Although the weather may still feel like the height of summer, Lì Qiū marks the energetic beginning of autumn. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is a time of transition. The heat has not completely gone, but nature has already begun drawing its energy inward, inviting us to slow down and prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Mind & Meditation
Autumn is associated with the Metal Element and the Lungs, bringing a natural time for reflection and letting go. Gentle breathing exercises, meditation or a walk in nature can help calm the mind. Walking somewhere with an open view and taking a few deep breaths is a wonderful way to expand the chest and support healthy Lung Qi.
Food & Drink
For the first few weeks of autumn, think “clear first, then nourish.” Choose foods that gently clear lingering summer heat while moistening the lungs, such as pears, lotus root, cauliflower, daikon radish and Tremella (white fungus). Reduce very spicy foods, which encourage sweating and dryness, and enjoy gentle sour flavours like lemon or plums to help preserve body fluids.
Exercise
Continue regular exercise but avoid overheating. Walking, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or gentle strengthening exercises are ideal. The aim is to stay active while gradually reducing the intensity of summer.
Rest
As daylight slowly shortens, begin settling into an earlier bedtime where possible. Good sleep helps replenish Yin and supports the body’s natural seasonal rhythm.
Lifestyle
A traditional practice known as “Autumn Freeze” encourages us not to rush into heavy winter clothing, allowing the body to gradually adapt to cooler temperatures. However, always keep your neck, abdomen and feet warm, and if you have cardiovascular, digestive or circulatory conditions, prioritise staying comfortably warm.
Seasonal Treatment Advice
Lì Qiū is an excellent time for seasonal acupuncture. Treatment can help clear lingering summer heat, support Lung Qi, strengthen your immune system and prepare your body for autumn. By working with the changing season rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, we can help maintain balance and wellbeing throughout the months ahead.
Da Shu, meaning Major Heat, is the hottest and most humid Solar Term of the year. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yang energy reaches its annual peak, yet beneath the surface the body’s digestive fire can become weakened. Excessive heat, humidity and sweating place the greatest strain on the Heart and Spleen, leaving many people feeling tired, heavy, irritable and mentally drained.
Mind and Meditation
High temperatures can agitate the Heart, causing restlessness, poor sleep and irritability. Slow the pace of life where possible and make time for meditation, gentle breathing or quiet reflection. Even a short period of calm each day can help cool the mind and restore emotional balance.
Food and Drink
Choose light, freshly prepared meals that help clear Heat and reduce Dampness. Foods such as winter melon, tomatoes, watermelon, bitter greens and adzuki beans are particularly beneficial. Drink regularly throughout the day but avoid excessive iced drinks, which can weaken digestion. Room-temperature or lightly warm drinks are kinder to the Spleen than ice-cold beverages.
Exercise
Exercise only during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. Walking, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and gentle swimming are ideal. Avoid strenuous activity in the midday sun, as excessive sweating depletes the body’s fluids and places additional stress on the Heart.
Rest
Listen to your body’s need for rest. A short midday break of 10–20 minutes helps replenish energy during the hottest weeks of the year. Aim for a regular sleep routine and avoid staying up late, allowing the body time to recover from the day’s heat.
Lifestyle
Keep your home comfortably cool without overusing air conditioning. Large temperature differences between outdoors and indoors can place unnecessary stress on the body. Maintain good ventilation and reduce indoor humidity where possible. Wear loose, breathable natural fabrics and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunshine.
Seasonal Advice
Da Shu reminds us that true cooling comes from balance rather than extremes. Instead of shocking the body with ice-cold drinks or excessive air conditioning, support your Heart and Spleen with gentle cooling foods, adequate rest and moderate activity. This is also the traditional season to strengthen the body’s Yang through treatments such as moxibustion during the San Fu period, helping prepare the body for the colder months ahead.
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, please make an appointment
Xiao Shu, meaning Slight Heat, marks the beginning of the hottest and most humid period of the summer, known as the “Dog Days” or “San Fu Tian” lasting until the end of August. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this combination of Heat and Dampness can leave us feeling tired, heavy and restless while placing extra strain on the Heart and Spleen.
Mind and Meditation
The summer heat can make us feel irritable or unsettled. Take time each day for quiet reflection, meditation or slow breathing. Gentle activities that calm the mind, help keep the Heart balanced.
Food and Drink
Although iced drinks are tempting, they can weaken digestion (TCM spleen), choose warm or room temperature drinks instead and eat light, seasonal meals. Include foods that gently clear heat and dampness, such as lotus root, mung beans, (please ask for Recipes). Reduce greasy foods, excess chilli and large, heavy meals.
Green tea with mint, chrysanthemum and watermelon rind tea can help cool the body while remaining gentle on digestion. While a morning warming ginger tea can gently support the spleen.
Exercise
Exercise during the cooler parts of the day, preferably early morning or late evening. Gentle exercise such as walking, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or swimming are ideal. Avoid intense workouts that cause excessive sweating, as this can deplete the body’s energy and fluids, aim for a fluid movement and a gentle glow of sweat.
Rest
Aim to be asleep before 11pm and, if possible, enjoy a short rest around midday of about twenty minutes, this could be a quiet relaxation, helping restore energy during the hottest weeks of summer.
Lifestyle
Humidity is just as important as heat during Xiao Shu. Keep your home well ventilated, dry bedding thoroughly in the sunshine and avoid cold air blowing directly onto your abdomen. Sip water regularly throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts in one go.
Clothing
Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen. Long breathable garments protects you from the sun while allowing sweat to evaporate slowly, helping you stay cooler.
Seasonal Advice
The key to Xiao Shu is balance. Although the weather is hot, your digestive system (TCM Spleen) benefits from warmth and gentle care. Eat lightly, rest when needed, move gently and avoid overcooling the body.
By following nature’s rhythm during this Solar Term it will help you maintain energy and wellbeing throughout the height of summer.
Treatment Advice
If you naturally have a Yang deficiency (Yang deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Characterised by insufficient warming energy, causing coldness, fatigue, sluggishness, pale complexion, weak circulation, and oedema.) Why not book in for – for a speciality treatment of – “treating winter conditions in the summer”
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, please make an appointment.
Practice the “Jade Fluid Practice” – to help replenish fluids without the shock of cold water.
This is a classical Yang Sheng practice that is especially relevant during the summer months when heavy sweating rapidly depletes your body’s vital fluids.
1- Sit quietly for a few minutes.
2- Begin to slowly and gently click teeth together 36 times.
3- Let the saliva accumulate in the mouth.
4- Swirl the collected saliva three times around the mouth.
5- Swallow it in three intentional portions.
6- Follow the movement of each swallow down into the stomach.
7- Rest in the calm space for a few minutes before resuming your day.
This nourishes your natural yin and provides hydration at your bodies natural temperature.
Why does this work?
Clicking the teeth stimulates the salivary glands and is believed in TCM to activate Kidney Qi — as the teeth are governed by the TCM Kidneys.
Saliva is considered a precious fluid in classical TCM — called 金津玉液 (Jīn Jīn Yù Yè — Golden Fluid, Jade Liquid). Swallowing it intentionally nourishes internal Yin from within
When summer heat is stealing your fluids through sweat, this practice helps replenish them quietly and efficiently, at body temperature, without shocking the Spleen the way cold drinks do.
Best time: Anytime of the day but especially Morning after waking, or in the evening before sleep.
By gently changing habits you can move smoothly and comfortable
through even the stickiest days of the year.
“Cooling Breath”
1- Sit quietly for a few minutes.
2- Keep your head, neck, and spine in a straight line.
3- Breathing slowly and relaxed, through the nose.
4- With your lips form the shape as if you are going whistle.
5- And now gently breathing in through your mouth directing the thin stream of breath onto your tongue.
6- You will feel the cool air hitting your tongue and the back of your throat.
7- Close your mouth, and swallow feeling the cool sensation descending into the core.
8- Exhale slowly and completely through your nose.
Repeat: Continue this cycle for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing your breath to return to normal afterward.
Alternative breathing method:
You can practice this by lightly pressing your upper and lower teeth together and part your lips to expose the teeth to the air.
Inhale slowly through the gaps in your teeth, focusing on the hissing sound.
Close your mouth, and and swallow feeling the cool sensation descending into the core.
Then exhale slowly through your nose.
“Two Hands Upholding the Heavens”
Stretching the arms and torso upward and opening the chest and abdomen. This movement gently opens the body’s internal water pathways allowing stagnant Damp-Heat to drain downward and giving the Chinese Medicine Spleen room to breathe.
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and the peak of Yang energy. Nature is at its most expansive, vibrant, and outwardly active. Yet within this peak lies the first stirrings of Yin. Ancient Chinese wisdom teaches that when anything reaches its zenith, it begins to transform into its opposite.
While the world appears full of heat and activity, this is also the moment to begin conserving energy and protecting the body’s fluids.
The Heart, associated with the Fire element and Summer, is at its strongest influence during this period. Excess heat, overexertion, and emotional agitation can disturb the Shen (Spirit), leading to restlessness, irritability, poor sleep, and mental overactivity.
Mind A time to cultivate calm within activity. Although the season encourages socialising and outward expression, balance comes from moments of stillness and reflection. Protect the Shen by avoiding excessive stimulation, emotional drama, and overcommitment. Quiet meditation, mindfulness and gratitude practices.
Spending peaceful time in nature help anchor the Heart and maintain emotional balance.
Exercise Continue to move the body, but avoid exercising in the strongest heat of the day. Early morning and evening are ideal. Walking, Tai Chi, swimming, gentle cycling, and moderate outdoor activity help circulate Qi without exhausting body fluids or overheating the Heart. Excessive sweating should be avoided, as it depletes both Qi and Yin.
Food Choose foods that gently clear Heat, nourish fluids, and support digestion. Watermelon, cucumber, lettuce, celery, courgette, tofu, mung beans, berries, and lightly cooked seasonal vegetables are excellent choices. Bitter foods such as rocket, chicory, and pak choi can help clear excess Heart Fire. Avoid excessive spicy foods, alcohol, greasy meals, and overeating, all of which can generate additional internal heat.
Clothing Wear loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibres that allow heat to disperse. Protect yourself from prolonged exposure to strong midday sun, and stay hydrated throughout the day. While keeping cool is important, avoid excessive use of air conditioning or ice-cold drinks, as sudden cold can weaken digestion and disrupt the body’s natural balance.
The Character of Xia Zhi: At the height of Yang, begin nurturing Yin.
Remain active, but do not exhaust yourself.
Remain bright, but cultivate inner stillness.
In the longest days of the year, the greatest wisdom is moderation.
This is a really busy, active and almost urgent time of the year, in nature right now we can see the hatching of insects such as dragonflies showing the shift in seasons.
The air is heating up and the humidity is rising. It is best to acclimatise to warmer weather, and cope without air conditioning and iced drinks. Dress lightly with a thought about protection from sun exposure.
Mind:
Prepare to close the chapter of Spring and open up into Summer, the aim is to prevent springs upward and outward momentum becoming a source of summer frustration by keeping the nervous system grounded.
Food:
Sour flavours are good this time of year, they are astringent and contracting, drawing the energy inwards, and tightening the pores, retaining vital body fluids that would be lost to heavy summer sweating.
Sour flavours includes lemon or lime water, grapefruits, apples, cherries, pomegranates, raspberries, and currents.
Bitter foods are often recommended for summer, but excess bitter can be too cooling for the digestive system this Solar Term, as they can dowse the digestive cooking fires, we look to using mild, earthy, sweet foods to support the digestion, for example grains like millet, and root vegetables yam, sweet potato and carrots.
Energies of this Solar Term:
The summer fire of the body can be squashed by a heavy lid of environmental humidity, and in some people this can lead to the heat being trapped in the chest, which agitates Mind or Shen, causing mental unrest, anxiety and insomnia.
The body senses humidity and heat and the warm yang energy rushes to the surface of the skin to manage sweat and regulate temperature, leaving the core organs especially the digestive system cold and vulnerable even as the sun warms the exterior.
This can lead to something called “Summer Wasting,” a heavy midday lethargy, with heavy limbs. That is easily countered by Acupuncture treatments and the following practices.
Exercise:
A regular, slow, yet meaningful upward stretch helps to clear the bodies internal water passages and allows stagnant dampness to move and give the body room to function.
Exercise can be moderately active during the cool of the day, but balanced with a rest, especially between midday and 1 pm. Look for signs of fatigue and avoid pushing beyond your limits.
Meditation:
Focus on mental clarity and the change of the season will helps prevent overwhelm.
Practice the “Jade Fluid Practice” – to help replenish fluids without the shock of cold water.
1 – Sit quietly for a few minutes.
2 – Begin to slowly and gently click teeth together 36 times.
3 – Swirl collected saliva three times around the mouth.
4 – Swallow in three intentional portions,
5 – Follow the movement of each swallow down into the stomach.
6 – Rest in the calm space for a few minutes before resuming your day.
This nourishes your natural yin and provides hydration at your bodies natural temperature.
By gently changing habits you can move smoothly and comfortable through even the stickiest days of the year.
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, please make an appointment.
Yang energy continues to rise as summer begins to establish itself. Temperatures increase, plants become full and abundant, and grains begin to swell but are not yet fully ripe, giving the solar term its name, Small Fullness. Nature is vibrant and growing, but has not yet reached its peak.
As Heat increases, Dampness often begins to accumulate alongside it. The Spleen remains important during this transition and can become burdened by warmth and humidity. The body may experience feelings of heaviness, sluggishness, digestive changes, restlessness, or a sense of internal heat building.
Mind
A time for moderation and balance give a 20% life buffer to help deflect exhaustion. Xiao Man reminds us that growth does not require excess. Feeling overstretched, impatient, or trying to do too much can create internal tension. Allow steady progress without pushing beyond your reserves. And be sure to rest during the middle of the day.
Exercise
Continue regular movement but avoid excessive heat and exhaustion. Walking, swimming, stretching, Tai Chi, or lighter outdoor activities. Be sure to exercise during cooler parts of the day. Gentle movement helps circulate Qi and prevents Dampness from settling. But remember to rest in the heat of the day.
Food
Choose lighter meals that support digestion and clear Heat without damaging the Spleen. By adding “bitter flavours” such as Rocket, Watercress, Chicory, Endive, Matcha or Dark Chocolate to your diet will clear heat, leafy greens, cucumber, berries, and lightly cooked foods work well. Continue reducing greasy and overly rich foods, and maintain good hydration without relying on iced drinks.
Clothing
Dress in lighter, breathable layers as temperatures rise, but avoid sudden overexposure to wind, strong sun, or air conditioning. Keep comfortable and cool while protecting the body from rapid changes in temperature.
Beginning of Summer (Li Xia) marks the transition from the gentle emergence of Spring into the expansive growth and vitality of Summer. Between 5th May and 21st May 2026, the rising influence of the Fire element and ascending Yang Qi encourages greater movement, activity, social connection, and outward expression. This guide explores how to remain balanced and nourished as nature shifts into a more dynamic phase of the year.
General
Explore the energetic significance of the Beginning of Summer within Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the movement from the “birth” phase of Spring into the active “growth” phase of Summer. Observe the rising dominance of Yang energy, the influence of the Fire element, see how living seasonally can help us remain aligned with the rhythms of nature.
If you are feeling weak and exhausted this time of the year, it may be that you are feeling the effect of the Yang Qi (chi, energy) moving outwards and leaving you digestive core, cold and depleted. Your digestive tract is unsupported and is running cold and waterlogged, this is called Summer Lethargy, and can easily be countered through treatment and assisted by dietary changes too.
Mind
Focuses on the emotional and mental aspects of the season, particularly the connection between Summer, the Heart, and the Shen (Spirit). It looks at supporting calm joy, emotional balance, healthy boundaries, and avoiding overstimulation as energy becomes more outward and expansive.
Exercise
Enjoy the feeling as your need for movement naturally changes during this solar term, encouraging more active exercise whilst avoiding overheating and depletion. It highlights the importance of sustainable vitality, hydration, and choosing cooler times of day for physical activity.
Food
Seasonal eating during the Beginning of Summer is key, including lighter meals, hydrating foods, seasonal vegetables, berries, and gently cooling ingredients that help support balance as temperatures rise. Reducing excessively greasy, fried, or heating foods and maintaining healthy digestion during warmer weather is key.
Avoid iced water, this can freeze your digestive activity more and compound the issue of exhaustion.
Clothing considers practical ways to remain comfortable and regulated during the seasonal transition, including breathable fabrics, layering, hydration, and supporting the body’s natural cooling mechanisms as external heat increases.
If you are over heated, avoid air conditioning as this leads to locking shut your pores and trapping cold in the internal organs, with the outer layer of Yang trying to escape, leading to possible skin eruptions.
The ancient knowledge of the Solar Terms provides a holistic seasonal guide rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, helping you embrace the warmth of the season with joy, connection and vitality of early Summer whilst maintaining balanced, resilience, and wellbeing.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, please make an appointment.
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
• Reduce damp-producing foods: sugar, dairy, excessive raw foods
• Morning sunlight exposure (very important for resetting yang)
• Gentle Spleen support points: ST36, SP6 (ask if appropriate for you, check with your Acupuncturist at your next appointment)
• Don’t oversleep — it actually worsens dampness in this pattern
This is essentially: the system waking up, but still has winter residue hanging around.
Open Gate
Boundaries becoming porous and letting in aggravating elements – leading to Allergy type symptoms. This is a beautiful but sometimes destabilising season.
What’s happening energetically:
The Liver’s natural function is to “spread and open”. In Clear and Bright, this becomes very active — almost like doors opening internally and externally and letting in the pollen.
It can be healthy (creative flow, emotional release), but if ungrounded it becomes chaotic.
• Emotional volatility but not necessarily anger — more “rawness”
• Strong urge to change life direction or clear everything out
How to help yourself:
• Grounding practices: slow walking, barefoot time on earth if possible
• Consistent routines (this is stabilising medicine in itself)
• Wind protection: scarf around neck, avoid strong wind exposure
• Going out for walks is good wear sunglasses and a face mask when outdoors or go out after the rain has settled the pollen.
• Acupuncture focus: LV3 + DU20 often used for centring and smoothing qi (ask if appropriate for you, check with your Acupuncturist at your next appointment)
• Emotional containment: avoid over-processing everything at once
• Keep meals regular — this anchors the Spleen and stabilises the “open system”
Think of this as: the doors are open — but you still need a frame so they don’t swing wildly.
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—it is not a substitute for individual medical care.
Dan Lloyd the Acupuncturist – dan@whatisthepoint.net – 07815814886
Yang energy is dominant as spring fully unfolds. Days lengthen, temperatures rise, and the environment shifts into a state of clarity and rapid renewal. Colours appear sharper, the sky clearer, and nature expands quickly.
As warmth increases, stored Kidney energy rises to the surface, moving into the tendons and muscles. This coincides with peak Liver (Wood) energy. At the same time, spring rains bring dampness, compressing the Spleen between upward Liver activity and downward humidity. This can contribute to Rising Fire, Spring Sleepiness, and the “Open Gate” pattern.
Mind
A time for reflection, gratitude, and letting go of what no longer serves you. Unprocessed grief can slow Qi circulation (Qi stagnation), blocking the natural upward movement of spring energy. Expressing emotion and speaking freely helps release this stagnation, preventing internal heat imbalance.
Exercise
Movement is essential to keep Qi flowing. Outdoor activity is especially beneficial—walking, jogging, gardening, or gentle hiking. Traditional practice also includes flying a kite, encouraging uplifted posture, open breathing, and emotional release.
Food
Eat fresh greens, herbs, and lightly cooked seasonal foods. Avoid heavy or greasy meals. Good choices include asparagus with garlic or ginger. Emphasise naturally sweet foods like sweet potato and yam, and reduce overly sour flavours.
Clothing
Dress lightly, but remain prepared for wind and spring showers.
Find out more about the three patterns that manifest, their symptoms and how to help yourself – in the next blog.
WhatIsThePoint.net 