Summer Wellbeing in Chinese Medicine

Many ancient cultures recognize the need to live in harmony with the changing tides of the seasons and the natural world, that they lived in. When we (even as modern day cultures) live in harmony with seasonal changes we nurture our greater well-being. Over thousands of years the wisdom remains true.

Through observation of the natural world around them in daily life, the ancient Chinese created a simple calendar system that has 24 seasonal points based on the way the sun moves in a year. Each time period or solar term is around 15 days. They can be though of as mini-seasons.

Each solar term comes with guidance for eating, exercising and actions for contributing to our seasonal wellbeing, to prevent illness and maintain our balance with the seasons.  This post will share the Winter solar terms. These terms and weather conditions are mapped out by farmers in China so the weather does not always match seasonally around the world. But the advice remains the same.

Summer Energy

Lesser Fullness 小满 – May 20th – June 4th

This solar term indicates that seeds are becoming full but are not yet fully ripe. Gradually change your diet and lifestyle to include more summer foods and activities while supporting your Spleen and Stomach Qi. If you overdo cold foods and cooling activities, like air conditioning and iced drinks, cold dampness can build up in the body and reduce Yang. Over time, this can negatively impact digestion and cause pain and sluggishness.

Grain in Ear 芒种 – June 5th – June 20th

This seasonal point tells us the natural world is starting to ripen. It’s a great time to plant your summer garden, get outside, and enjoy the abundance at the local farmers market. Just as the natural world is expressing its total abundance this time of year, we, too, are supported in expanding and expressing.

Summer Solstice 夏至 – June 21st – July 5th

During the solstice, yin and yang are balanced. We have the longest days and shortest nights in this period. The key is finding the right amount of fire – staying open, experiencing joy and expansion while still being tempered. Take this time to enjoy life through loving communication (with self and others), awareness and love. Ask yourself—can you stay open (with safe boundaries) even when you have a history of being hurt or experiencing pain? Can you allow and accept the wounded places within without letting them shut you down and close you off? If you can do this, you turn your pain into compassion, one of the most refined qualities of the fire element.

Minor Heat 小暑 – July 6th – July 21st

This solar term indicates an increase in temperatures. Because fire naturally spreads upwards and outwards, finding ways to bring energy down, calm and cool is particularly important in summer. Think meditation, gentle yoga, cool walks in the shade, and laughter and time with family and friends.

Greater Heat 大暑 – July 22nd – Aug. 6th

This seasonal point indicates some of the hottest weather. Excess heat can appear in the body-mind as restlessness, over-excitement, anxiety, insomnia, rashes, breakouts, UTIs, irritability, insomnia, and digestive troubles. Counteract the effects of heat with yin-building foods and activities like jumping in a cool water or drinking chrysanthemum tea.

Tips for Summer Wellbeing

Add in some fresh, cooling, and yin summer foods: zucchini, green tea, cucumbers, green beans, melons, mint, celery, water chestnuts, mung sprouts, fruits (apple, watermelon, pear, limes), tofu, and coconut.

Cook with more water, like steaming and blanching.

Eat less and lighter in hotter seasons – you’ll most likely notice your appetite is not as strong.

Include more bitter flavours – dandelion, romaine, endive, asparagus, zucchini, fennel root, rye, and radicchio.

Add small amounts of pungent flavour (be careful not to overdo it)—chillies, cayenne, fennel, and turmeric are good choices.

Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes to support the yin and Kidney Qi, essential for maintaining good energy through the warmer months.

Do vigorous activity and get sunshine in the early morning. Avoid activity and excess sweating midday when the fire element is highest.

Author Info

Victoria

A therapist and tutor for over 23 years, Victoria specialises in Relaxation and Wellbeing, Clinical Acupuncture, Holistic and Shamanic therapies.