Summer Self-Care & Rituals
- Stephanie Haney
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Staying Balanced with the Season
Summer brings warmth, activity, and expansive energy—but it can also lead to burnout, inflammation, and imbalance if we’re not attuned to what our bodies truly need. In Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element, the Heart, and the emotion of joy. It’s a time of outward expression, connection, and passion—but also a time when rest and boundaries are vital to staying grounded.
At East West Integrative Medicine, we encourage seasonal self-care to support your physical, emotional, and energetic health. Here are a few summer rituals and wellness practices to help you stay balanced, nourished, and aligned through the brighter months.
1. Cool the Body & Calm the Heart
Summer heat, yes, even in San Francisco, can over-activate the Heart and lead to symptoms like irritability, insomnia, restlessness, or even anxiety. Incorporate cooling practices to soothe your nervous system and support your inner balance.
Try:
Herbal teas like chrysanthemum, mint, or hibiscus
Acupuncture to support Heart and Small Intestine meridians
Breathwork or meditation in the early morning or evening
Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can generate internal heat
Acupuncture, bodywork, and reiki are beautiful ways to reset your nervous system and reconnect with inner calm during high-energy seasons.
2. This Summer Eat with the Season
Focus on hydrating, light, and fresh foods to nourish Yin and prevent overheating. Seasonal eating supports digestion, energy, and mood regulation—especially during a time when we’re more active and social.
Summer-friendly foods:
Watermelon, cucumber, leafy greens, sprouts
Stone fruits like peaches and plums
Light grains like millet, quinoa, and rice
Bitter greens like dandelion or arugula (to clear excess heat)
Avoid heavy, greasy, or overly spicy foods, which can tax the digestive system and contribute to inflammation anad internal heat.
3. Aline Your Energy with Nature
Take advantage of the long daylight hours, but pace yourself. Summer encourages us to be social, expressive, and engaged—but too much stimulation can lead to depletion.
Rituals to try:
Morning walks before the heat of the day
Journaling with sunrise or sunset
Creating a summer altar with seasonal flowers, candles, or affirmations of joy and growth
Moon bathing or sitting outside under the stars to cool and calm your energy
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Heart is said to house the Shen, or spirit. Summer is an ideal time to tend to your spirit through connection, creativity, and joy—but then replenish through stillness and rest.
4. Make a Ritual of Seasonal Bodywork
Summer is a great time to nourish the Heart, support digestion, and release tension from increased physical activity. Treatments like Reiki, abdominal therapy, or acupuncture can help you reset and stay aligned through the shifts in temperature and rhythm.
Consider scheduling:
Acupuncture for insomnia, stress, or heat-related symptoms
Abdominal therapy to support digestion and reproductive health
Reiki sessions to regulate your emotional energy and restore balance
5. Summer Self-Care includes Reflection & Rest
While summer often feels outward-facing, make space to check in with yourself. Where are you overextending? Where can you say no? What kind of rest feels truly restorative?
Journal prompts for summer:
Where do I feel most alive right now?
What’s one small way I can invite in more joy this month?
How can I protect my energy while staying open-hearted?
Stay Connected to you Center This Summer
At East West Integrative Medicine in San Francisco, we support your wellness through all seasons. Whether you're looking to ease heat-induced stress, boost energy, or simply take time to care for your body and spirit, we're here for you with holistic offerings including acupuncture, Reiki, herbal medicine, and integrative bodywork.
Book a summer self-care session with us today and stay grounded, calm, and joyful through the season.
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