Acupuncture Points for Summer

If you feel like this summer’s extreme heat has been taking its toll, you’re probably right.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is ruled by the Fire element, which governs the heart and small intestine. It’s a season of warmth, activity and expansion—but without the right balance, it can also bring heat-related symptoms like restlessness, irritability, insomnia, digestive upset and even burnout.

That’s where acupuncture comes in. By choosing points that cool internal heat, calm the spirit and support healthy circulation, we can help your body stay in sync with the season. Whether you’re prone to overheating, feeling emotionally scattered or just want to move through the summer with a greater sense of ease, these points are some of our favorites for warm-weather support.

1. Heart 7 (Shen Men – Spirit Gate)
Located on the wrist, Heart 7 is one of the most commonly used points for calming the mind. It’s a beautiful choice in summer when Fire energy is abundant and can easily become excessive. Shenmen helps ease anxiety, support restful sleep and anchor your emotions—perfect for balancing your summer.

2. Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan – Inner Pass)
A go-to point for nausea, motion sickness and heart palpitations, Pericardium 6 is also fantastic for emotional balance. It’s located near the center of your forearm and is used to open the chest and soothe the heart, making it especially useful when summer heat creates internal pressure or tension. It’s also a great point for travelers—just in time for summer adventures.

3. Kidney 6 (Zhao Hai – Shining Sea)
Located just below the inside ankle bone, this point nourishes Yin, which in TCM is like the body’s cooling system. Summer’s Fire energy can dry out your Yin, leading to heat symptoms like irritability, night sweats and restlessness. Kidney 6 helps restore moisture and calm, grounding the body during the peak of heat.

4. Large Intestine 11 (Qu Chi – Pool at the Bend)
If you’re feeling physically overheated—think flushed skin, inflammation or even heat rash—Large Intestine 11 is a powerhouse. It’s located near your outer elbow crease and is used to clear internal heat and help detoxify the system. It’s especially helpful after long days in the sun or when you’re dealing with skin flare-ups.

5. Du 14 (Da Zhui – Great Hammer)
Located just below the base of the neck, Du 14 is the meeting point of all the Yang meridians. This point can release surface heat and support immune function—think of it as your body’s emergency “cool down” button. It’s also a favorite for people who feel like their energy gets zapped by extreme heat.

6. San Jiao 5 (Wai Guan)
Finally, let’s talk about San Jiao 5—the second-biggest heat clearer in the body. Located on the outer forearm, it’s a helpful point for when you’re feeling hot, headachy or feverish from too much sun or humidity. It also helps regulate the body’s temperature and boost immunity.

Seasonal Wellness is All About Flow
Summer is a time to enjoy life’s richness, but your body still needs time to rest, cool down and stay grounded. Through seasonal acupuncture, we work to keep your system open and flowing, supporting your health in a way that aligns with nature.

Feeling out of balance this summer? Schedule an acupuncture session and let’s find your seasonal reset.