Embracing the seasons with acupuncture for holistic wellness: SUMMER

Lake Louise, Alberta Canada

Summer: Expression & Radiance

If spring is about awakening and expansion, then summer is full expression—the season of thriving, radiating, and embodying our fullest energy.

When we think of summer, our minds often drift to outdoor activities, playful energy, and long evenings spent with friends. We remember late nights on patios, laughter under the stars, and the slow warmth of the sun on our skin. We recall the effort to stay cool—water play, refreshing drinks, juicy slices of watermelon, and the feeling of jumping into a lake after basking in the sun.

Summer is ruled by the Fire Element, governing the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and San Jiao (Triple Burner). It is a time of vitality, passion, and connection, both within ourselves and with the world around us. Fire energy allows us to express joy, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of the present moment.

Supporting Fire Energy

1. Movement – Cardio that feels light and joyful, morning/evening workouts, breathwork, and stretching. You want to keep the blood circulating. Retain a positive mindset and let the moments really set in.

   
   

2. Diet- Hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and citrus are excellent for clearing excess heat. Watermelon, in particular, is a powerhouse for cooling the body, making it an ideal summer staple. A refreshing watermelon lemonade is both hydrating and revitalizing, providing a delicious way to balance internal warmth.

   
   

   However, summer also invites us to be mindful of habits that generate internal heat. Alcohol and spicy foods tend to be warming, potentially increasing inflammation and discomfort in already hot conditions. Additionally, mucus-producing foods—such as dairy and deep-fried foods—can create stagnation in the body. Anything that slows circulation or digestion can trap heat, leading to increased discomfort in a warm or hot climate.

   
   

   By choosing hydrating, cooling, and easily digestible foods, we support the body's natural ability to regulate temperature and maintain balance through the season.

   
   

3. Emotional Balance – Prioritizing joy, laughter, and spontaneity while remaining mindful of burnout. Summer is an invitation to embrace playfulness and authentic expression—whether through creative endeavors, social connection, or simply allowing ourselves to bask in the beauty of the present moment. Engaging in activities that bring genuine delight nourishes the heart and prevents emotional stagnation. However, Fire’s intensity can also lead to overstimulation and exhaustion. Taking moments to pause, breathe, and engage in cooling, meditative practices ensures the flame burns steadily without burning out.

   
   

4. Acupuncture plays a vital role in regulating the body's response to summer’s intensity, acting as a powerful tool to clear excess heat, improve circulation, and bring the nervous system into balance. By targeting key meridians, it reduces palpitations, stabilizes blood pressure, and prevents emotional overwhelm—all of which can become heightened under summer’s fiery influence. It supports fluid movement, helping the body manage hydration and cooling while preventing stagnation that could lead to inflammation, headaches, or agitation.

   To embody summer’s power is to radiate without force—to express joy and vitality without exhausting reserves. Fire energy burns brightly, but when left unchecked, it can lead to burnout, restlessness, or emotional volatility. The goal is not to suppress Fire’s intensity but to channel it wisely—to fuel passion and connection while staying in harmony with the body's needs. Acupuncture, alongside mindful movement and cooling nourishment, helps maintain this delicate balance, allowing you to burn steady, not out.

Summer asks: What makes your spirit shine?