TCM Basics How Seasons Influence Your Body Constitution

If you've ever felt more sluggish in winter or unusually irritable in summer, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) might have the answer. As someone who's been diving deep into holistic wellness for over a decade, I’ve seen how syncing your lifestyle with the seasons—yes, really—can transform your energy, digestion, and even mood.

At the heart of TCM is the belief that we’re not separate from nature—we’re part of it. Each season corresponds to specific organs, emotions, and body constitutions in TCM theory. When you align your habits with these natural rhythms, you don’t just survive the year—you thrive through it.

Spring: Liver Time

Spring is all about renewal. In TCM, it’s linked to the Liver and Gallbladder. This is your cue to detox—not with juice cleanses, but by reducing alcohol, getting more sleep, and eating sour foods like lemon or vinegar.

Emotionally? Anger and frustration are Liver-related. If you're feeling testy in March, it might not be your coworker—it could be seasonal Liver Qi stagnation.

Summer: Heart & Maximum Yang

Summer is peak yang energy. The Heart rules here, along with joy as its associated emotion. But too much heat can lead to insomnia or palpitations.

A 2022 study in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found that 68% of patients with chronic fatigue reported worse symptoms in summer if they didn’t adjust their routines. Staying hydrated with cooling teas like chrysanthemum helps.

Late Summer: Spleen & Digestion

Wait—late summer? Yes! TCM splits summer into two: peak summer and late summer (think August humidity). This phase ties to the Spleen (which governs digestion in TCM, not just the organ).

Dampness builds easily now. Symptoms? Bloating, foggy thinking, loose stools. Eat warm, cooked meals—skip the icy smoothies.

Autumn: Lungs & Letting Go

The Lungs rule autumn. Grief is the related emotion—ever feel melancholy when leaves fall? That’s no coincidence.

It’s also prime time for respiratory issues. A clinical survey showed a 40% increase in dry cough cases during autumn among people with Qi-deficient constitutions.

Winter: Kidneys & Conservation

Winter is deeply yin. The Kidneys store our “essence” (Jing)—your life battery. It’s the time to rest, reflect, and eat warming foods like bone broth and black sesame.

According to TCM practitioners in Beijing hospitals, kidney-tonifying herbs like Rehmannia see a 300% usage spike in winter.

Seasonal Guide at a Glance

Bottom line? You don’t need to overhaul your life each season. Just small tweaks—like swapping salads for soups in winter—can keep your Qi flowing smoothly. Listen to your body. It’s already tuned into nature’s rhythm.