In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is associated with one of five emotions, along with a specific organ. For the summer season, the ruling emotion is Joy and the corresponding organ is the Heart.

From a TCM perspective, the emotion of Joy is not just happiness, but a feeling of deep satisfaction that comes from living a meaningful life.

When we experience Joy…

• the Heart’s Qi expands.
• we feel light, open, and connected.
• the heart’s rhythm is regulated.
• our blood circulation improves.
• our body’s immune system is strengthened.
• worries, anxieties, grief, greed, irritation and other negative emotions are dispersed.
• our mind is clear and our intellect and memory are sharp.
• and, our consciousness and understanding is expanded.

The Heart, which is considered the ruler (i.e. Emperor) of all organs in TCM, promotes the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. It’s not only a physical organ but also a metaphorical one that is responsible for regulating blood circulation and housing Shen (ie. Mind or Spirit). The Shen is said to be the essence of a person’s vitality, consciousness, and emotions.

“Your Shen Looks Good”

The concept of Shen is crucial to understanding the holistic view of health, particularly in relation to mental and emotional well-being.

Shen is often translated as “spirit” or “mind,” but it encompasses the overall state of consciousness, mental health, and emotional well-being. It resides in the Heart and is considered the most refined and subtle substance in the body, reflecting one’s vitality, consciousness, and overall demeanor.

When someone in TCM says “your Shen looks good,” it means you appear mentally clear, emotionally stable, and energetically vibrant. This reflects a balanced and healthy Heart, indicating that your emotions, mind, and spirit are in harmony.

A person’s Shen can be observed through their eyes and their skin’s clarity. Imagine someone with sparkling eyes and a glow to their skin versus someone with dull, lifeless eyes and a pallor to their skin. (The former has “good Shen” and the latter has “disturbed Shen.”) See this for yourself the next time you get acupuncture – it’s that post-acu glow!

Balancing Joy

When the Heart’s energy is balanced, it promotes emotional well-being, mental clarity, and a positive outlook on life. By experiencing genuine joy and happiness, and by being playful, social and creative, overall health and vitality is improved.

To maintain emotional balance and support the health of the Heart, it is recommended to embrace joy and happiness in moderation. Engaging in activities that bring genuine joy, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and enjoying the beauty of nature, can be beneficial. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, Qigong or Tai Chi, can also help regulate emotions and promote harmony within the body and mind. Of course, acupuncture is beneficial, as well.

A diet that supports Heart health includes foods that nourish the blood and calm the mind, such as whole grains, and foods rich in antioxidants such as: wild and cultivated blueberries, beans (small, red kidney, pinto, black), cranberries, artichokes, blackberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pecans, sweet cherries, plums, and dark leafy greens.

Adequate rest, a balanced lifestyle, and avoiding excessive stress are crucial for maintaining a healthy Heart and balanced emotions.

As with all emotions, moderation and awareness are key to fostering emotional well-being. For example, excessive joy or uncontrolled excitement can cause the Heart’s energy to become too agitated, leading to imbalances. This can manifest in symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, palpitations, and excessive talking. If these type of heat-related symptoms arise, talk to your acupuncturist for a clearing treatment, herbal recommendations and/or lifestyle adjustments.

Sources:
Reilly, Christopher T. Top 20 Foods High In Antioxidants. Accessed 28 May 2025.
Summer Emotions and TCM. Peacefulmind. 17 Aug. 2016.

Teh, Liam Joe. TCM Tips for a Joyful Summer. Body & Soul. Accessed 20 July 2023.