Reclaim Rest: A Ritual Guide for Summer Evenings

margaretsmith971
Jul 28
2 min read

Updated: Aug 12

Summer’s long, golden evenings can feel expansive and alive. Yet with the season’s heightened Yang energy—social gatherings, travel, and endless daylight—it’s easy to lose the natural rhythm of rest. Without mindful transitions, our nights can feel restless, leaving the Heart and Shen (spirit) unsettled.

Even in the most vibrant season, we need moments to exhale, slow down, and reclaim rest. Here’s a simple, nourishing guide to help you wind down and welcome deep summer sleep.

1. Sip a Calming Herbal Tea

A warm, gentle tea signals the body to shift gears from activity to restoration. In Chinese Medicine, certain herbs help clear excess summer heat and calm the spirit:

Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) – soothes tension and cools the eyes after screen time

Lotus Seed (Lian Zi) – nourishes the Heart and supports peaceful sleep

Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi) – replenishes Yin and eases internal dryness from heat

Chamomile or Lemon Balm – Western allies to soothe the nervous system

Incorporate ritual: Brew your tea slowly and sip it with intention—letting the warmth settle your body from within.

2. Gentle Acupressure for Better Sleep

Acupressure offers a quiet way to harmonize energy and calm an overactive mind. Before bed, spend 1–2 minutes on each of these points:

Yin Tang (Third Eye Point) – Between the brows; soothes anxiety and overthinking
Anmian (“Peaceful Sleep”) – Just behind the earlobe; encourages deep rest
Heart 7 (Shenmen, “Spirit Gate”) – At the inner wrist crease; anchors the Shen and eases insomnia

Incorporate ritual: Take slow breaths while pressing these points. Imagine your breath descending from your head into your Heart, then down into your belly.

3. Set a Screen Curfew

The bright glow of screens overstimulates the Heart and eyes, especially at night when your Yin energy should be rising. Ideally, power down phones, TVs, and computers at least one hour before bed.

Incorporate ritual: Replace scrolling with a quiet activity—reading, light stretching, or even simply sitting by candlelight. This signals the nervous system that it’s safe to rest.

4. Move Gently to Release the Day

Even a few minutes of slow, intentional movement helps release built-up Yang energy. Try:

Yin yoga poses like forward folds or legs-up-the-wall
Tai chi or qigong breathing exercises
A simple walking meditation outdoors as the sun sets

Incorporate ritual: Move with the breath, letting your body soften and the day’s energy settle.

Creating Your Summer Evening Ritual

These practices aren’t about adding more to your to-do list—they’re about creating a soft landing for your body and spirit. Think of your evening as a bridge between the vibrant Yang of the day and the nourishing Yin of night.

When we protect our rest, we restore the Heart’s ability to stay joyful, open, and connected without burning out.

Download our Free 7-Day Guided Reset—a gentle week of rituals and reflections designed to help you realign with your rhythms, naturally. Or schedule a personalized acupuncture session at our Boulder clinic.

Restore Balance. Renew energy. Find serenity.