Cooling the Fire: How TCM Supports Cardiovascular Health in Summer

Summer revolves around sunny days, vacations, and engaging in outdoor activities. During this time of year, various factors such as heat, humidity, and changes in daily routines can impact heart health. It is important to be aware of how these elements may affect cardiovascular well-being.

Common Heart Problems That Can Heat Up in Summer

High Blood Pressure

During summer, your body attempts to cool itself by widening your blood vessels, which can occasionally reduce your blood pressure. Nevertheless, if you have high blood pressure, it's crucial to pay attention to your fluid consumption. Insufficient hydration or overindulging in caffeine, alcohol, or salty snacks (hello, BBQ season) can cause unexpected fluctuations in blood pressure.

Poor Circulation

Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. Conversely, dehydration thickens your blood, hindering smooth flow, particularly if you already have circulation issues.

Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat

Excessive heat can cause restlessness, anxiety, and that peculiar fluttering sensation in your chest. Combine this with too much caffeine, inadequate sleep, or emotional stress, and your heart may feel like it’s dancing to its own rhythm.

What Traditional Chinese Medicine Says About It

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is the season of the heart and fire element. It’s the time of year when yang energy is at its peak—lots of heat, lots of movement. But too much heat (internal or external) can cause problems like palpitations, irritability, insomnia, excessive sweating, and fatigue, etc. So, in TCM, summer heart care is all about clearing heat, nourishing Yin (your cooling energy), and keeping fluids in balance.

How Acupuncture Helps with Common Heart Issues

Acupuncture effectively reduces blood pressure by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation in blood vessels. It also alleviates stress and tension, which often worsen high blood pressure. Acupuncture manages this by addressing what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) calls “Heart Fire” or “disturbed Shen” (spirit/mind). It restores the flow of Qi and blood, enhancing circulation and supporting long-term heart health.

Key acupuncture points include: PC6 – beneficial for nausea, anxiety, and heart rhythm; HT7 – calms the mind and aids sleep; and LI11 and LI4 – cool the body and release excess heat.

You can practice light acupressure at home or visit a licensed acupuncturist.

Be Mindful of Your Routine During Summer Heat

Gently Move Your Qi—Participating in activities like Tai Chi or Qi Gong is perfect for the summer. These exercises are low-impact, soothing, and improve blood circulation without overheating your body. The optimal times to practice are early mornings or evenings when it's cooler.

Meanwhile, take a break during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11 am and 3 pm). Keep your bedroom cool and airy to enhance sleep quality. Don't forget to take your medications, even when on vacation! Be cautious of sudden chills, such as those from strong air conditioning, as abrupt temperature changes can be a shock to your system.

Looking to improve your heart health? Schedule an appointment with Toronto Integrative Medicine Centre.