Hello Summer
Summer is here! Chinese Medicine proposes that we will feel our best if we live according to the seasons. In the Summer, it is our fire that wants to come out and play! With the appropriate diet and lifestyle adjustments, we can cultivate a healthy fire element, a happy spirit, and a strong heart.
Regardless of where you live, you can follow these principles of Chinese Medicine to help you stay happy and healthy this summer!
☀️ Enjoy life to its fullest: Hanging out with friends and family, throwing backyard bbqs or going to the beach supports the social inclination of the Fire element and encourages a happy heart. Get a healthy dose of laughter by seeking out some comic relief with a movie, book, or good friends. A sense of humor, having fun, and a good laugh just might be the best medicine!
☀️ Be Cool As A Cucumber: Our summertime diet should be light, cooling, brightly colored, and hydrating. For most of the year, Chinese Medicine prefers our diet to be mostly cooked and warm in nature. However, because this is the hottest time of year we can include more cooling and raw food into the diet. Be aware that a meal plan consisting only of “cold foods” like salads and smoothies will put out your “digestive fire” and cause indigestion and loose stools. So be sure to include lightly cooked or steamed vegetables and grains as well.
☀️ Balance Fire with Water: In the summer, it becomes especially important to balance the hot, active, yang energy of the fire element with its polar opposite: the cooling, still, yin energy of the water element. In between the bbq’s, baseball games, and beach parties, slow down with yoga or meditation. Or more literally, find water! Get into the ocean, hang out by the pool, swim in a lake. Connecting with the water element is grounding and helps to keep your fire from flaring and burning out.
If you’d like support with incorporating diet and lifestyle adjustments to help you stay happy and healthy this summer, check out our services including acupuncture, herbal medicine and health + wellness coaching. Call at (843) 937-6890 or schedule an appointment online.
