Summer Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine
‘The Great Yang Season’
Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet.”
~Bob Marley
Welcome to the summer season of 2025. This is a time of upward energy, that, when tapped into, is capable of transcending the mind and body to new heights. Summer is known as ‘The Great Yang Season’, which is the peak of yang energy, an energy that connects to light, warmth and an extension of one’s optimal state-of-being. This is a season where nature and the human body are governed by the surrounding yang energy, easily identified in the abundance of life and movement all around. By following these and other seasonal clues one can forge a protocol to renew balance, restore compromised energy, boost the immune system, and improve overall quality of life (QoL).
Explore our Integrative Med Solutions (IMS), ‘Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine Summer Newsletter 2025’, full of great info to get started on “moving your dancing feet” to embrace such a sublime and magical time. It is the best season to utilize the natural energy of acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, nutraceutical supplementation, and detoxification for optimal results.
Following the Organs, Elements and Cycles of Summer
The related organs of summer are: Heart and Small Intestine.
The associated element is: Fire.
Specific times of day associated with the optimal use of each organ during summer are:
11am -1pm for Heart and 1pm -3pm for Small Intestine.
According to Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), in what is known as the ‘generation cycle’ and the ‘control cycle’, Heart and Fire must be balanced to work synchronistically during the season of summer. Through the lens of naturopathic medicine, CCM and acupuncture, a practitioner will use these ‘cycles’ to assess and treat accordingly. First, the proper personality element trait needs to be assessed.
An example of elements and personalities are:
- Fire – Passionate, enthusiastic, charismatic, restless, anxious.
- Earth – Reliable, nurturing, loyal, worrying, overthinking, rotund in frame.
- Metal – Disciplined, detail-oriented, organized, perfectionist, rigid,
- Water – Adaptive, intuitive, introspective, isolated, fearful.
- Wood – Creative, assertive, ambitious, angry, frustrated.
The application of the elements works in conjunction with the generation and control cycles which according to a post by Research Gate, “The cycle continually gives rise to change and transformation”. Each cycle is described as follows:
Generation cycle:
- Wood generates fire (wood fuel for fire)
- Fire generates earth (ashes)
- Earth generates metal (found in the earth)
- Metal generates water (condenses)
- Water generates wood (necessary for its growth).
Control cycle:
- Fire melts metal
- Metal cuts wood
- Wood consumes earth
- Earth absorbs water
- Water extinguishes fire.
When these are out of balance, naturopathic medicine, CCM and acupuncture could help. Some signs of a fire imbalance may include:
- Mood swings
- Stress
- Heartburn
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Easily agitated
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
Strengthening a weak heart (literally and figuratively) can make all the difference in navigating the summer season. The heart is referred to as ‘The Benevolent, Enlightened Emperor’ as it is considered the ruler of all twelve major meridians. Meridians are the pathways of the flow of qi to which, according to CCM, various therapies (acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, nutraceutical supplementation, detoxification) can be applied to induce healing and balance. These are optimal tools in attaining the mind-body connection through meridian and systemic applications capable of unlocking all that summer has to offer.
Acupuncture for FOMO
Friends and family may take summer by the horns, telegraphing their joy by posting about frolicking on pristine beaches, dancing at music festivals or warm afternoons of bike riding. As a result, sometimes that feeling of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and in some cases even depression, may arise. Whether it is a slight bout with the blues or a longtime struggle, feeling down can be difficult to shake. Pivoting into an acupuncture session may help.
According to a systematic review and meta-analysis posted by the National Library of Medicine titled, ‘Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Depression’, it was stated that,
“Our review includes 22 trials with 2391 participants. The finding demonstrated that acupuncture could reduce the severity of depression, which is consistent with the Cochrane review. Acupuncture, either in isolation or as an adjunction to pharmacological treatment, has clinical benefits and could be considered a safe option for managing depression if qualified practitioners perform the intervention.”
In addition to treating depression that may arise during the this season, acupuncture can be applied for other related summer compromises, including:
- Heat exhaustion
- Hyperhidrosis a/k/a excessive sweating
- Heat fog: brain sensitivity to heat and humidity
- Skin rashes, acne and other heat related outbreaks
- Summer stress caused by over-activity
- Body aches and pains due to high physical summer activities
At IMS, licensed acupuncturist Dr. Fred Lisanti offers individualized acupuncture treatments that are tailored to each specific need. When it comes to the summer season, a weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture protocol could enhance a more balanced QoL (Quality of Life.)
Detox and Discover
Summer is a great time to start a detoxification program due to the high activity and hot days, when hunger is not as prominent as during fall and winter. Committing to detox is just that, a commitment. Whether it is twenty-four hours or two weeks, focusing on a clean, seasonally appropriate diet as well as integrated botanical herbs can enhance a successful mind-body cleansing. Some herb choices and how each may help include:
- Hibiscus – Heat clearing properties
- Mint – Relieves heat in head and chest
- Lemon balm – Helps calm body and mind
- Passion Flower – Relieves heart during hot days
- Lotus Leaf – Helps promote urination to expel summer heat
- Chrysanthemum – Clears heat from lungs and promotes cooling
- Watermelon rind – Not really an herb but is associated with alleviating thirst and heat
Once detoxification is completed there may be a few beneficial discoveries which may include: weight loss, clearer skin, healthy digestion and much more. At IMS, a detoxification program can be individually designed and guided according to each elemental personality trait for optimal results.
Mindful Practices for Summer
The freedom of long, warm summer days beckons the body to move. By harnessing yang energy through mindful practices, a higher QoL may be attained on a variety of levels.
These mindful practices may include:
- Meditative activity choices such as: yoga, tai chi, and qi gong
- Physical activity choices such as: hiking, swimming, and dancing
- Self-care applications such as: acupuncture, massage and grounding
- Seasonal high-vibration foods such as: watermelon, papaya, asparagus and cucumber
- Daily nutritional and botanical supplements such as: B12, D3, K2, zinc, turmeric, etc.
- Sleep cycle fix changes such as: go to bed the same time each night; rise early; apply complementary applications including lavender, melatonin and magnesium
Explore some of these options as lifestyle changes during this season of rapid movement. When subsequent seasons slow down, all the cylinders will be firing at once rather than trying to catch up when too little, is too late.
The Great Hydrate
Summer heat can really zap fluids from the body fast. Dehydration is a big cause of various symptoms that can take one by surprise, particularly the elderly. Drinking water can only do so much and, for many, the lack of taste tends to diminish proper hydration levels. Thankfully there are other ways to hydrate by consuming fresh, raw fruit and vegetable produce. In a 2025 European study posted by the NIH PubMed site, it was found that,
“New research is emerging on the role of FV [fruit and vegetable] consumption in regulating gut microbiota and on both mental and brain health; the potential role of FV production and supply in tackling biodiversity loss and climate change; and better monitoring of FV consumption.”
Good hydrating foods for summer include: watermelon, strawberries, peaches, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, summer squash, asparagus, and bell peppers.
In addition, maintaining good electrolytes (calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and sodium) is just as essential because simply water and even some FV’s are not sufficient enough. Lack of electrolytes can not only cause dehydration but also result in fatigue, muscle cramps, confusion, dry skin, depression, and joint stiffness.
Natural electrolytes include: dill pickles, spinach, avocado, tofu, pumpkin seeds, bananas, white beans and mushrooms.
Sumptuous Seasonal Symmetry
Eating with the seasons offers a balancing protocol that can assist in embracing the natural associated benefits of each season. When it comes to summer, it is all about hydrating and cooling foods to offset the high heat index. Also, according to CCM, specific foods can support the summer related organs: Heart and Small Intestines. Some of these foods include:
- Grains: Quinoa, rice
- Beans: Black beans, adzuki beans
- Fruits: Watermelon, lemons, apricots, peaches, cantaloupe
- Herbs & Spices: Garlic, fresh ginger, onion, basil, leeks, horseradish
- Vegetables: Carrots, cabbage, kale, radish, spinach, sweet potato, yam, white potato
Get started eating with the seasons by following these two recipes below. Then, create new ones to stay balanced and challenged in seasonal recipe expertise!
Creamy Summer Squash Soup
A soothing non-dairy soup that aids digestion and cools the body by as the squash is associated with counteracting heat.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
4 medium-sized summer squash (zucchini or pattypan)
1 cup fresh basil
4 cups water
½ tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Chop squash and basil.
Sauté squash in olive oil until tender.
Add basil, salt, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add water and simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend until smooth and season with black pepper.
*Recipe courtesy of Jennifer Raye
Lychee and Watermelon Cocktail
A hydrating and cooling beverage combining lychee and watermelon, both considered beneficial for clearing heat and promoting fluid balance in classical Chinese medicine.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup lychee juice
6-9 lychees
3 thin slices of watermelon
3 sprigs of mint
2 cans of soda water
Instructions:
Cut watermelon slices to fit into glasses.
Pour 1/4 cup lychee juice into each glass.
Skewer 2-3 lychees and add to each glass.
Add watermelon slices and mint sprigs.
Top with soda water.
This cocktail is a delightful way to stay cool and refreshed.
*Recipe courtesy of The Beijinger
News & Noteworthy
Frown Less, Smile More with Acupuncture
It looks like acupuncture may help keep a smile intact. Results of the 2025 randomized controlled trial, ‘Is Acupuncture Effective in Diminishing Frown Lines?’ concluded (as reported by Dermatology Times) that,
“The study found acupuncture appears to be a safe and moderately effective treatment for reducing glabellar frown lines, improving both objective wrinkle severity and patient satisfaction, while offering modest improvements in quality of life. Though further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are necessary, this research supports acupuncture as a viable complementary option for facial rejuvenation, particularly in individuals seeking non-invasive alternatives to surgery or neurotoxins.”
Adrenal Support Supplements
A report by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) investigated the benefits of adrenal support supplements. The adrenals are small triangular glands which are part of the endocrine system that sit on top of each kidney responsible for regulating essential hormones which control metabolism, stress response, immune function, sexual development and blood pressure. When these glands are thrown off balance it may be referred to as. “adrenal fatigue”. The AANMC reported on 6 support supplements that may help adrenal fatigue and rebalance these essential hormones. The supplements are:
- Rhodiola Rosea – reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, support hormonal balance
- Magnesium – balance cortisol, lower histamine, anti-inflammatory, boost immune system
- Ashwagandha – lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep
- Licorice Root – regulate cortisol, balance blood sugar, promote hormonal equilibrium
- B-Vitamins (B12, B9, B6, B5 & B1) – regulate cortisol, reduce stress, glucose support
At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a summer season health treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914-337-2980 or Click Here to schedule an online appointment.
*Please Click Here to see a current list of insurance companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. For more info, please call 914-337-2980 or securely email us at info@intmedsolutions.com.
Best in health from Integrative Med Solutions.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10108109/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40042527/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11975151/
https://aanmc.org/natural-remedies/adrenal-support-supplements/