Living in Floridal means getting used to long, hot summers — but this June’s high humidity, frequent thunderstorms, and extreme UV index can take a toll on your health and energy.

If you’re feeling tired, bloated, overheated, or anxious, your body may be struggling with what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) calls damp-heat — a condition where too much heat and moisture accumulate internally.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• What damp-heat is (and why it matters in Florida)
  
  
• Signs your body is overheated or out of balance
  
  
• Cooling foods and lifestyle changes that actually help
  
  

Acupuncture and holistic treatments to support your summer wellness.

What Is Damp-Heat in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element and the Heart organ system. This brings vibrant, outward energy — but when the environment is hot and humid, your internal systems can become overheated and stagnant, leading to damp-heat.

Signs of damp-heat:

• Afternoon fatigue or “heaviness” in the body
  
  
• Digestive issues like bloating or loose stools
  
  
• Brain fog or lack of mental clarity
  
  
• Skin breakouts or inflammation
  
  
• Poor sleep or increased anxiety
  
  
• Feeling irritable or overheated
  
  

In TCM, these symptoms reflect Qi imbalance — and seasonal tuning can help you reset.

5 Ways to Cool Your Qi.

Looking for natural ways to cool down? These tips are backed by both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern science.

1. Eat Cooling Foods for Summer

Cooling foods help reduce internal heat and inflammation. In TCM, foods have energetic qualities — not just calories or macros.

Add these to your summer grocery list:

• Cucumber, watermelon, celery, and mung beans
  
  
• Mint, arugula, and bitter greens
  
  
• Chrysanthemum tea, barley water, hibiscus tea
  
  

Studies show mung beans and barley have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects. -Chen et al., 2012

2. Hydrate the TCM Way

Yes, it’s hot — but ice water isn’t the answer. TCM believes cold drinks can weaken digestive fire (your Spleen and Stomach Qi).

Try instead:

• Room-temp or warm herbal teas (like peppermint or chrysanthemum)
  
  
• Cucumber- or lemon-infused water
  
  

Avoid sugary drinks, which worsen internal dampness.

3. Time Your Activities to Beat the Heat

UV levels in Jacksonville are extreme by midday, and TCM warns that overexerting during peak heat weakens Heart Qi.

Avoid exercise between 11am and 3pm.
Instead, walk early or after sundown.
Practice cooling breathwork, yin yoga, or meditation.

Studies show excess heat exposure leads to increased fatigue, inflammation, and reduced cognitive performance.-Lundgren et al., 2013

4. Use Cooling Acupressure Points

Acupressure is a simple way to regulate heat and calm the nervous system.

Try these two points:

• Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan): calms anxiety, helps with nausea
  
  
• Large Intestine 11 (Quchi): clears heat from the body
  
  

Massage each point gently for 1–2 minutes, especially in the late afternoon or before bed.

5. Rest & Detox with Summer TCM Treatments

When it’s muggy and stormy outside, it’s time to turn inward and restore your Qi. TCM supports seasonal balance with gentle, non-invasive therapies.

Here at  A Balanced Youou can experience:

• Facial acupuncture (lymphatic drainage, cooling and sculpting)
  
  
• Micro-current anti-aging facials
  
  
• Acussage to balance energy and calm anxiety.
  

Why Jacksonville Residents Need This More Than Ever

Summer in Jacksonville often brings:

• 80–90°F highs
  
  
• 70–90% humidity
  
  
• Thunderstorms and air pressure shifts
  
  
• UV index over 10
  
  

If your body feels stuck, inflamed, or restless, you're not alone. This climate triggers heat-related stress and fatigue, and many people find relief with TCM-based seasonal adjustments.

Whether you're new to acupuncture or looking for natural ways to reduce internal heat and beat summer fatigue, now is a perfect time to tune in.

Final Thoughts

Your body is wise — and when the heat rises, it’s asking for help. Through cooling foods, mindful movement, and holistic treatments, you can stay centered, light, and cool all summer long.

Let’s cool your Qi — and bring your whole system back into balance. Plus we would love to see you! 

Book your session or ask a question here.