Why Your Digestion Gets Worse in Summer

As the sun begins to bake the sands of Terrigal and Avoca, and the Central Coast humidity starts to climb, most of us are ready to embrace the outdoor lifestyle. We reach for iced lattes, crisp salads, and ice-cold smoothies. However, for many of our patients at Healing Tree Natural Medicine, summer doesn’t just bring sunshine—it brings bloating, heaviness, and a digestive system that feels like it’s stuck in low gear.

In Western medicine, we might blame dehydration or a change in diet. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we look deeper at the relationship between the environment and your internal landscape.

If you’ve ever wondered why your digestion seems to "wilt" just as the temperature rises, here is the TCM perspective on why summer can be a challenging season for your gut—and how we can help you find balance.

1. The Paradox of the "Digestive Fire"

In TCM, the Stomach and Spleen are the primary organs responsible for digestion. We often describe the digestive process as a "cauldron" or a "simmering pot" sitting over a fire. This "Digestive Fire" (Spleen Yang) is what allows your body to break down food, extract nutrients, and transform them into Qi (energy) and Blood.

The irony of summer is that while the weather outside is hot (Yang), our internal digestive fire can actually become weakened. Why? Because when we are hot, we tend to consume "Cold" items.

2. The "Ice Water" Trap

When it’s 30 degrees on the Coast, an ice-cold water or a frozen acai bowl feels like the logical choice. However, from a TCM standpoint, dumping ice into your "digestive cauldron" douses the fire.

To process cold food or drinks, your body must expend a massive amount of energy just to warm the contents up to body temperature before digestion can even begin. Over time, this "puts out the fire," leading to:

• Bloating and gas immediately after eating.

• A feeling of "heaviness" in the abdomen.

• Loose stools or sluggish bowel movements.

• Brain fog and afternoon fatigue.
  

3. Humidity and the "Dampness" Factor

Living on the Central Coast, we aren't just dealing with heat; we are dealing with humidity. In TCM, humidity is classified as "External Dampness."

The Spleen—the organ in charge of transforming fluids—hates dampness. Think of it like trying to dry laundry on a rainy day; nothing moves, and everything stays soggy. When external humidity meets a weakened digestive system (from too much cold food), it creates "Internal Dampness."

Symptoms of Internal Dampness include:

• That "I can't zip up my pants" kind of bloating.

• Nausea or a lack of appetite.

• Swollen ankles or a "puffy" face.

• A tongue that looks swollen with teeth marks on the sides.
  

4. The Heart-Small Intestine Connection

Summer is the season of the Fire Element, which correlates with the Heart and its paired organ, the Small Intestine. In TCM, the Small Intestine is responsible for "separating the pure from the turbid', or the good nutrients from the waste.

When the Summer Heat becomes excessive, it can agitate the Heart (causing irritability or insomnia) and overwhelm the Small Intestine. This can lead to digestive upset that feels "hot"—such as acid reflux, heart palpitations after eating, or an urgent need to use the bathroom.

How Acupuncture and TCM Restore Summer Balance

At Healing Tree Natural Medicine, we don’t just treat the symptoms; we look at your unique constitution. Here is how our clinical approach supports your digestion during the warmer months:

Acupuncture for Digestive Flow Acupuncture is incredibly effective at regulating your "Middle Qi," or the energy of your digestive centre. By stimulating specific points along the meridians related to the stomach and digestion, we help to "unblock" stuck energy and move stagnant fluids. This process helps to "drain the swamp" of bloating, reduce inflammation, and reignite your metabolic fire so you can process food efficiently again.

Chinese Herbal Medicine We often prescribe classic formulas like Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, which is specifically designed to "transform dampness" and harmonise the stomach during summer. These herbs act like an internal dehumidifier, clearing the fog and helping you feel lighter.

Practical Tips for Summer Digestion

You don't have to give up summer treats entirely, but a few "TCM tweaks" can make a world of difference:

1. The 80/20 Rule for Raw Food: If you’re having a salad, ensure it’s at room temperature rather than fridge-cold, and try to have something warm (like some steamed veggies or fish) alongside it.

2. Sip, Don't Chug: Avoid "chugging" liters of ice water. Sip room-temperature water with a slice of lemon or ginger to support your enzymes.

3. Eat "Aromatic" Foods: Basil, ginger, cardamom, and fennel help to "wake up" the Spleen and push through dampness.

4. Embrace Bitter Greens: In TCM, the Heart is nourished by the bitter taste. Rocket, kale, and dandelion greens help clear excess heat without damaging your digestive fire.
   

Visit Us at Healing Tree Natural Medicine

If your digestion feels like it’s hibernating this summer, let’s get things moving again. Whether you’re dealing with chronic IBS that flares in the heat or just feeling "puffy" and tired, our team is here to help.

We offer a holistic approach combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy tailored to your lifestyle.

[Book Your Initial Consultation Online] or call us to find out how we can support your journey to better gut health.