Summer in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Summer is a time to nurture and grow what was created in the spring.  Flowers are blooming, vegetables are ripening, baby birds are chirping.  And hopefully we, too, are thriving.

In traditional Chinese medicine, summer corresponds with the energy of the heart and small intestine.  Its energy flares upward, like its element of fire.  It is a time for maximum activity; a time for building relationships and moving outward in nature and life. 

The main function of the heart is to govern blood circulation throughout the body.  In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is also associated with relationships, mental thought processes, and emotional well-being. 

The small intestine represents the ability to process the things we eat, see, hear, or feel.  It helps to separate the essential from the inessential.  This influences digestion and discernment.

When these organs are balanced, our thinking is clear and we are able to fully experience the joy in summer.  If imbalanced, we may lack joy, become easily agitated, experience heartburn, or not sleep soundly. 

If your summer is not reaching its full potential, consider receiving an acupuncture treatment to help harmonize with summer’s energy.