We are now deep in the heart of summer, a season that pulses with Yang energy: vibrant, expansive, and outward-moving. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is governed by the Fire element, which influences not only the climate and environment, but also our internal rhythms, emotions, and organ systems. This time of year can be invigorating, but it also comes with a risk of becoming scattered, overheated, or emotionally overextended if we don’t stay grounded. As we move into the week ahead, it’s worth checking in with how this seasonal energy is interacting with your body and spirit—and how you can stay centered amid the intensity.

The Fire Element in Summer

Fire governs the Heart and Small Intestine in TCM. The Heart houses the Shen, or spirit, and is responsible for clarity, joy, and conscious awareness. In balance, Fire brings enthusiasm, love, connection, and insight. Out of balance, it can manifest as anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, or even sudden bursts of emotion. In the environment, this translates to high temperatures, long days, and a tendency to overcommit or burn out.

This week, as temperatures rise and social calendars fill up, the Fire element can easily become excessive. You may find yourself feeling mentally scattered, sleep disrupted, or more emotionally reactive than usual. This is your body’s way of saying: it’s time to come back to Earth.

Counterbalance Fire with Earth

In the Five Elements cycle, Earth follows Fire. Earth grounds and harmonizes. It’s associated with the Stomach and Spleen, digestion, nourishment, and mental focus. If Fire is the spark, Earth is the hearth. When Fire runs too hot, Earth is the element we call upon to bring stability. This makes Earth practices especially important in the weeks surrounding late July and early August, what we call the “Late Summer” or Earth Season in TCM.

Here’s how you can lean into Earth energy to balance this week:

• Eat Warm, Moist Foods: While salads and smoothies may seem refreshing, excessive cold and raw foods can weaken the Spleen. Opt for lightly cooked meals, warm grains like millet or rice, root vegetables, and soups made with bone broth or herbs like astragalus or ginger to support digestion and center the mind.
• Structure Your Day: Fire invites spontaneity and passion, but without structure, it can become chaotic. Give yourself anchor points during the day—consistent mealtimes, short walks, and designated periods for rest. This gives your body a rhythm to rely on, which nourishes Earth energy.
• Limit Overstimulation: Too much noise, socializing, or screen time can scatter Shen and exhaust the Heart. Create small rituals of stillness: quiet tea in the morning, gentle stretching before bed, or even simply placing a hand on your chest and breathing slowly for one minute.
• Strengthen the Center: Gentle core exercises, qigong, or abdominal massage can stimulate Spleen Qi and support both physical and emotional stability.

Watch for Signs of Imbalance

If you’re waking up anxious, experiencing digestive bloating, craving sweets, or finding it hard to stay focused, these are gentle nudges from your system that you may need more grounding. Rather than pushing through, take it as a call to recalibrate. TCM teaches that health is not about never feeling off—it’s about recognizing when you’re veering out of harmony and making small adjustments to return.

Looking Ahead: Use the Week Wisely

As we approach the later stages of summer, it’s a good time to slow down just enough to listen inward. Let your energy still rise with the sun, but temper it with moments of rootedness. Summer is a wonderful time for joy and movement, but without Earth’s stabilizing influence, that joy can quickly flicker out. You don’t have to dampen your fire—you just have to give it a steady place to burn.

So this week, ask yourself: What grounds me? Then do a little more of that. Not for perfection, but for presence.

Keep your feet on the Earth and your spirit bright—

Jake