Feeling the heat already?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is the season of the Heart—a time for joy, connection, and vibrant living. But when the temperature rises, it’s easy for heat imbalance to creep in, leading to fatigue, irritability, restlessness, poor sleep, and even skin flare-ups.
The good news? You can keep your body cool and your energy steady with a few holistic summer wellness tips—and acupuncture can be a powerful ally in the process.
Why Summer Is the Season of the Heart in TCM
In TCM theory, each season corresponds to an organ system. Summer’s element is Fire, and its organ is the Heart, which governs joy, mental clarity, and emotional connection. When balanced, you feel happy and energized. When out of balance, you may experience heat symptoms—both physical (inflammation, insomnia, skin rashes) and emotional (anxiety, irritability).
Acupressure Points to Cool Down
Whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling, self-acupressure can help you feel calmer and cooler. Try these three points:
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Heart 7 (Shenmen): On the crease of your wrist, at the base of the little finger. Calms stress, eases anxiety, and promotes restful sleep.
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Pericardium 6 (Neiguan): Three finger widths down from the wrist crease, between the tendons. Helps cool heat, reduce nausea, and settle the mind.
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Large Intestine 11 (Quchi): At the outer end of your elbow crease. Clears inflammation, reduces skin irritation, and helps regulate body temperature.
Tip: Apply gentle pressure for 1–2 minutes on each point while taking slow, deep breaths.
Eat Seasonal Cooling Foods
Food is medicine in TCM, and summer is the perfect time to choose ingredients that hydrate, cool, and support the Heart:
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Natural coolants: Watermelon, cucumber, and fresh mint are refreshing and help lower body heat.
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Bitter greens: Arugula, dandelion, and kale help detoxify and support digestion.
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Warm or room-temperature water: In TCM, iced drinks can slow digestion and create dampness. Warm water supports smooth digestion even in hot weather.
Lifestyle Tips for Summer Wellness
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Rest during peak heat (11 AM–2 PM): Slow down and avoid strenuous activity when the sun is at its highest.
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Rise earlier: Align with summer’s yang energy to feel naturally energized.
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Book seasonal acupuncture: Regular treatments can help prevent heat imbalance, improve sleep, and keep your mood steady.
Acupuncture in Vancouver for Summer Balance
At Humanity Wellness, our registered acupuncturists Avery and Dayna specialize in seasonal acupuncture to help you feel your best year-round. Whether you’re dealing with summer fatigue, insomnia, irritability, or heat-related skin issues, we can create a personalized treatment plan to restore balance.
Book your summer acupuncture session in Vancouver and enjoy the season feeling cool, energized, and joyful.