Five Tips to Cope With Heat This Summer

At the Balance Acupuncture Brisbane clinic in Carina, we often see clients struggling with the effects of Brisbane’s hot, humid weather. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers practical strategies to support the body during periods of high heat. From a TCM perspective, excessive warmth can create an internal imbalance known as Heat or Damp-Heat, which may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, headaches, and digestive discomfort. The aim is to cool, hydrate, and stabilise the body’s internal environment.

1. Support the Cooling Systems

In TCM, certain foods and herbs are considered “cooling,” helping regulate temperature and calm heat-driven symptoms. Common recommendations include cucumber, watermelon, mint, chrysanthemum tea, and mung beans. These light, hydrating options gently assist the body without overburdening digestion. At Balance Acupuncture Brisbane, we are a fan of mindfully eating cooling foods during summer…ask Louise for her favourite recipes!

2. Strengthen Fluid Balance

Heat can deplete body fluids (known as Yin in TCM). Restoring hydration is essential, especially during Brisbane’s summer. Room-temperature water, herbal teas, and foods with naturally high-water content help maintain moisture and reduce heat accumulation. This approach supports long-term balance, particularly for those experiencing heat-related fatigue.

3. Reduce Internal Dampness

Queensland’s humidity often contributes to “Damp-Heat,” which can make the body feel heavy, swollen, or sluggish. To counter this, TCM encourages easy-to-digest meals, reducing greasy or overly rich foods, and incorporating ingredients such as ginger and barley that support digestive strength. Clients visiting our Carina acupuncture clinic often find that dietary guidance makes a noticeable difference in managing humidity-related symptoms.

4. Use Gentle Practices to Regulate Heat

Acupuncture is one of the most effective TCM tools for cooling and calming the body. At Balance Acupuncture Brisbane, targeted acupoints are used to support circulation, reduce internal tension, and help the body regulate heat more efficiently. Slow movement practices like Qigong or Tai Chi also help settle the nervous system and encourage smoother energy flow.

5. Prioritise Rest and Recovery

Excess heat places strain on the body. TCM emphasises pacing activity, seeking shade, and allowing the nervous system to settle. Rest helps the body rebuild Yin fluids and maintain steady energy, which is particularly important during prolonged hot weather.

By combining cooling foods, mindful hydration, simple daily practices, and the support of acupuncture, Balance Acupuncture Brisbane offers a balanced and natural way to help your body cope with heat. Whether you’re in Carina or surrounding Brisbane suburbs, TCM provides effective tools to stay cool, steady, and energised throughout the summer.