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What Chinese Medicine Says About Feeling Irritable, Anxious, or Overheated

At the time I am writing this we just came off of one of the hottest, muggiest weekends of summer.  I spent it outdoors and by the end of the day I was exhausted and had difficulty cooling myself down.  By late summer, it’s not just the weather that’s running hot—you might be, too. If you’ve been feeling more irritable than usual, struggling with sleep, or noticing heat-related symptoms like breakouts or night sweats, Chinese medicine has a name for it: Summer Heat.

Unlike the temperature outside, Summer Heat in Chinese medicine doesn’t just affect your body. It can also disrupt your mood, your sleep, and your overall sense of balance.

What Is Summer Heat in Chinese Medicine?

Summer Heat is considered a “pathogenic factor”—an external force that can enter the body and create imbalance. While some people tolerate heat easily, others are more sensitive to it. Long stretches of hot, humid weather can push your system out of sync, especially if you’re already feeling run down or stressed.

In particular, Summer Heat tends to affect the Heart and Liver systems, which are closely tied to emotional regulation, sleep, and circulation.

Signs You Might Have Too Much Heat in the System

Some common signs include:

• Feeling overheated, flushed, or restless
• Irritability or quick temper
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Vivid dreams or night sweats
• Skin issues like rashes or breakouts
• Mouth sores or increased thirst
• Low appetite or even nausea

Even if these symptoms are subtle, they’re your body’s way of saying it needs to release excess heat, replenish fluids, and regain balance.

Simple Ways to Cool Down — From the Inside Out

You don’t have to suffer through August feeling fried. Here are a few ways to naturally reduce internal heat and restore your sense of calm:

1. Eat Cooling Foods

In Chinese medicine, certain foods are known for their ability to clear heat. Try:

• Watermelon, cucumber, mint
• Lightly steamed greens like bok choy or spinach
• Mung beans are amazing at cooling down the body (see recipe below)
• Chrysanthemum tea or pear juice

Avoid too many spicy, greasy, or fried foods, which can increase internal heat.

2. Use Acupressure for Calm and Sleep

A helpful point to try at home is Heart 7, located on the inside of the wrist crease, just below the pinky side. Gently press or massage for 30–60 seconds on each wrist. This point helps calm the mind and support restful sleep.

3. Try a Traditional Cooling Remedy: Mung Bean Drink

This simple, natural recipe has been used for centuries to clear Summer Heat.

Mung Bean Cooling Drink

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried mung beans
• 5 cups water
• Optional: small piece of rock sugar or a touch of honey (added after cooling)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the mung beans thoroughly.
2. Add them to a pot with 5 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, until beans are soft.
4. Strain the liquid into a jar or pitcher and allow it to cool.
5. Refrigerate and drink cold or room temperature.

You can sip the clear liquid as a cooling tea, or enjoy the soft beans on their own. Mung beans are particularly helpful for clearing heat, reducing inflammation, and supporting detoxification.

Acupuncture Can Help You Stay Balanced

If you’re feeling overheated, irritable, or not sleeping well, acupuncture offers a powerful way to cool the body, settle the nervous system, and restore internal balance.

By targeting key organ systems (especially the Heart, Liver, and Spleen), acupuncture helps the body:

• Release excess heat
• Calm the mind and regulate emotions
• Improve sleep quality
• Support healthy skin and digestion

Now is an ideal time to come in for treatment—before the season changes and your system has to adjust again.

Ready to cool down and feel like yourself again? Click here to book your next appointment.

We’d love to help you feel more at ease in your body—whatever the temperature outside.

Warm wishes,
The Selby Acupuncture Team