Summer 2025

Summer Is Here ☀️ A Chinese Medicine Perspective

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the year is divided into 24 solar terms, with Lixia—the Start of Summer—beginning on May 5th. Early summer marks a visible awakening in nature: blossoms burst into full bloom, trees grow lush, and thunderstorms begin to stir the skies. The weather can be capricious—hot and humid one day, unexpectedly cool the next—echoing the dynamic transformation of the season.

As we move toward the summer solstice on June 21st—the longest day and shortest night of the year—the vibrancy of summer becomes undeniable. Flowers stretch toward the sun, the days lengthen, and the energy of life expands. In Chinese Medicine, summer is considered the most yang time of the year: active, outward, expressive.

The Fire Within

Summer is ruled by the Fire element, which governs the Heart, Small Intestine, Triple Energizer, and Pericardium channels. As yang qi surges, its energy radiates—like the shimmer of heat off pavement or the golden rays of the sun. This same energy moves within us, amplifying circulation, metabolism, and emotional expression.

When Fire is in harmony, we feel joyful, connected, inspired. Our sleep is sound, our thoughts are clear, and we’re able to give and receive love with grace. But when Fire becomes excessive or stagnant, it can manifest as excessive sweating, thirst, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, high blood pressure, or even heart palpitations. Emotional symptoms might include sarcasm, bitterness, inappropriate laughter, or emotional flatness—especially if we’re healing from heartbreak or disconnection.

The Heart as Supreme Controller

In Chinese medicine, the Heart is called the “Supreme Controller”—it orchestrates not only our physical vitality but our emotional and spiritual well-being. The Heart houses the Shen, or spirit, and when the Shen is disturbed, we may lose sleep, joy, or our ability to form meaningful connections.

To harmonize the Fire within, it’s essential to nurture the Heart—not only with food and rest, but also through love, connection, and authentic joy. As Grand Master Lu reminds us:

 “Love is the highest form of meditation because you must focus without focus… The most difficult love is to love another person. It’s easiest to love a pet. They’re loyal! But loving another human takes effort. And loving yourself can be even more difficult.”

When negative thoughts creep in, let the heart lead. Choose love as your compass.

Living in Balance with Summer

This is the season to live fully—but mindfully. Here are a few supportive practices:

🌱 Eat cooling, hydrating foods: cucumbers, watermelon, mung beans, snow peas, mint, and dark leafy greens.

💧 Stay hydrated, but moderate icy beverages which may weaken digestive qi.

🥗 Cold and raw foods are more easily tolerated now—but avoid overindulging.

🍷 Eliminate or minimize alcohol and greasy foods, which burden the heart and digestion. 

☀️ Spend time outdoors, in connection with community and nature.

Summer’s emotional resonance is joy—but too much joy can scatter us, leaving us ungrounded. Cultivate a balanced joy: one that celebrates life, but also invites stillness and reflection. 

Emotionally, Fire is the flame of consciousness, and love is its highest expression. Surround with positive people who feed your soul. As Rumi said: “Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”

Let this summer be one of radiant health, open-hearted connection, and deep inner peace.

Stay cool and have fun!