Hot outside? Stay cool inside — with TCM wisdom as your summer ally
Summer Heat and Sleepless Nights?
When summer arrives with its blazing sun and long evenings, most of us expect relaxation, lightness, and fun. Yet, many people find the hot season surprisingly challenging. Instead of enjoying warm nights, they struggle with restless sleep, irritability, and even spikes of anxiety. Have you ever woken up drenched in sweat at 3 a.m., unable to drift back to sleep? Or noticed that the smallest things set off your temper in July, while in spring they barely bothered you?
You’re not alone. The truth is, heat can disrupt the body’s natural calming rhythms. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers fascinating insights into why this happens — and how we can bring ourselves back into harmony.
Why Summer Throws Us Off Balance
According to TCM, every season carries its own energy. Summer is the time of Yang energy — warmth, activity, expansion, fire. Yang pushes us outward: we socialize more, move more, and often live more intensely. But Yang without balance burns too brightly. To balance Yang, we need Yin energy — coolness, quietness, rest, and moisture. Yin is the shady tree on a hot day, the calm after excitement, the soft counterpoint to heat.
In summer, Yin naturally gets drained. This means that the heart and liver — two key organs in TCM linked to emotions and energy flow — often end up “working in overdrive.” When that happens, restlessness, sleepless nights, irritability, or a short temper can appear.
Emotions Through the TCM Lens
One of the most beautiful aspects of TCM is the way it connects emotions and organs. Instead of separating body and mind, it views them as one system. Here’s how TCM sees emotional states in relation to the body’s organs:
- Heart → joy, excitement, but also hyperactivity and agitation
- Liver → anger, frustration, tension
- Lungs → sadness and grief
- Kidneys → fear and insecurity
Summer puts the heart and liver in the spotlight. When these two are balanced, we feel joy without overwhelm, patience without irritation, and rest that is truly restorative.
Why the Heart and Liver Matter for Mood and Sleep
The heart, in TCM, is more than a pump. It’s seen as the ruler of calm, the guardian of peaceful sleep. If the heart is in balance, our nights are restful and our mornings refreshing. The liver, on the other hand, ensures the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy). When Qi flows, we feel emotionally stable, patient, and flexible.
When the heart and liver fall into harmony:
✓ Sleep becomes deeper
✓ Emotions are easier to regulate
✓ We wake up refreshed rather than depleted
TCM’s Natural Ways to Support Calm in Summer
The good news? There are centuries-old methods from TCM that help us find equilibrium when the heat stirs everything up.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan
This classical herbal blend has long been valued for supporting the harmony of the heart and liver. It’s often turned to during stressful, hot seasons because it helps ease irritability, brings a sense of calm, and makes evening unwinding smoother.
Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Tea)
Chrysanthemum flowers are famous in TCM for cooling excessive Yang heat. Drinking Ju Hua tea a few times daily not only refreshes the body but also brings back emotional balance. It’s light, floral, and soothing — the perfect summer companion.
Suan Zao Ren (Jujube Seeds)
These tiny seeds are traditionally used to encourage relaxation and deeper rest. Many people sip them in teas or blends to settle into sleep more easily, especially during sticky summer nights. They gently support relaxation without heaviness.
Acupressure Points for Peaceful Sleep
You don’t always need elaborate rituals — sometimes, just your own fingertips can help you reset. TCM recommends certain acupressure points that can be massaged at home:
- Nei Guan (PC6) – located on the inner forearm. Gentle pressure here promotes relaxation and reduces tension- Watch Here
- Shen Men (HT7) – found near the wrist crease. Known as the “Spirit Gate,” this point supports inner peace and evening calm.
Everyday TCM Tips for Hot Days
Summer can feel draining: heavy air, relentless sunshine, sticky skin, and sudden fatigue. According to TCM, this is simply the “fire element” at work. Luckily, there are easy ways to cool down body and mind.
Light Meals with Cooling Foods
Skip heavy, greasy dishes — they add inner heat. Instead, choose foods that naturally refresh and support Yin. Think cucumber, watermelon, melon, lettuce, tomato, or celery. Enjoy them in salads, smoothies, or chilled soups.
A pro tip: eat smaller, lighter meals more often instead of one heavy dinner. This keeps digestion light and energy stable.
Cooling Foot Baths and Forehead Compresses
Cooling isn’t only internal. TCM recommends soaking feet in cool water after work or a hot walk. Add a drop of peppermint oil for extra freshness.
Another simple trick: place a damp cloth on your forehead or use a cooling mask. This lowers heat, soothes the mind, and restores energy.
Breathing Practices for Qi Balance
Don’t underestimate the power of breath. In TCM, breathing techniques are key for balancing Qi and calming the heart’s “fire.”
Try this: inhale slowly through your nose, exhale gently through your mouth, feeling your chest and belly soften. Or practice “belly breathing” — expand your stomach with each inhale, let it deflate with each exhale. Within minutes, you’ll feel calmer, lighter, and more at ease — even in sweltering heat.
A Relaxing Summer Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua)
- 1 tsp jujube seeds (Suan Zao Ren)
- 250 ml hot (not boiling) water
Directions:
Steep the herbs for 5–7 minutes under a lid, strain, and sip slowly in the evening.
Stories from Clinic
Jadzia, 34 – Summer Sleep Troubles
She kept waking up during the night, restless and drained. After adding chrysanthemum tea and using the Nei Guan acupressure point, her sleep became deeper. Within a week, she noticed calmer evenings and easier mornings.
Wojtek, 45 – Seasonal Irritability
He found himself snapping at minor things in the summer heat. By incorporating Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan and daily breathing exercises, his emotions felt steadier, and within two weeks his overall mood improved.
Fascinating Insights from TCM
- In ancient times, Chinese texts recommended drinking cooled chrysanthemum infusions and wearing light, natural fabrics during heat waves.
- Modern research backs some of this up: studies suggest that temperatures above 30°C can increase irritability risk by about 15%, while regular herbal routines may lower it by 5–7%. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020)
- One review found that 72% of people struggling with summer sleep noticed improvements after using Suan Zao Ren. Another study reported that chrysanthemum tea helped balance emotions in 68% of participants.
A Daily TCM-Inspired Summer Routine
Here’s a simple structure to keep you feeling light and steady all season long:
✓ Gentle morning qi gong or stretching
✓ A fresh, cooling breakfast with fruits or vegetables
✓ Chrysanthemum tea in the afternoon
✓ Evening Nei Guan acupressure session
✓ Jujube seed infusion before bed
FAQ – Common Summer TCM Questions
1. Is it safe to use these methods in hot weather?
Yes — light meals, herbal teas, acupressure, and gentle breathing are all natural ways to support balance.
2. How often can I drink chrysanthemum tea?
Two to three times daily, ideally between meals.
3. Can I mix Suan Zao Ren with other herbs?
Yes, it’s often paired with chrysanthemum or Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan.
4. How quickly will I notice a difference in sleep?
Usually within three to four days of consistent practice.
5. Does acupressure hurt?
Not at all. Gentle pressure is enough to feel its calming effects.
Final Thoughts: Finding Coolness in the Fire of Summer
Summer heat can make us feel like we’re simmering in a pot — restless, sweaty, and short-tempered. But TCM offers simple, timeless ways to “lift the lid” and release that extra steam. With cooling foods, calming teas, acupressure rituals, and mindful breathing, we can transform restless nights into restorative ones and turn irritability into ease.
So next time the sun feels overwhelming, remember: balance is already within you. All it takes is a few intentional rituals to bring it back. Let summer be a season not of exhaustion but of joy, vitality, and calm — the way it was meant to be.
Where can I buy it?
If you’re looking for authentic, practitioner-recommended, high-quality Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas — available globally — we recommend the following herbal products. These time-tested formulas are crafted with the finest ingredients and are widely used to support emotional balance, digestion, energy, and overall wellness.
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Cool the body from both inside and outside
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Want more tips? Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can naturally support emotional balance in Ask a TCM Doctor archive
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