Keep Cool this Summer with Chinese Medicine
When temperatures rise this time of year and the only way to get relief is with AC or swimming, we can also turn to acupuncture & Chinese medicine to help cool off. 🥵🧊
In Chinese medicine, the summer is represented by the element of fire and the organ of the heart. Maintaining homeostatic balance during this time of year is important because disruptions can lead to imbalances in the Heart channel with undesirable symptoms. Such symptoms of imbalances in the Heart channel due to overheating and exertion during the summer time include:
Heart palpitations (hearing or feeling your own heartbeat)
Anxiety
Insomnia
Night sweats & hot flashes
Dizziness
Headaches
Irritability
Fatigue
Low back pain & weakness (one of the most common seasonal symptom treated at TRA)
Tips for Staying Calm, Cool & Collected this Summer
Stay hydrated. The best way to hydrate your body in the summer with room temperature water, as really icy water can be refreshing, but slow your digestion. It is also important to limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as both of these are very warm in nature and can increase heat in the body.
Take breaks, especially in the early afternoon. In Chinese medicine, the Heart operates during its peak at the hours between 11AM - 1PM. This is also when the sun is usually the strongest during the day and it is important to take restful breaks in the shade if spending a lot of time outdoors. Even if inside in the air-conditioning, it is beneficial to not exert ourselves too much during these hours, so the Heart can pump nutrients around the body effectively without imbalances.
Watch your diet. Aside from wanting to feel confident in that new bathing suit, it is important that we watch our food intake during the summer months for digestive purposes. This involves eating with the season, such as enjoying water-filled fruits and vegetables (melons, cucumbers, berries, lettuce, artichoke, celery) and avoiding super cold foods in excess, such as smoothies, protein shakes, and ice cream. While the latter can always be enjoyed sparingly, I usually recommend warming the stomach afterwards with a cup of tea or warm water with honey for those with sensitive stomachs or IBS.
Intentional shower temperatures. Start off your showers with warm water (not super hot), and slowly but surely make the temperature of the water cooler. This allows the pores to open and draw heat from the body for temperature regulation and better sleep. This is especially beneficial if you are experiencing trouble sleeping or night sweats.
So where does acupuncture and herbal medicine come in?
The obvious answer is that a skilled acupuncturist will know how to regulate and balance out the Heart channel and lessen the symptoms that come with the imbalance. While that is true, it is also true that long days of heat, summer BBQs, and late night partying, can lead to increased fatigue. Acupuncture and the fitting herbal formula can help combat this fatigue by regulating your nervous system and helping with homeostatic balance. Remember to take care of your body so you can enjoy all the fun festivities that sweet summertime has to offer. As always, I’m here to support you through all the seasons 🌞
