Body Positive Acupuncture

Why You Might Sleep Worse in Summer (According to Chinese Medicine)

Struggling to fall asleep or waking up restless during the summer? Chinese Medicine—and specifically Five Element Acupuncture—offers some insight.

In this system, summer is ruled by the Fire element, which governs:

* The Heart (our emotional center and home of the Shen, or Spirit)
* The Small Intestine (helps sort thoughts and emotions)
* The Pericardium (protects emotional boundaries)
* The San Jiao (regulates body temperature and internal communication)

When Fire becomes excessive—due to longer days, emotional stimulation, social overextension, or external heat—it can disturb the Shen and affect sleep.

Common signs include:

* Trouble falling or staying asleep
* Restlessness or racing thoughts
* Vivid or intense dreams
* Feeling emotionally overwhelmed

How to support sleep in summer:

* Create calming evening rituals
* Drink cooling teas like mint or chrysanthemum
* Limit heavy, spicy, or stimulating foods at night
* Use acupuncture or acupressure to soothe the Heart and Shen

Balance the Fire, calm the Shen, and restore restful, nourishing sleep—even in the height of summer.

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