Even though summers in the Bay area aren’t sweltering hot, summer and vacation vibes still bring ice-cold drinks, frosty smoothies, or a scoop (or two) of ice cream. While they might make you feel like you’re on vacation, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these foods can actually work against your body’s natural rhythms — particularly your digestion — leaving you feeling heavy, sluggish, and more tired than before.
Why Cold Foods Slow You Down
In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are the central organs of digestion. They thrive in warmth and prefer foods that are easy to break down. When you introduce cold, raw, or overly sweet foods, the digestive system has to work harder to warm them up before extracting nutrients. This extra effort can weaken Spleen Qi — your body’s core digestive energy — leading to symptoms like bloating, brain fog, low energy, and even a sense of heaviness in the limbs.
The Late Summer Effect
Late summer is considered the season of the Spleen, and its health influences every other system in the body — from immune resilience to hormonal balance. If digestion becomes sluggish now, it can set the stage for seasonal allergies in the fall, lower immunity as the weather shifts, and a stubborn feeling of heaviness or low stamina that lingers into the cooler months.
The Problem with Dampness
This sluggishness often comes from what TCM calls “dampness.” Dampness is a condition where fluids in the body become stagnant and heavy — like humidity in the air, sticky and hard to move. Foods like ice cream, cold dairy drinks, iced coffee, and smoothies (especially with added fruit sugars) all contribute to dampness, slowing circulation and clouding mental clarity.
Balancing Your Summer Diet
This doesn’t mean you can never have a summer treat. Moderation and balance are key. Pairing cooling foods with warming spices like cinnamon or ginger can help offset their dampening effect. Choosing lightly cooked vegetables over raw salads, or room-temperature water over iced drinks, can also make a huge difference in how you feel.
Key Points for Better Balance:
Choose Seasonal Produce — Late summer squashes, carrots, and root vegetables are naturally more grounding.
Mind the Temperature — Opt for warm or room-temperature beverages instead of iced ones.
Cook Your Veggies — Light steaming or stir-frying supports digestion more than large raw salads.
Pair Cooling Foods with Warming Spices — Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and fresh ginger help counteract cold foods.
Eat in Regular Intervals — Skipping meals weakens Spleen Qi; consistent mealtimes help keep energy steady.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture restores balance after overindulgence in summer cooling foods. By stimulating points that strengthen the Spleen, drain dampness, and improve circulation, acupuncture helps you feel lighter, more energized, and mentally sharper — often in just one session. It also supports long-term digestive resilience so you can enjoy the season without feeling bogged down.
If you’ve noticed that summer treats leave you tired, bloated, or foggy, it might be time for a seasonal reset. Supporting your digestion now will help you feel vibrant and healthy well into the cooler months ahead.