5 Summer Self-Care Tips from Your Acupuncturist
Summer is the season of Fire in Chinese Medicine—a time of brightness, joy, connection, and outward energy. It’s a season to nurture the spark that animates your spirit. But too much heat (literal or emotional) can leave you feeling frazzled, inflamed, or burned out before summer’s even over.
To help you stay cool, balanced, and nourished during these warmer months, I’m sharing five of my favorite Chinese Medicine–inspired self-care practices. These small, intentional shifts can support your energy now and help you transition into fall feeling centered and well-resourced.
1. Sip Warm Drinks—Even When It’s Hot
It might seem counterintuitive, but drinking cold beverages can actually dampen your digestive fire. That fire is essential for transforming food into energy. Try swapping iced drinks for room temperature or warm options like lemon water, ginger tea, or bone broth. If you’re having a salad, add something warm—like grilled protein or quinoa—to make it easier on your digestion. You might be surprised how quickly your energy and gut thank you.
2. Set Boundaries Around Social Energy
Summer tends to fill up fast—with BBQs, beach days, family gatherings, and events. While connection is beautiful, overdoing it can scatter your spirit and leave you feeling depleted. Choose just one or two things that truly nourish you—and give yourself permission to say no to the rest. This isn’t selfish; it’s a form of self-care and energetic integrity.
3. Get Sweaty (On Purpose)
Sweating helps release excess heat and move stuck qi. Find movement that brings joy—walk in the woods, dance in your living room, weed your garden, or stretch on your porch. Afterward, rinse off the heat with a cool shower and rest. It’s a simple but powerful way to reset body and mind.
4. Don’t Skip Summer Acupuncture
It’s common to think of acupuncture as something you do when symptoms flare—but in Chinese Medicine, we treat the season before the season. If you tend to experience allergies, fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, or grief in the fall, summer is your window to strengthen your Lung and Spleen qi, support your nervous system, and build resilience from the inside out.
5. Rest at Night, Rise with the Sun
With the long days of summer, it’s tempting to stretch your evenings. But your Heart and Liver need nighttime rest to do their deep healing. Try winding down earlier and aligning your rhythm with the sun. You’ll likely notice a shift in your mood, focus, and overall energy.
Stay Seasonal, Stay Steady
True self-care isn’t about extremes—it’s about tuning in with the rhythm of the seasons and meeting yourself with care and consistency. If you’ve been feeling overheated, anxious, or just worn thin by the pace of summer, acupuncture can help bring your system back into balance. And if the heat is causing a flare-up of pain, we can address that too. I’d love to support you in staying grounded, energized, and well this season.
In health and gratitude, Lisa
About the Author
Hi, I’m Lisa Jensen, a Licensed Acupuncturist in Winchester, MA with a passion for helping people find balance and healing through traditional Chinese medicine. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in pain management and women’s health—fertility, pregnancy, and peri/menopause care, and believe in the power of natural healing to enhance overall well-being. When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me with my husband and 2 kids, enjoying hikes with my dog Ernie, or practicing meditation and yoga. I created this blog to share tips, insights, and the latest in holistic health practices to support your wellness journey.
Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to connect and answer any questions you may have!