The 4 Seasons of Your Cycle: Ovulation (Summer)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each phase of your menstrual cycle is associated with a different season. Just like we adjust our routines and diets throughout the year, aligning your lifestyle with the phases of your cycle can support better hormonal balance, energy, and emotional well-being.

Here’s the seasonal breakdown:

• Menstrual Phase – Winter

• Follicular Phase – Spring

• Ovulation – Summer

• Luteal Phase – Autumn

Ovulation, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is associated with Summer—a time of peak Yang energy. This is when your body feels its most vibrant, open, and fertile. Yang energy brings warmth, movement, and expansion, and ovulation reflects that in both your physical and emotional states.

During this phase, estrogen peaks, cervical fluid increases, and your Qi and Blood are actively circulating, preparing the body for potential conception. Even if you’re not trying to conceive, this is still an important time to support reproductive health, emotional vitality, and hormonal balance.

Focus of Ovulation Food Therapy

• Enhance Qi and Blood circulation

• Nourish the Heart and Liver

• Maintain balance by preventing excess internal heat

• Protect Yin fluids

Support your body during ovulation with foods that are cooling, hydrating, and circulatory, while gently tonifying the Liver, Heart, and Kidneys:

• Fruits and Veggies (cooling & blood-moving):

  • Berries, pomegranate – Clear Heat, move Liver Blood, support fertility

  • Asparagus, zucchini, cucumber, broccoli – Cool Liver Heat, support digestion and circulation

• Proteins

  • Salmon, mackerel – Nourish Kidney Yin, support hormone production with essential fats

  • Eggs – Nourish Qi and Blood

• Whole Grains and Complex Carbs:

  • Quinoa, millet, rice – Nourish Spleen Qi and provide sustainable energy

• Healthy Fats:

  • Avocado, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, butter – Support hormone production, moisten dryness, and nourish Yin

Recipe Salmon Poke Bowl

A delicious and vibrant bowl that reflects the summer energy of ovulation—cooling, hydrating, and nourishing.

Ingredient Benefits According to TCM:

• Salmon – Tonifies Kidney Yin and Blood

• Cucumber – Clears Heat, moistens

• Asparagus – Clears Heat, supports Liver Qi

• Rice (cooked in bone broth) – Strengthens Spleen and nourishes Blood

• Edamame – Supports Liver and Kidney function

• Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma) – Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, support hormonal balance and hair health

• Avocado – Nourishes Yin, balances fluids and hormones

Ingredients (Serves 2–3):

• 1 Cup cooked white or brown rice (use bone broth instead of water for extra nourishment)

• 6–8 oz Wild-caught salmon or sushi grade

• ½ Cucumber, thinly sliced

• ½ Cup steamed asparagus, chopped

• ½ Cup shelled edamame

• ½ Avocado, sliced

• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds

• 1 tbsp Coconut aminos

• 1 tsp Sesame oil

• Optional: Pickled ginger, seaweed, lime juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice and let cool slightly

2. Prep your toppings while the rice cools:

   • Slice the cucumber thinly for a crisp, refreshing crunch.

   • Steam the asparagus until just tender, about 2–3 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

   • Gently warm the edamame or steam until tender.

   • Slice the avocado

3. If using raw salmon, slice into small cubes or thin sashimi-style strips. (Make sure it's sushi-grade.) If cooking salmon, cook for 8-10 minutes with a tablespoon of oil in a pan

4. Assemble your bowl: Add a generous scoop of rice to each bowl. Arrange the salmon, cucumber, asparagus, edamame, and avocado on top

5. Drizzle and season: Mix the Coconut aminos with sesame oil, and drizzle over the top of each bowl

6. Finish with toppings: Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and any optional garnishes like pickled ginger, seaweed flakes, or a squeeze of lime for brightness

7. Serve and enjoy at room temperature for a meal that’s light, balancing, and perfectly aligned with the vibrant energy of the ovulatory phase

Extra Tips for the Ovulation Phase:

• Socialize and be seen: This is the most expressive time in your cycle—plan presentations, dates, or interviews now

• Drink rose or goji berry tea to nourish Heart and Liver Blood

• Hydrate well with water or tea to protect Yin

• Movement: Try expressive or dynamic workouts like dance, HIIT, or running to move Liver Qi

Ovulation is your body’s internal summer—full of radiance, creativity, and connection. Supporting yourself with proper food therapy during this time can help balance hormones, regulate cycles, and enhance your overall vitality.

Stay tuned for the next post in this series: the Luteal Phase (Autumn)