Qi Gong Energy Update – Summer 2025 | Yang Phase Explained

Master Mikel Steenrod explains how seasonal yang energy affects your body, sleep, and emotional balance. Learn how to align with the environment, manage internal heat, and stay grounded during the peak of summer Qi.

Study Guide – Summer Solstice Qi Update 2025

Designed for viewers with an interest in Qi, seasonal dynamics, or energy balance.

1. Key Seasonal Concept: Dominant Yang Phase

Begins ~2 weeks before to 2 weeks after the summer solstice (June 21, northern hemisphere)
Defined as the period of stable yang, the highest sustained outward energy of the year
Transition varies by geography, plant life, and regional environmental Qi

2. Living in a Yang Phase

Activities requiring prolonged output (projects, physical goals, rebuilding) are best started now
Yang is expressed through movement, exertion, and momentum
Ideal time for:
- Building strength and stamina
- Engaging in long-term projects
- Establishing consistent routines

3. Potential Struggles During Yang

Sleep issues may surface due to yin-yang imbalance (sleep = yin)
- Strategy: “Bleed off” excess yang with light activity 1–3 hours before bed
- Supplement with yin-building practices like meditation or Qi Gong
Heat intolerance may worsen
- Not all summer heat is physical — yang heat is energetic
- Feeling hot despite normal body temp = likely internal yang excess

4. Environmental Variation

Some areas may experience a “double yang” or even “triple yang” effect
- Flagstaff, AZ, for example, may exhibit unusually heightened yang
- Others may see +25% or +50% increase in yang expression
Personal tolerance depends on constitutional patterns (heat/cold nature)

5. Managing Energetic Heat

Use mint tea or chrysanthemum tea to introduce cooling Qi
Avoid defaulting to cold food (like ice cream) unless actual body temp is high
Distinguish physical heat from Qi-based heat

6. Naturalistic Perspective

Summer yang is not “bad”—it’s powerful, and should be balanced, not suppressed
Awareness of seasonal flow is the foundation of energetic health
Respect your body’s signals; adapt rather than override

7. Suggested Actions

Track your sleep, activity, and emotional patterns for signs of excess yang
Begin long-form wellness plans now; carry momentum into fall
Browse available Qi resources and courses at Water Mountain Virtual

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dominant yang phase in Qi Gong?

The dominant yang phase occurs around the summer solstice and marks the most stable outward energy of the year. It’s an ideal time to align with active, physical, or expressive energy.

Why is sleep harder during the summer according to Qi Gong?

Sleep is a yin process. During the yang-dominant summer, excess yang energy can disrupt sleep. Qi Gong suggests bleeding off excess yang with light activity and using yin-building techniques like breathing or meditation.

How can I cool internal heat caused by excess yang?

Internal heat can be moderated with cooling Qi herbs like mint tea or chrysanthemum tea. These reduce the sensation of energetic heat more effectively than just cold foods like ice cream.

How to Balance Summer Yang Using Qi Gong Principles

Step 1: Identify signs of yang excess

Notice signs like restlessness, feeling overheated despite normal temperature, or struggling to fall asleep. These often indicate excess yang in the system.

Step 2: Bleed off excess yang

Engage in light movement—like walking, chores, or relaxed martial drills—during the late afternoon or early evening to help discharge surplus yang energy.

Step 3: Build yin energy

Practice quiet breathing, stillness, or a short yin-style Qi Gong form to restore balance and calm the nervous system.

Step 4: Cool internal heat

Drink mint or chrysanthemum tea to reduce internal yang heat. This is more effective than using ice-cold foods or external cooling when your temperature is normal but you still feel hot.