Embrace Summer with Chinese Medicine Lifestyle Tips

Summer is finally here!  If you’re in San Diego like me, you probably have been waiting to escape the clouds of “May gray” and “June gloom” and you’re ready to embrace the beautiful sunny days ahead.  While this seasonal change is welcomed by many, there are some ways to make the most of it without getting burnt out or bogged down by the rising temperatures.  In this blog we will explore the meaning of summer through Chinese medicine, learn about the Fire element and how to align your diet and lifestyle with the season.  Here are some holistic ways to stay balanced, energized, and healthy to enjoy your summer to the fullest.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season corresponds with one of the Five Elements. Summer is ruled by the Fire element, associated with the Heart and Small Intestine, joy, movement, expansion, and laughter.

Fire governs the energy of warmth, connection, and expression. When in balance, this energy fuels a vibrant spirit, emotional openness, and strong circulation. When imbalanced, it can show up as:

• Insomnia or restlessness

• Overheating or inflammation

• Anxiety or agitation

• Digestive upset or sluggishness

The goal in summer is to align with nature’s rhythm—which means opening up, moving more, eating light, and balancing activity with rest.

Organ Systems: Heart (Yin) and Small Intestine (Yang)
Emotion: Joy
Color: Red
Taste: Bitter
Climate: Heat
Sense Organ: Tongue

In TCM, the Heart is known as the “Emperor” of the organs—it houses the Shen, or spirit. A balanced Heart leads to clear thinking, good sleep, emotional ease, and a strong connection to others.

n the heat of summer, it’s best to eat in a way that cools the body, supports digestion, and prevents excess internal heat. Here’s how:

Best Foods for Summer

• Cooling fruits: Watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, kiwi, peaches

• Leafy greens: Spinach, arugula, romaine, bok choy

• Light grains: Quinoa, millet, barley

• Bitter foods: Dandelion greens, radicchio, endive

• Hydrating foods: Celery, zucchini, mung beans

• Herbal teas: Chrysanthemum, mint, hibiscus

These foods help dispel heat, hydrate tissues, and keep the Heart energy flowing freely.

Foods to Avoid or Minimize

• Excessive spicy food (especially on hot days)

• Fried or greasy foods

• Heavy meats and large portions

• Excessive caffeine or alcohol

• Cold dairy (can weaken digestion)

Instead of ice-cold drinks or rich meals, opt for light, fresh, and gently cooked dishes that nourish without overwhelming.

Another way to know which foods are good for you

is to see what is in season by going to your local farmer’s market.  Here in San Diego we have many options in different parts of town on different days of the week.

Check out the schedule here 

Stay Active—but Mindfully

Summer is a great time to get outdoors, socialize, and move your body—but too much activity can burn you out. Choose balanced movement like:

• Early morning walks or beach jogs

• Swimming or paddleboarding

• Outdoor tai chi or yoga

• Group fitness classes with friends

• Gardening or hiking in shaded areas

Avoid intense midday workouts. Instead, aim to exercise before 10am or after 5pm to protect your Qi from heat exhaustion.

Prioritize Rest & Emotional Well-being

Because summer is linked with joy and the Heart, it’s also a time to nurture your emotional life. To keep your Fire element in balance:

• Rest well—maintain consistent sleep habits

• Connect socially—spend time with uplifting people

• Laugh and play—joy is medicine!

• Take breaks—avoid overworking and overcommitting

• Cool the Shen—try meditation, breathing practices, or Heart-nourishing herbal teas (I love peppermint tea this time of year!)

Seasonal acupuncture and herbal medicine can help your body adapt to summer’s intensity by:

• Regulating body temperature and fluids

• Calming excess Fire and restlessness

• Supporting digestion and immunity

• Enhancing sleep and emotional balance

• Treating seasonal issues like allergies, inflammation, or heat rashes

At Pacific Beach Acupuncture, we tailor treatments to align with the seasons—ensuring your body and mind stay in sync with nature’s wisdom.

Let’s help you stay cool, centered, and energized all season long.

Book your seasonal tune-up today and embrace the Fire element with balance and joy.