As heatwaves become more frequent, the Nuence-TCM team wishes to shed light on this phenomenon from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Understanding how Heat affects the body and what simple steps can be taken to protect oneself is essential for summer — even under extreme temperatures — to remain a season of balance.
1. Understanding a heatwave according to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a heatwave is not just a rise in temperature. It is an excess of external Heat that penetrates the body and disturbs its internal balance.
TCM considers that:
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Heat belongs to the Fire element
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It directly affects the Heart (organ of Summer)
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It consumes Yin Fluids (internal dehydration)
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It agitates the Shen (spirit)
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It can create Damp-Heat (heaviness, swollen legs, slow digestion)
A heatwave is therefore a major energetic stress, not just climatic.
2. Signs that Heat is attacking the body
According to TCM, several signs indicate that Heat has entered the system. These signs indicate that Yin is weakened and Fire dominates.
-Redness, overheating
-Intense thirst, dry mouth
-Irritability, agitation
-Light sleep, nocturnal awakenings
-Overwhelming fatigue
-Excessive sweating
-Heaviness in the legs
-Headaches related to Heart Fire
3. How to protect yourself according to TCM (the 7 pillars)
1) Drink… but never iced
Iced water injures the Spleen, slows digestion, and creates internal Dampness. TCM recommends:
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temperate water
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lukewarm water
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light infusions (mint, lotus, chrysanthemum)
2) Nourish Yin
Heat consumes Yin fluids, so it is important to prioritize foods that cool without freezing: cucumber, watermelon, melon, zucchini.
Raw foods, ice cream, and iced drinks are not forbidden — they should simply remain the exception, not the rule.
3) Clarify Heat
Here are some key plants in TCM to cool the Heart and calm the Shen:
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Bo He (mint)
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He Ye (lotus leaf)
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Ju Hua (chrysanthemum)
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Gua Lou (trichosanthes)
We recommend PLANETA VERD®'s refreshing summer drink. Its composition, its tropism towards the heart, and its properties to clarify heat and drain heatstroke make it a plant strongly related to the FIRE element and the summer season.
- Mei Gui Hua: Rosebuds. Mobilizes and regulates Qi. Harmonizes emotions, bringing a feeling of general well-being.
- He Ye/Lian Ye: Lotus Leaf. Dispels Heatstroke, Wind and Dampness. Opens meridians and collaterals. Detoxifying properties, eliminates excess heat and dampness, improves circulation.
- Bo He: Mint. Refreshing and soothing, drains Wind-Heat, relieves Liver Qi stagnation. Helps relieve tension, clarifies the mind.
6g in 200ml of water.
Bring the water to 75ºc for 3 to 4 minutes.
4) Protect the Heart (organ of Summer)
Between 12 PM and 4 PM, the Heart is at its peak activity. During a heatwave, it is therefore necessary to avoid exposure, slow down, breathe deeply, and prioritize Yin activities.
5) Lighten the diet
Digestion produces internal Heat, so avoid fried foods, alcohol, spicy foods, fatty meats, and heavy meals in the evening. Instead, prioritize steamed vegetables, watery fruits, light grains (millet, rice), tofu, and legumes.
6) Cool the skin without shocking it
TCM advises against ice-cold showers as they block the circulation of Qi. Moreover, they constrict pores and exhaust Yang. As we published in a previous article, it is better to prefer a lukewarm shower, temperate mist, and possibly cool compresses (never iced).
7) Slow down: Yin protects from Fire
A heatwave is an excess of Fire. TCM teaches us that the answer is not to cool down abruptly, but to nourish Yin, protect the Heart, and slow down.
-rest,
-slow breathing. For example, inhaling for 4 seconds then exhaling for 6 seconds will activate Yin and soothe the nervous system.
-naps (preferably short),
-meditation,
-Yin Yoga
If you wish to know more about Yin Yoga, you can consult our previous article on this topic.
4. The skin during a heatwave: what TCM says
Heat attacks the skin by increasing inflammation, accelerating water loss, and creating redness and overheating.
The skin needs soothing, protection, and light textures.
Nuence-TCM has designed the Soothing Fluid FIRE with extracts of white peony and Lotus sprouts to meet these needs. Combined with Antileukine 6™ these 3 plant actives act as a soothing shield that reduces redness and rehydrates. It soothes Heat, calms redness, and protects the skin barrier.
The fluid texture of this NUENCE-TCM cream leaves a sensationof softness and provides immediate comfort.
5. Acupressure to soothe Summer Heat
Acupressure offers a simple gesture to harmonize energy, release heat from the upper body, and bring clarity.
Here are some facial points particularly useful during a heatwave. A short but very effective ritual to bring freshness to a season dominated by Fire.
Gentle pressure, 10 to 15 seconds, slow breathing.
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21TR – Erheliao : releases heat, relaxes the upper face
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23TR – Sizhukong : relieves eye tension, calms the Shen
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19SI – Heliao : cools and circulates facial Qi
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18SI – Quanliao : disperses heat, softens cheekbones
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16TR – Tianyou : releases heat from the upper Triple Burner
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17GB – Zhengying : soothes mental agitation, clarifies the mind
Conclusion: in summer, Fire dominates — but Yin protects
A heatwave is an excess of Fire. TCM teaches us that the response is not to cool down abruptly, but to nourish Yin, protect the Heart, and slow down.
Summer is a powerful season. With the right actions, it can remain a season of balance.
And you, what rituals do you plan to adopt?
