai Chi help circulate Qi and balance Fire energy.
3. Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbs Help Cool and Restore Balance in the body. Symptoms related to heat in the body include:
- Excessive sweating
- Thirst and dry mouth
- Red face, skin eruptions, or irritability
- Heat-related headaches
Examples of Herbal preparations that help release heat in the body and alleviate symptoms:
- Herbal teas or decoctions (custom-prescribed by your practitioner)
- Prepared formulas in pills or tinctures for specific summer-related conditions
- External herbal applications for heat rash or sun-exposed skin (ask your herbalist)
Consult one of our licensed acupuncturists for a customized formula based on your unique constitution and symptoms.
TCM and Modern Research on Cardiovascular Health
Modern research is catching up to what TCM has long understood: the connection between emotional health and cardiovascular well-being.
- Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood pressure, heart rate variability, and autonomic function, particularly in patients with hypertension and anxiety.
- Mind-body practices like Tai Chi and Qi Gong show measurable improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and mental health. Cleveland HeartLab on Tai Chi for Heart Health
By combining ancient wisdom with modern evidence, TCM offers an integrated, preventative approach to heart health, especially valuable during the challenges of summer heat.
Stay Balanced This Summer
Summer is a time of joy, activity, and expansion—but it’s also a time when your Heart can be easily overstimulated. By aligning your habits with seasonal energy, staying cool and hydrated, and using supportive therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine, you can enjoy summer to its fullest while staying emotionally and physically balanced.
