Combat Summer Heat and Humidity with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Combat Summer Heat and Humidity with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Summer
Summer time, the season all long for, but when the heat and humidity ramps up, there is a sudden shift and most are wishing it was cooler again! Summer in New England means heat waves and humidity!
During the summer months, we naturally find our body craving more cooling foods which can help reduce sensations of heat in the body as well as sweat. You might find yourself craving watermelon, reaching for iced tea, and even sense some aversion to heavy/greasy foods. Have you ever wondered why that is? I’m going to explain how the foods we eat as well as the spices and herbs we consume can help or hinder our ability to stay cool this summer from an acupuncture and Chinese medicine stand point.
In the summer time there are two very prevalent environmental factors at play, which are referred to as Heat and Dampness in Chinese medical terms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine - Summer Heat
Heat is experienced as the temperature of our environment (outdoors, or any other area which surrounds us) as well as the temperature of the foods/herbs/spices that we consume.
Dampness on the other hand can be perceived as the sweat that the heat can induce. The element of dampness can create lethargy, lassitude, and fatigue. Foods like thick yogurts, fried foods, and excess consumption of dairy products can add to the dampness in the body and elevate its symptoms.
During a heat wave you may have notice symptoms of summer heat such as fever, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, whole body heaviness, or heaviness in the arms and legs. TCM likes to refer to these symptoms as "Summer heat".
Summer Heat is sweltering heat which can be experienced on a 95 degree day. Add humidity and you are experiencing what TCM would refer to as Dampness. During a heat wave in New England, you are likely experiencing some symptoms of Dampness as well. Symptoms are body heaviness localized (i.e. arms, legs) and possible overall body heaviness, diarrhea, stuffiness in chest, irritability, fever, excessive sweating, and dizziness
Symptoms of summer heat and dampness, should NOT be confused with heat exhaustion or heat stroke (i.e. fainting, dark colored urine, rapid heart rate, dry skin, etc). If you are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke seek immediate medical attention.
If you have ever spent a day outside in the heat sweating your butt off, craving watermelon and avoiding fried dough (or other Damp inducing foods) then you have experienced first hand the effects of Summer Heat and Dampness.
Can the foods I eat throughout the summer really reduce the amount of heat my body perceives, and the amount of sweat I produce? The answer is YES - and I am going to provide you with a few simple tips and tricks to keep you dry and energetic this summer!
Chinese Medicine is about Balance
As you may know, Chinese medicine is all about balance - so if there is excess Heat in the summer, our first goal is to balance the Heat with some coolness. During the winter months the exact opposite is true, our goal is to balance the cold with warm foods such as soup, stew, etc. During the summer months, Chinese Medicine would recommend avoiding excess sweating as excess sweat can led to exhaustion of Yin energy (body fluids such as blood). Exhaustion of Yin energy can lead to symptoms of increased hot flashes during menopause, fatigue,lack of moisture and nourishment to muscles which can lead to muscle damage and other pain conditions, and much more! Chinese medicine would recommend that the best form of exercise during the summer months would include: brisk walking, yoga or other internal exercises, light jogging, swimming, and gardening just to name a few. The goal is to reserve your Yin energy and resources by getting to know your bodies limits and reduce the amount of sweat is being exerted. If you are training for a marathon or another event then Chinese medicine would recommend vigorous training to occur during the cooler parts of the day - with the goal to reserve Yin energy as much as possible.
Chinese Medicine - Summer Food Recommendations
First, if you are an individual who is suffers from summer heat or dampness, try acupuncture! Acupuncture works to prevent the onset of summer heat and dampness through acupuncture points that release heat and harmonize the spleen to prevent dampness from occurring.
Second, let's focus on cooling and harmonizing your body to reduce and resolve symptoms of summer heat and dampness.
1) Watermelon: There is a reason why watermelon is widely consumed during the summer months. Watermelon contains many cooling properties, vitamins, minerals, simple sugars, and water to help you stay cool. Try to eat as close to the rind as possible as there are diuretic effects.
Did you know that the cucumber is watermelon's cousin and that the whole watermelon is edible.
2) Mung bean or Mung bean soup: Mung beans help clear heat and toxins from the body, balance organs and skin, and tonify Qi. Mung beans have been shown to regulate body temperature and to prevent heat stroke. You likely don't crave Mung bean soup, or you might not even know what a Mung Bean is, but Mung Beans are surprisingly sweet and tasty!
3) Mint tea: Mint or Bo He is classified as cool, acrid herb which can relieve heat in the head and chest. Drink cool or at room temperature. If you aren't already growing mint in your garden, head over to your local nursery to grab this easy to grow herb and begin making your own tea!
4) Avoid outside activities during the hottest parts of the day.
5) Electrolytes: replenishing fluids and electrolytes are very important. Replenish with just water and you could risk hypoatremia. Hypoatremia, occurs when you drink too much water and dilute salts in the body.
Remember Always Consult your Chinese Herbalist to determine the best dosage for your pathology
About Our Acupuncture Clinic:
North Shore Acupuncture and Natural Medicine is an acupuncture clinic in Beverly, MA. Founded by Allison Camire MAOM LAc. OM Dipl. We are dedicated to providing traditional medicine with modern results that are tailored to you. We practice transparency and personalized care, and work in partnership with our patients. We support our patients throughout every step on their path to wellness.
At North Shore Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, our mission is to provide you with the tools and insights to make changes to your life that can propel your health further than you ever imagined! We combine 20+ years of experience in Eastern and Western medical philosophies for a result orientated approach to your health. Our goal is to help you take control of your health and to transform you into your own healer. Our approach is rooted in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and our natural medicine techniques that together form a multifaceted approach to optimize your health and longevity.
