According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season corresponds to specific organs, elements, and energetic shifts. Summer is ruled by the Heart and the Fire element , representing warmth, expansion, and vitality. As the days grow longer and the air warmer, summer brings with it a new rhythm—not just in nature, but within our bodies.
When we align our lifestyle with the TCM body clock and seasonal wisdom, we don’t just feel more balanced—we glow from the inside out. Here's how to live in sync with summer energy.
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Summer in TCM: The Season of the Heart
In TCM, summer is the time when Yang energy peaks . It's a season of joy, expression, and outward movement. The heart governs not just our physical circulation, but our emotional well-being and spirit (called Shen ).
A balanced heart energy means:
Good circulation
Clear thinking
Emotional openness
Restful sleep
When out of balance, you may feel:
Anxious or restless
Overheated or sweaty
Insomnia or vivid dreams
Easily irritated
Summer = Season of Connection
According to TCM, the Heart doesn’t just circulate blood—it governs joy, communication, and our Shen (spirit) . That means summer is the ideal time to connect with others, nurture friendships, and share joy .
Being social isn’t just good for your mood—it’s good for your health. Joyful conversations, laughter, and meaningful time with others nourish your Heart energy and keep it balanced.
Ways to honour this in summer:
Host intimate outdoor dinners or picnics with seasonal fruits and cooling teas
Take movement outside with friends—yoga in the park, tennis, walks at golden hour
Make time for vulnerability and real conversations—Heart energy thrives on emotional openness
Laugh more. TCM considers laughter one of the best ways to strengthen Heart Qi
A Tale of Two Summers: Heart & Stomach/Spleen
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the long summer months are actually divided into two parts : the classic summer and late summer . It’s the perfect excuse to plan two mini-vacations—but more importantly, it’s a reminder to shift our focus and care for different aspects of health throughout the season.
Classic summer is all about the Heart —the season of fire, red-hot passion, joy, and movement. The element of fire governs our emotional openness and zest for life. This is the time to express, create, love, and play.
Late summer , which peaks in August with its muggy heat and thunderstorms, shifts its focus to the Stomach and Spleen . It’s ruled by the Earth element and is associated with grounding, digestion, and learning. This is the body’s ripening season—when we absorb, assimilate, and nourish both body and mind.
In late summer, support your digestive system and “earth” yourself through stable routines, lighter foods, and intentional rest.
TCM Tips for Seasonal Balance
Awaken earlier to align with full Yang energy; rest later in the evening
Take a short break around midday (1–3PM) to support digestion
Hydrate consistently; set reminders if needed
Choose Yin foods : cooling, hydrating, and light (e.g., lettuce, cucumbers, watercress)
Embrace seafood and fish—cooling in nature
Eat meats sparingly, as they are considered warming in TCM
Practice moderation in meals to avoid indigestion in hotter months
Follow the Summer TCM Body Clock
Each organ system in TCM has a two-hour window during the 24-hour cycle when it’s most active. Here's how to tune in during summer:
5–7AM: Large Intestine Time
Wake up, hydrate, and eliminate waste. Great for gentle stretching or a morning walk.
7–9AM: Stomach Time
Have a light, grounding breakfast—think fruit, soaked oats, or herbal teas.
11AM–1PM: Heart Time
Your energy and circulation are at their peak. Best time for socialising, creativity, or getting things done.
1–3PM: Small Intestine Time
Support digestion with a nourishing lunch and light movement after.
3–5PM: Bladder Time
Detox time. Drink water and take it easy with focused tasks.
11PM–1AM: Gallbladder Time
Time to be in deep sleep—this window supports detox and emotional clarity.Do your nightly skincare routine & aim for lights out before 11PM .
Summer Self-Care Tips
Eat cooling, hydrating foods : Cucumber, watermelon, mint, mung beans, and chrysanthemum tea.
Protect your heart —emotionally and physically. Laugh often and surround yourself with joy.
Slow down after sundown : Wind down with rituals, herbal teas, or screen-free time.
Move and breathe : Morning walks, swimming, or stretching outside can help you stay balanced.
Soak Up the Summer Glow
Summer invites us to expand, to express, and to live with more lightness—but too much fire can burn us out. The TCM body clock reminds us to listen, slow down, and honour the season’s energy without pushing past our limits.
So from TCM principles, the summer really is a time to enjoy the Heart, nourish the digestive system, and use the season’s energy to ripen ideas that can blossom in autumn. Let this summer be your softest glow yet —inside and out.
With love,
Alia
