Summer is a season of vibrant energy, long days, and, for many of us, relentless heat. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is the time of the Fire element, associated with joy, activity, and the Heart organ. But when the external heat becomes overwhelming, it can disturb our internal balance, leading to irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and that general feeling of being “wired but tired.” While reaching for an iced drink is a natural reflex, there’s a more profound, accessible tool we can use to find our cool from within: acupressure.
Think of acupressure as a form of gentle self-massage that taps into your body’s own energy pathways, or meridians. By applying firm, steady pressure to specific points, you can encourage the flow of Qi (your vital energy) and help clear heat, calm the mind, and restore a sense of equilibrium. It’s like having a built-in thermostat you can adjust anytime, anywhere. Today, I want to share five powerful acupressure points for summer that I’ve personally found invaluable for staying centered when the mercury rises. These aren’t just abstract concepts from old texts; they are practical, easy-to-find spots on your own body that can offer immediate relief.
- Understanding Summer Heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Your First Cool-Down Tool: Pericardium 6 (Inner Gate)
- Your Second Cool-Down Tool: Large Intestine 11 (Pool at the Crook)
- Your Third Cool-Down Tool: Liver 3 (Great Surge)
- Your Fourth Cool-Down Tool: Spleen 6 (Three Yin Intersection)
- Your Fifth Cool-Down Tool: Kidney 1 (Gushing Spring)
- Putting It All Together: A Simple Summer Cool-Down Routine
Understanding Summer Heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Before we locate the points, it helps to understand what we’re dealing with from a TCM perspective. Summer heat isn’t just a physical sensation; it’s considered a pathogenic factor that can invade the body. Its nature is Yang (hot, expansive) and it tends to rise upwards, which is why symptoms often manifest in the upper body and the mind. You might experience:
- A flushed face and red eyes.
- Irritability, anxiety, or a short temper.
- Insomnia or vivid, restless dreams.
- Excessive sweating and thirst.
- A feeling of heaviness, especially in the head.
- Dark, scanty urine.
The goal of using acupressure points in summer is to clear heat and calm the spirit. We’re not fighting the season, but rather helping our internal system adapt to its energy gracefully. The points we’ll explore are chosen for their specific ability to vent heat, settle the mind, and promote a cooling, flowing energy throughout the body.
Your First Cool-Down Tool: Pericardium 6 (Inner Gate)
If you only remember one point from this list, make it this one. Pericardium 6, known in Chinese as Neiguan, is a superstar for calming the mind and regulating the chest. The Pericardium is the Heart’s protector in TCM, and this point is like a guardian at the gate, helping to soothe Heart-Fire—the primary imbalance caused by summer heat.
How to find it: Place three fingers (index, middle, ring) across your inner wrist, starting at the wrist crease. The point is located between the two tendons, under your middle finger, about two finger-widths up from the wrist crease. It will feel tender or slightly achy when you press correctly.
How to use it: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, apply firm, deep pressure. You can hold it steadily for 1-3 minutes, or make small, slow circles. Breathe deeply as you do this. This point is fantastic for anxiety, palpitations, nausea from heat, and that overall feeling of being overwhelmed. It’s my go-to when I feel the heat is making me anxious or my heart feels “racy.”
“In Chinese medicine, we say the Heart is the ‘Emperor’ of the body. When summer heat agitates the Emperor, the whole kingdom feels unsettled. PC6 is like a trusted advisor, quietly calming the court.”
Your Second Cool-Down Tool: Large Intestine 11 (Pool at the Crook)
This point is a powerful heat-clearing champion. Large Intestine 11, or Quchi, is located on the Large Intestine meridian, which is a primary channel for expelling pathogens from the body. Think of this point as a drain for excess heat and toxins. It’s particularly effective for fevers, skin irritations (like summer rashes), and high blood pressure related to heat.
How to find it: Bend your elbow to a 90-degree angle. The point is found at the outer end of the elbow crease, in the depression just outside the bony knob (the lateral epicondyle of the humerus). It’s a large, easy-to-find point.
How to use it: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to apply deep, firm pressure. You can also press and hold while gently extending and bending your elbow to enhance the sensation. This point is used in clinical settings to reduce fever, so it’s excellent for when you feel overheated. Apply pressure for 2-3 minutes on each arm.
Your Third Cool-Down Tool: Liver 3 (Great Surge)
Summer heat can make us feel agitated and short-tempered. This is often a sign of Liver Qi stagnation turning into heat. Liver 3, or Taichong, is the master point for smoothing the flow of Liver Qi, which helps to subdue anger, frustration, and that explosive feeling that can come with the summer heat. It promotes the smooth, gentle flow of energy, like a breeze through the trees.
How to find it: On the top of your foot, slide your finger into the valley between the big toe and the second toe. Move your finger up about two finger-widths, until you feel where the two bones (metatarsals) meet. The point is in the tender depression just before that junction.
How to use it: Use your thumb to press firmly into this point. The pressure should be deep but comfortable, not sharp. Breathe deeply and focus on releasing tension as you hold for 1-2 minutes per foot. This is a wonderful point to use at the end of a long, hot day, especially if you’ve felt irritable or stuck in traffic. It helps “move” the stagnant energy and clear the heat it generates.
Your Fourth Cool-Down Tool: Spleen 6 (Three Yin Intersection)
This point is a treasure trove for overall balance, especially for women. Spleen 6, or Sanyinjiao, is the meeting point of three major Yin meridians: the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney. Yin is the cooling, moistening, and calming aspect of our physiology. In summer, when Yang (heat) is abundant, nourishing our Yin is key to staying cool. This point strengthens the Spleen (which manages fluids and digestion), calms the Liver, and nourishes the Kidney Yin.
How to find it: Find the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus). Measure four finger-widths (about 3 inches) up from the top of that ankle bone, along the back edge of the shin bone (tibia). The point is in the tender depression just behind the bone.
How to use it: Press with your thumb in a steady, moderate pressure. Hold for 2-3 minutes. This point is excellent for digestive issues worsened by heat (like summer diarrhea), insomnia, and calming menstrual discomfort that can be aggravated by summer heat. Important note: This point is traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy as it can stimulate the uterus. If you are pregnant, please avoid this point.
Your Fifth Cool-Down Tool: Kidney 1 (Gushing Spring)
When heat rises, it can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and a feeling of heat in the chest and face. Kidney 1, or Yongquan, is the first point on the Kidney meridian, located on the sole of the foot. It is a profoundly grounding point that has a powerful descending action—it helps pull excess heat and energy down from the head and upper body, anchoring it to the earth. It’s like opening a vent at the bottom to release the steam.
How to find it: On the sole of your foot, in the depression that forms when you curl your toes downward. It’s roughly in the upper third of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones. It will be very tender.
How to use it: This point responds well to firm pressure. Use your thumb to press and hold, or make small circles. You can also try rolling your foot over a golf ball or a dedicated acupressure ball for a couple of minutes. This is my favorite point for summer insomnia. Massaging it before bed helps quiet a racing mind and draws the heat away from the head, promoting deeper sleep. It’s also wonderfully effective for headaches caused by the heat.
Putting It All Together: A Simple Summer Cool-Down Routine
You don’t need to do all five points every day. The beauty of acupressure is listening to your body and responding to its specific needs. Here’s a simple way to incorporate these points into your summer self-care:
- For general irritability and feeling overheated: Start with Pericardium 6 on both wrists, then finish with Kidney 1 on both feet. This creates a calming, descending flow.
- For a headache or a flushed face: Focus on Kidney 1 and add Large Intestine 11 to help vent heat from the upper body.
- For digestive upset from cold drinks or summer foods: Use Spleen 6 and Pericardium 6 to strengthen digestion and calm the stomach.
- For anger and frustration: Liver 3 is your primary point. Pair it with Pericardium 6 to soothe both the Liver and the Heart.
Consistency is more important than duration. Even 30-60 seconds of focused pressure on a point, done several times a day, can be more effective than a single long session. Make it a mindful pause—turn off your phone, take a few deep breaths, and connect with the sensation.
Remember, acupressure is a partnership with your body. It’s not about forcing a change, but about gently guiding your system back to its natural state of balance. The summer heat will always be there, but with these tools, you can meet it with a cool head and a calm heart.
Common Questions
How often should I press these acupressure points in summer?
You can press these points as often as you feel the need. A good starting point is 2-3 times a day, or whenever you feel overheated, stressed, or notice specific symptoms like a headache or irritability. Each session can last from 30 seconds to 3 minutes per point. Listen to your body—if a point feels particularly tender, it may benefit from more frequent, gentle stimulation.
Can acupressure really lower my body temperature?
Acupressure works on the principle of regulating your body’s internal energy (Qi) and its functions. While it may not directly lower your core temperature like a fan or air conditioner, it helps your body manage heat more effectively. By clearing “Heat” from a TCM perspective, reducing inflammation, calming the nervous system, and improving circulation, it can make you feel cooler and more comfortable. It helps your body’s natural cooling mechanisms work better.
I’m pregnant. Are there any points I should avoid?
Yes, caution is advised during pregnancy. As mentioned, Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) is traditionally contraindicated as it can stimulate uterine contractions. It’s generally best to avoid strong stimulation on any point on the lower abdomen and lower back during pregnancy. The points on the hands, feet (like Kidney 1), and arms (like Pericardium 6 and Large Intestine 11) are generally considered safer, but it is always best to consult with a qualified acupuncturist or TCM practitioner who can provide personalized guidance for your specific stage of pregnancy.
The bottom line: These five acupressure points—Pericardium 6, Large Intestine 11, Liver 3, Spleen 6, and Kidney 1—offer a simple, empowering way to cool your body and calm your mind during the intense summer heat. By taking a few moments each day to press these points, you are practicing an ancient form of self-care that honors the body’s innate wisdom and its connection to the rhythms of nature.
This article shares traditional wellness perspectives and personal experience for general interest. It is not professional advice. Please use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional for specific concerns.
