Summer Heat and How it Affects Fertility
- nataliagardneracup
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 30
As the weather heats up, you may start to wonder how higher temperatures can affect your body, your menstrual cycle and your fertility. From the perspective of Chinese Medicine, external heat can sometimes contribute to internal heat, which may influence the balance of the body during your fertility journey.
Traditional Chinese Medicine forms the basis of acupuncture theory, and when it comes to fertility, we often look at individual patterns within the body rather than symptoms in isolation. Common fertility-related diagnoses may include Blood deficiency, Kidney deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Heat in the Blood or Yin deficiency.
At your first session, your individual fertility picture will be assessed so that treatment can be tailored to your body, cycle and current stage of your fertility journey.
During hot weather, some patterns may become more noticeable, particularly:
Heat in the Blood
Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat
Yin Deficiency over time
What Is Heat in the Blood?
In Chinese Medicine, Heat in the Blood can occur when external heat contributes to internal heat at the level of the blood. This may cause the blood to move more forcefully or irregularly, which can be linked with unusual bleeding patterns.
Signs and symptoms of Heat in the Blood may include:
Heavy periods
Bright red menstrual blood
Fresh clots
Mid-cycle bleeding
Short menstrual cycles
Nosebleeds
Restlessness or anxiety
Red skin, rashes, psoriasis or acne
Mild period pain or no period pain
When looking at fertility support, Heat in the Blood may be considered if there are signs of irregular bleeding, heavy menstrual flow or a cycle that appears to be moving too quickly.
What Is Liver Qi Stagnation?
In Chinese Medicine, Qi refers to the energy of the body. The Liver is responsible for helping Qi move smoothly. When this energy becomes blocked or excessive, Liver Qi stagnation can occur.
Over time, stagnation may generate heat. This heat can rise upwards, which is why some people experience headaches, migraines, irritability or tension that feels worse in hot weather.
The Liver is also closely connected to the menstrual cycle, hormones, blood flow and emotional wellbeing. For this reason, Liver Qi stagnation is often considered in fertility acupuncture.
Signs and symptoms of Liver Qi stagnation may include:
Delayed cycles
PCOS-type symptoms
PMT or PMS
Painful periods
Bloating
Headaches or migraines
Stress, frustration and mood swings
How Can Summer Heat Affect Fertility?
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, excess heat may affect fertility by disrupting the natural rhythm and balance of the menstrual cycle. This does not mean that warm weather alone causes fertility issues; however, it may aggravate existing patterns in the body.
Excess Heat May Affect the Quality of Eggs
During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the body is preparing for ovulation. In Chinese Medicine, if there is excess heat in the blood, this phase may move too quickly.
Heat can be seen as accelerating the hormonal cycle, which may mean the egg does not have as much time to mature and develop fully before ovulation. This is one reason why heat is used carefully within fertility acupuncture, particularly during the follicular stimulation phase of IVF.
For example, a heat lamp would not usually be used over the abdomen during this stage of IVF treatment, as the aim is to support balance rather than add more heat.
Excess Heat May Dry Cervical Mucus
Healthy cervical mucus plays an important role in fertility, as it helps support sperm movement through the reproductive tract. When there is too much internal heat, cervical mucus may become drier or less fertile in quality.
From a Chinese Medicine fertility perspective, dryness may be linked with heat or Yin deficiency, especially if it is accompanied by a short follicular phase, low oestrogen signs or changes in the menstrual cycle.
Excess Heat May Affect the Uterine Lining
The uterine lining is essential for implantation. If Heat in the Blood is contributing to irregular bleeding, mid-cycle spotting or excessively heavy periods, the quality and stability of the uterine lining may be affected.
In fertility acupuncture, we look at the menstrual cycle as a reflection of what is happening internally. Bleeding patterns, flow, colour, clotting and cycle length can all give useful information about the body’s balance.
How Excess Heat Can Lead to Yin Deficiency
If excess heat remains in the body over a longer period of time, it can begin to dry up the Yin. In Chinese Medicine, Yin is associated with cooling, nourishing, moistening and feminine energy.
When the body becomes Yin deficient, there may be signs of dryness, heat or depletion.
Signs of Yin deficiency may include:
Low AMH
A thin uterine lining
Short follicular phase
Poor quality eggs or embryo
Dry skin
Low oestrogen
High FSH
Night sweats or feeling hot at night
Yin deficiency is an important pattern in fertility acupuncture because it may relate to the body’s ability to nourish the cycle, support the uterine lining and maintain balance throughout the different phases of fertility treatment.
How Acupuncture May Help Support Fertility in Hot Weather
Fertility acupuncture aims to support the body by encouraging balance, improving flow and working with your individual Chinese Medicine diagnosis.
When heat is present, acupuncture points may be selected to clear heat, cool the blood, move Liver Qi and nourish Yin. Treatment is always tailored to the individual and may change depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle or IVF cycle.
Common acupuncture points used for heat-related patterns may include:
Liver 2
Liver 2 is located on the foot near the big toe. In Chinese Medicine, it is often used to clear heat from the Liver and support the smooth movement of Liver Qi.
Spleen 10
Spleen 10 is located above the knee. It is traditionally used to cool and regulate the blood, making it a useful point when there are menstrual or fertility symptoms associated with Heat in the Blood.
Large Intestine 11
Large Intestine 11 is found near the elbow crease. This point is commonly used to clear heat from the body and may be included when there are broader signs of internal heat.
During hot weather, the follicular phase or when Yin has been affected over time, treatment may also focus on nourishing Kidney Yin. These points are often located on the lower legs and abdomen.
What Can You Do at Home During Hot Weather?
There are simple steps you can take to support your body during periods of summer heat.
Reduce heat-generating foods, such as very spicy foods, especially if you already notice signs of internal heat.
Introduce cooling Yin-supportive foods, such as watermelon, cucumber, kiwi, spinach and celery.
Exercise earlier in the morning where possible, so you can keep your body moving without overheating.
Stay hydrated and pay attention to signs such as headaches, dry skin, irritability, sleep disruption or changes in your menstrual cycle.
Cooling products may also help if you are prone to heat-related headaches or migraines. At Creation Acupuncture, a reusable cooling gel ice hat is available to purchase for £10 and can be frozen to help cool heat from the head.
During periods of hot weather, appointments will take place in a cool downstairs room with fans to keep treatment as comfortable as possible.
Supporting Your Fertility Journey Through Summer
Summer heat can be a useful reminder to listen to your body. If you are noticing shorter cycles, heavier bleeding, mid-cycle spotting, headaches, dry cervical mucus or signs of Yin deficiency, fertility acupuncture may help support your body’s natural balance.
The ideal time to clear heat is during the summer heat period, before it has the chance to build up further within the body.
To support your fertility journey with personalised acupuncture treatment, book your appointment today.
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