As spring winds down and June opens the door to the start of summer, nature encourages us to ease into the new season with grace. In Chinese Medicine, this is a time of movement, expansion, and renewal—when the energy of Wood (associated with Spring) begins to yield to the Fire element of Summer.
At Lisa Jensen Acupuncture, we honor these natural rhythms to support your health with seasonal wisdom rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Let’s explore what this seasonal shift means for your body, mind, and spirit—and how you can nourish yourself with food and lifestyle choices to thrive.
Spring to Summer: The Wood-Fire Transition
Spring (Wood Element) represents growth, vision, and renewal. The Liver and Gallbladder are the organs associated with Spring and are responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and emotions. As we enter June, the expanding Yang energy peaks and transitions into Summer (Fire Element), which governs the Heart and Small Intestine.
This energetic shift brings an increase in warmth, light, and activity. It’s a natural time to open your heart, foster joy, and connect with others. However, if Liver Qi is stagnant or if we resist this transition, we may feel irritable, anxious, or fatigued.
Tips for a Smooth Seasonal Transition
Here are a few TCM-inspired tips to stay balanced as we move into summer:
1. Wake with the Sun
Longer daylight hours mean it’s time to rise earlier and take advantage of morning energy. Early movement (walking, stretching, qigong) helps Liver Qi flow freely.
2. Lighten Your Diet
As the weather warms, begin to shift from heavier foods to lighter, more cooling fare. Think fresh greens, sprouts, berries, and lightly cooked vegetables. Avoid excessive hot spices and fried foods, which can aggravate the Liver and Heart.
3. Hydrate and Cool
The Heart thrives with good circulation and hydration. Sip room-temperature or slightly cool herbal teas like chrysanthemum, mint, or rose. Avoid icy drinks, which can shock the digestive system.
4. Balance Activity with Rest
While summer encourages activity, be sure to balance it with quiet time. Too much stimulation can exhaust the Heart and spirit (Shen).
Seasonal Recipe: Mung Bean & Quinoa Salad with Mint-Lime Dressing
This refreshing, protein-rich salad is packed with cooling ingredients that support your Liver and Heart during the seasonal shift.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked mung beans (or green lentils- I usually use lentils)
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1 cup cooked quinoa
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1 cup chopped cucumber
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½ cup chopped fresh mint
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½ cup chopped parsley
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¼ cup chopped green onion
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Juice of 1–2 limes
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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Sea salt to taste
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Optional: crumbled feta or avocado slices (yes, please!)
Instructions:
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Cook mung beans and quinoa ahead of time and let them cool.
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In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
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In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, ginger, and salt.
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Toss the dressing into the salad and chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Why it’s good for you:
Mung beans are cooling and detoxifying, quinoa supports digestion, mint soothes the Liver, and lime refreshes the spirit. This salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner on warmer days.
Seasonal Acupuncture Tune-Up
Now is a wonderful time to come in for a seasonal balancing treatment. Acupuncture can help:
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Regulate emotions and reduce stress
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Support restful sleep and energy
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Harmonize the transition from Spring to Summer
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Nourish the Heart and clear Liver stagnation
Let’s align your inner landscape with the season ahead.
Click here to schedule your appointment: https://lisajensenacupuncture.janeapp.com/
Honoring Fathers This Month
June also brings Father’s Day, a time to honor the supportive, steady energy of fatherhood in all its forms. In Chinese Medicine, this corresponds beautifully with Yang energy—active, protective, and outward-facing.
Whether you’re celebrating a father, grandfather, mentor, or being honored yourself, we invite you to pause and appreciate the grounding presence these figures provide in our lives.
A gift of wellness—like an acupuncture session—can be a thoughtful way to show appreciation. Gift cards are available in any amount on my booking site.
Share Your Experience—Leave a Google Review
If you’ve benefited from your sessions at Lisa Jensen Acupuncture, would you consider taking a moment to leave a review? Your kind words help others discover how acupuncture can support their wellness journey.
Leave a Google Review Here: https://g.page/r/CVP_mkozBp46EBM/review
Thank you for your trust and support—it means so much!
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!