Mid-Summer Reflections: Nourishing the Heart

We’re in the heart of summer, and this one has felt especially warm and damp. Soon, we’ll begin to shift into late summer, when temperatures gradually cool and the days begin to shorten. But until then, we continue to navigate the heat.

If your summer has been anything like mine, it’s been full of travel, disrupted routines, plane rides, some processed food, and late nights. Despite these temporary changes, beautiful memories have been made, and the Heart is happy.

The Season of Fire

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is ruled by the Fire element, which mirrors both the outer summer heat and the inner fire of the Heart, the principal organ of the season. Uniquely, summer is associated with four organs: the Heart, Pericardium, Small Intestine, and Triple Warmer.

The Heart is considered the Emperor of the body. It’s no surprise, then, that it has three other organs supporting its function this season.

Joy: The Emotion of Summer

The Fire element is associated with the emotion of Joy. In summer, our Qi naturally moves outward, encouraging connection, activity, communication, generosity, and love. It’s a time to gather—at the beach, in parks, for picnics, laughter, and celebration.

But amidst this outward expansion, it’s essential to protect and care for the Heart.

Physically, the Heart governs the circulation of blood and Qi. When Heart Qi becomes imbalanced—whether from excessive or depleted Fire—it can manifest as:

• Poor circulation

• Palpitations, sweating, anxiety

• Insomnia, nightmares

• Restlessness or inability to concentrate

• Emotional extremes.

Mid-Summer Reflections

In Qigong and TCM, we align with the seasons to strengthen our body’s systems. As we prepare to transition into late summer—when we shift our attention to the Spleen and Stomach (more on that in a future post)—this is a perfect time to turn inward and reflect on the state of your Heart.

How Do I Feel?

Am I feeling joyful, light, and optimistic? These are natural emotions that align with the energy of the season. Just observe the birds singing freely or blossoms turning toward the sun—there’s a rhythm and joy to it all.

But if you notice feelings of anxiety, irritability, or heaviness, it may be a signal that your Heart Qi is out of balance. Overexcitement, under-excitement, or impatience can also be signs of imbalanced heart fire. These emotional states might arise from personal circumstances, the collective emotional climate, overstimulation, or simply burnout from doing too much.

Often, we push through our days without pausing to check in. But the Heart invites us to be honest, not to judge what we find, but simply to witness and acknowledge it. Only when we recognize how we truly feel can we begin to shift that energy.

Joy doesn’t always appear as exuberant happiness. Sometimes it’s quiet contentment, a gentle smile, or a sense of peace. When we make space for these small joys, we nourish the Heart and help emotional energy flow freely once again. These subtle shifts also go a long way in supporting the physical heart.

How am I sleeping?

Both insomnia and excessive sleep may indicate an imbalance in Heart Fire. Use the longer daylight hours to be active, especially in the mornings. The Heart thrives on movement and circulation.

When Fire rises uncontrollably, it disturbs the Shen (spirit), leading to restlessness and disrupted sleep. In Chinese Medicine, treating insomnia often includes acupuncture and a supporting herbal formula, or even something as simple as a warm herbal foot bath before bed.

How are my relationships?

Do I feel open, connected, and generous? Am I giving and receiving love with ease?

The Heart's energy expresses through speech (tongue) and touch, encouraging intimacy and community. Summer invites us to connect, but it also asks us to be mindful of how much energy we give. Know your limits. Respect your personal social rhythm.

The Power of Balance

As with all things in life, balance and moderation are key. When Fire is in harmony, we experience:

• Clear communication

• Purposeful action

• Emotional stability

• Joyful calm

• A sense of flow and the ability to let go of control

Cultivate a temperament that is even, calm, and joyful. Slow down. While the season's natural Yang energy encourages outward activity, be sure to balance it by inviting in Yin energy through stillness, self-reflection, and simplicity.

Try this Qigong routine to help clear excess heat, or this one to open the Heart energy.

By nurturing your Heart now, you prepare your body and spirit for the transition into autumn—and strengthen your immune system along the way.

Nourishing Foods for Heart Health

Support your Heart and the Fire element with seasonal, cooling foods, such as cucumbers, watermelons, peaches and mint. Incorporate small amounts of bitter flavors, including bitter melon and dandelion greens. And of course, stay well hydrated with plenty of water and herbal teas.

“Simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.

Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are.

Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.”

— Lao Tzu