Living in Charleston, SC, we know all too well what it’s like to step outside in the summer and instantly feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, wet towel.
The humidity here is next level, and while the sunshine is beautiful, it can really take a toll on how we feel, especially if your body is prone to something we call damp-heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
If you’ve been feeling heavy, sluggish, puffy, irritable, or just plain “off” in this weather, you’re not alone. In the clinic, we see this pattern all the time during the summer months, and the good news is: there’s a lot we can do to help.
Let’s break down what damp-heat actually is, how it shows up in the body, and how we treat it in our clinic, with acupuncture, herbs, essential oils, and simple self-care tools you can use at home to stay balanced, cool, and clear all summer long.
What is Damp-Heat, Exactly?
In Chinese Medicine, “dampness” is like that sticky, heavy energy that bogs everything down. Think: swelling, brain fog, bloating, sluggish digestion, and feeling like you’re moving through molasses. “Heat” brings inflammation, irritation, restlessness, skin issues, and even infections. Together, t’s a combo that tends to flare up in hot, humid weather and can affect different systems of the body.
Damp heat shows up in the tongue and pulse diagnosis as swollen and puffy with a coat in the former, and “slippery” with some tightness or rapidness in the latter.
How Damp-Heat Feels in the Body
Damp-heat looks different for everyone, but here are some common signs:
Feeling heavy or bloated, especially in the limbs
Digestive upset (think loose stools, sticky bowel movements, or acid reflux)
Irritability, brain fog, and fatigue
Puffy face or swollen ankles
Skin flare-ups like acne, eczema, or rashes
Bad breath or a bitter taste in the mouth
Vaginal or urinary irritation (think yeast infections, UTIs)
Damp-heat can also contribute to the stubborn, dreaded “summer-cold” with symptoms like fatigue, yellow phlegm, GI upset, sore throat or a chest cough that can stick around for a while.
We can help! (*deep sigh of relief*)
How We Treat Damp-Heat in the Clinic
At our clinic, we tailor treatments to clear heat, drain dampness, and restore balance to your system. Here’s how we help you feel better from the inside out:
Acupuncture, of course!
We use acupuncture points to:
Support digestion and metabolism (goodbye bloat!)
Strengthen the Spleen and Stomach qi
Cool internal heat and inflammation
Clear out damp accumulation
Calm the mind and regulate mood
Some favorite points might include Spleen 9 and Stomach 36, Large Intestine 11, and Liver 3- all depending on your exact presentation.
Herbal Support
We love to use Chinese herbal medicine to support treatment! Below are a few fantastic herbal allies to cool the body, support digestion, and release excess damp.
Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears): Strengthens the spleen, drains damp, reduces. Can be used in teas and soups.
Fu Ling (Poira): Tonifies the Spleen, drains damp, calms the mind. A favorite in many classical formulas to support the Spirit.
Huo Xiang (Patchouli): An aromatic herb that transforms damp, harmonizes the middle (stomach), relieves nausea.
Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle flower): Clears heat and toxins- great for skin, sore throat or detox teas.
Xi Gua Pi (Watermelon rind): Clears summer-heat, generates fluids, promotes urination. Use in tea and blend into a smoothie!
Lu Dou (Mung bean): Detoxifies, quenches thirst, perfect in summer drinks
Always check with a licensed herbalist before taking any formula. Herbs are powerful medicine and work best when customized to you.
Essential Oils to the Rescue!
Essential oils can help support your body in clearing damp-heat when used thoughtfully:
Peppermint: Cooling and refreshing, great for the summer heat and clearing heat from the head.
Tea Tree: Antifungal, antibacterial, and clears skin damp-heat. Supports Lung qi and the respiratory system and great for allergies.
Grapefruit: A gentle detoxifier that’s especially helpful for dampness and lymph stagnation.
Patchouli: Transforms dampness, harmonizes the middle burner, and releases summer heat to treat digestive upset, nausea, and heaviness in the body
Try diffusing them or using a few drops in a carrier oil for a lymphatic massage along your arms, legs, or around your abdomen.
Acupressure You Can Do at Home
Add these to your summer self-care toolkit:
Spleen 9 (Yinlingquan): Inside of the lower leg, just below the knee. Press here to help drain dampness like fluid retention, heaviness in the limbs, sluggish digestion. This point can feel bruise-like, so press gently.
Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Below the kneecap, about a hand’s width down. Supports digestion and overall energy and immunity. Excellent for kids- use year round!
Large Intestine 11 (Quchi): At the end of the elbow crease, on the outer part of the arm. Great for clearing heat, especially from the skin, and summer colds with fever and sore throat.
Liver 3 (Taichong): On the top of the foot between the first and second toes. Helps move stagnation and cool irritability. A favorite for headaches, pain and PMS.
Hold each point for about 30–60 seconds while breathing deeply.
Summer Tips for Keeping Damp-Heat in Check
Stay hydrated, but skip icy drinks (they slow digestion!)
Eat light, cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, mung beans, and bitter greens
Avoid greasy, fried, or super-sugary foods (they create more dampness)
Sip chrysanthemum + goji berry tea to cool the body and supports liver health
Try dry brushing a few times a week before a shower to support the lymphatic system and help move stagnation
Get enough sleep and find moments to slow down (stress heats the body up!)
Damp-heat doesn’t have to ruin your summer. With a little extra awareness and some solid TCM tools, you can stay cool, clear, and energized all season long. If you’re feeling off, don’t just chalk it up to “summer sluggishness.” Book a session and let’s get your system back in balance!
Want personalized support? We’re here for you. With acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle tweaks, we’ve got all the tools to help you feel light, bright, and grounded again.
👉 Book your summer reset with us at Balance Acupuncture or reach out at info@balancecharleston.com.
