How does the summer season energise your body?

Do you naturally feel energised and rejuvenated as the summer starts to arrive, almost as though the ‘seasonal depression’ is being lifted? It’s a great feeling, but is there another reason for this change? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sheds light on how Summer’s energy works at a deeper level in our body. In TCM, summer is governed by the fire element, the most expansive, radiant, and expressive of the five elements. Fire symbolises illumination, transformation, and passion; it warms, energises, and connects. In our bodies, it governs the heart and small intestine organ systems, the blood vessels, and the tongue. Fire fuels our metabolism, digestion, circulation, and emotional expression, and reaches its peak in the summer season.

As the season transitions, we also see life springing back into our surroundings as nature starts to bloom. Similarly, our internal fire seeks expression through connection with others, with purpose, and with joy. In TCM, Yang energy, which represents the active, bright, and expansive force in the universe, is at its height. This is reflected in Shen, which represents the spirit, mind, or consciousness. According to TCM, the warm season invites us to awaken our Shen, the spirit that resides in the heart, and align with what lights us up and inspires us. Let’s dive a little bit more into Shen and its synergy with environmental factors. 

So, what is Shen? 

Shen is the spirit of the heart. It’s one of the three treasures in TCM (along with Qi and Jing), representing consciousness, clarity, and spiritual vitality. A healthy Shen shines through bright eyes, emotional equilibrium, restful sleep and heartfelt joy. When the fire element is balanced, Shen is strong, and we feel peaceful, present and connected. Excess fire, however, which can be from overstimulation, heat, stress or poor lifestyle habits, can disturb the Shen, leading to restlessness, anxiety, insomnia or emotional volatility.

To support Shen and prevent the fire from becoming excessive or depleted, summer asks us to live in harmony with heat and light and to be active and social, but also to rest, nourish and cool down. Maintaining that balance while harnessing your surge without getting burnt out, depends on various factors. Let’s discuss a few ways that might help you…

Wellness tips to avoid burnout from Summer’s energy

The long daylight hours during summer can sometimes be a bit demanding on our resources as we manage the urge to have our diaries filled with plans. Here’s how you can be mindful of embracing Summer’s energy without letting the sensory overload get to you: 

1.⁠ ⁠Eat cooling, bitter foods

Yes, bitter, you read that right! Bitter foods are often associated with a cooling effect, which can be beneficial during the hot summer months. In TCM, bitterness is the flavour associated with the fire element. It clears heat, supports digestion and calms inflammation, which is key during the hot months.

Here are some suggestions of what you can try:

• Chicory, endive, dandelion greens, escarole
• Arugula, kale, watercress
• Grapefruit, citrus peels
• Cucumber, watermelon, mint

Try to avoid spicy and warming foods, like hot peppers, ginger and garlic. Excess meat, fried foods, alcohol and coffee can also build internal heat and deplete fluids, contributing to dryness and irritability.

2.⁠ ⁠Hydrate creatively

If you’re someone who doesn’t drink enough water, get creative. Stay hydrated with herbal infusions and cooling teas like:

• Chrysanthemum and rose petal cold infusions (steep flowers in cool water under the sun)
• Mint or lemon balm teas
• Green tea or matcha (rich in antioxidants and gently bitter)

3.⁠ ⁠Embrace joy & connection

Fire governs our capacity to love, connect and feel joy. On the other hand, it can also cause overstimulation and burnout.

Here’s what you can prioritise:

• Time with loved ones and heart-centred conversations.
• Creative self-expression like art, music, dance and writing by yourself or in company, whichever helps you thrive.
• Embrace relaxed hours and spontaneity.

These activities nourish the heart and uplift Shen, providing a buffer against emotional burnout or spiritual fatigue.

TCM suggests a few nourishing elements to incorporate into your diet that can help nourish your body.

Shen-nourishing herbs for summer:

• Reishi mushrooms (Ling Zhi): This legendary adaptogen supports the heart and Shen, promoting calm, resilience,and grounded energy. It’s known as the “mushroom of immortality”.
• Rose: Bitter and aromatic, rose softens emotional pain and gently restores emotional harmony. Add dried petals to tea, honey or bathwater.
• ⁠Cacao: A heart-opener that lifts mood and enhances empathy and connection. Best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you tend toward dryness.
• Chrysanthemum: Clears Liver heat, cools the body and soothes dry eyes. Ideal in infusions or sun tea with rose.
• Green Tea or Matcha: Bitter, cooling and rich in polyphenols that support heart and brain health.

Embrace the light of Summer’s energy

Make sure to take advantage of the daylight hours and get enough exposure to light. After all, light is known as nature’s metabolic key. In TCM and modern circadian science, light is considered as medicine. Seasonal light cues affect our energy, mood, metabolism and hormonal balance.

• Sunrise exposure primes your mitochondria, regulating metabolism and supporting leptin and cortisol rhythms.
• UVA light boosts fat-burning hormones like α-MSH and increases serotonin, dopamine and nitric oxide for better mood, energy and circulation.
• UVB exposure helps synthesise Vitamin D, enhancing fat metabolism and immune function.
• Avoid artificial light at night as it disrupts melatonin, impairs recovery and dampens metabolic efficiency.

Spend time in the early morning sun, avoid screens after sunset and sleep in a darkened room to stay in harmony with nature’s rhythm and maximise the benefits of Summer’s energy. For a balanced summer:

• Let your inner Fire shine, but don’t let it burn unchecked.
• Align your diet with the season by keeping it light and cooling with a touch of bitterness.
• Tend to your emotional and spiritual heart; this is the true source of vitality.
• Celebrate the power of sunlight. It’s not just warmth, it’s a key to healthy metabolism and mood.
• Cultivate joy, presence and connection.

Harness the energy from the sun and balance it with mindful dietary and wellness practices to keep your energy levels high and in synergy with the season. Remember, balance is key! If you’re looking for a more wholesome approach, why not get in touch to book an appointment for our maintenance and relaxation treatments!