This post was most recently updated on 30 Jul 2025
In the ancient healing system of Traditional East Asian medicine, the concept of meridians forms the foundation for understanding the flow of vital energy (Qi) throughout the body. These meridians are like energy pathways, connecting various organs and facilitating the harmonious functioning of the body.
Each season is associated with specific meridians. Summer is a season of vibrant energy and light. The main meridians that are associated with the summer are the Heart, Small Intestine and Triple Burner.
In this blog, I talk about ways to promote the smooth flow of energy in these meridians to enhance your well-being during this summer season.
The Heart Meridian Governs the Emotions and Joy
The Heart is the main meridian affected in the summer season when the sun radiates warmth and joy.
The Heart meridian is closely related to emotions, and it governs the emotional aspects of our being. When the Heart meridian is in balance, we experience feelings of joy, love, and connection. However, imbalances in this meridian may lead to anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia.
Causes of Heart Meridian Imbalance
One of the most common causes of Heart imbalance is unexpressed or pent up emotions. This can cause our vital energy, or Qi, to become stuck. When this happens for a long time, the Qi becomes stagnated. This can affect the energetic channels of the Heart as well as the actual physical circulating of the heart. This can lead to a deficiency of blood which can lead to symptoms such as palpitations and dizziness. Or it can lead to stagnation and symptoms like chest tightness and mood swings.
How to promote the smooth flow of energy to the Heart
Express Emotions
- Expressing emotions in healthy ways is vital for preventing emotional stagnation and maintaining balanced heart energy.
- Whether through talking, journaling, or creative activities, finding outlets for emotions helps release tension and stress. By acknowledging and processing feelings, you prevent them from becoming trapped, supporting both emotional health
Meditation and Mindfulness
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help calm the mind and reduce stress, promoting a balanced emotional state.
- Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice helps to quiet the mind's chatter, allowing you to focus on the present rather than worrying about the past or future.
- Meditation, on the other hand, involves dedicated time to focus inward, often using techniques such as deep breathing or visualization. Both mindfulness and meditation can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of peace and clarity.
Express Gratitude
- Cultivate a practice of gratitude to nourish your heart's energy.
- Gratitude helps shift focus from negative emotions to positive ones, reducing stress and anxiety, which can otherwise disturb the heart's energy.
- By focusing on what you are thankful for, you cultivate feelings of joy and contentment, which are directly linked to a healthy heart.
Engage in Heart-Opening Exercises
- Practices like yoga and Qigong and stretching can open the chest area, where the Heart meridian runs, promoting the flow of Qi.
- My favorite ways to move energy through the organs is through Qigong and Taichi. Check out this simple Qigong movement I call the Heart Centered Embrace.
The Small Intestine Meridian is for Filtering and Discerning
The Small Intestine meridian, closely connected to the Heart meridian, plays a significant role in the digestion and assimilation of not only food but also experiences and emotions. This meridian helps us discern what is essential and filters out what is unnecessary in our lives.
How to promote the smooth energy flow of the Small Intestine
Eat Mindfully
- Choose light and nourishing foods that support your digestion. Avoid overeating or consuming excessive spicy and greasy foods that may burden the Small Intestine. Here are some examples of foods that are in harmony with the energy of summer and help keep you cool this season.
Embrace Emotional Release
- Engage in activities that help you release emotional tension, such as journaling or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.
Practice Detoxification
- Consider incorporating natural detoxification practices, such as drinking herbal teas or infused water, to support the Small Intestine's cleansing function.
The Triple Burner Meridian
The Triple Burner is unique to Chinese medicine and plays a crucial role in regulating the body's three heaters - upper, middle, and lower. These "heaters" correspond to the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. The Triple Burner meridian helps ensure proper coordination among these systems and maintains overall equilibrium.
How to promote the smooth energy flow through the Triple Burner meridian
Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, allowing the Triple Burner to function effectively in distributing fluids throughout the body.
Practice Abdominal Breathing
- Deep, conscious breathing exercises can activate and harmonize the Triple Burner meridian.
Engage in Moderate Exercise
- Regular physical activity, such as swimming or dancing, Taichi and Qigong, can help maintain the Triple Burner's balance and encourage the flow of Qi.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the summer season invites us to embrace the warmth and vitality of the season, aligning our body's energy with the specific meridians associated with this time of year.
By nurturing the Heart, Small Intestine, and Triple Burner meridians, we can promote the smooth flow of energy, leading to enhanced emotional well-being, digestive harmony, and overall vitality. As we unlock the body's energy pathways through these practices, we harmonize with the summer's energy and experience the fullness of the season's gifts.