Living in Rhythm with Summer & Late Summer
A Chinese Medicine guide for the Gold Coast heat
In Chinese medicine, health is not only about what we do — but when we do it. Each season carries a distinct energy that influences the body, emotions, and internal organs. When we align our food, lifestyle, and self-care with the seasons, the body tends to cope far more gracefully with heat, humidity, and fatigue.
On the Gold Coast, this seasonal awareness is especially important.
Summer & Late Summer on the Gold Coast
On the Gold Coast, peak summer tends to be relatively brief before shifting quite quickly into late summer. Due to our subtropical climate, damp-heat becomes the dominant influence for much of the season, affecting digestion, energy levels, and overall vitality.
Rather than long periods of dry heat, our bodies are often navigating warmth combined with humidity — which places a greater load on the Spleen and Stomach systems in Chinese medicine. This makes understanding late summer and the Earth element particularly important for our local environment.
Summer – The Fire Element
Organs: Heart & Small Intestine
Qualities: Heat, expansion, movement, joy
Summer is governed by the Fire element, associated with warmth, circulation, emotional expression, and connection. Energy naturally rises to the surface of the body, and we often feel more outward, social, and expressive.
However, excess heat can overstimulate the Heart, leading to restlessness, poor sleep, anxiety, irritability, or fatigue.
To support the body in summer:
Hydrate regularly with small, steady sips
Eat lighter meals that cool without shocking digestion
Avoid excessive alcohol, spicy foods, and overheating
Honour rest if sleep feels disturbed
Cooling summer foods include:
Watermelon, berries, cucumber, mint, leafy greens, mung beans, coconut water, and lightly steamed vegetables.
Emotionally, summer invites joy — while reminding us to protect the Heart by balancing activity with rest.
Late Summer – The Earth Element
Organs: Spleen & Stomach
Qualities: Dampness, nourishment, digestion, grounding
Late summer is a transitional season governed by the Earth element, which is responsible for digestion, energy production, and our sense of stability.
In humid climates like the Gold Coast, damp-heat can weaken digestion, leading to:
heaviness or fatigue
bloating or loose stools
brain fog
sugar cravings
To support late summer:
Choose warm, cooked foods over cold or raw
Eat regularly — Earth thrives on rhythm
Reduce excess sugar, dairy, and greasy foods
Strengthen digestion gently rather than over-cooling
Grounding late summer foods include:
Rice, oats, congee, roasted vegetables, pumpkin, sweet potato, soups and broths, ginger, and small amounts of warming spices.
Why Seasonal Transitions Matter
In Chinese medicine, transitions are where imbalance often begins. Supporting the body as it moves from summer into late summer helps regulate digestion, energy, and immunity before symptoms arise.
This time of year is particularly supportive for:
Acupuncture to regulate heat and support the Heart and digestion
Herbal medicine to clear damp-heat or strengthen the digestive system
Massage to move stagnation and calm the nervous system
When we live in rhythm with the season, the body doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain balance.
If the heat or humidity is affecting your energy, digestion, or sleep, we’re here to support you — gently and seasonally.