Summer Living
As the sun shines brighter and the temperature rises, summer invites us to embrace its vibrant energy. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season has a unique energy and influence on our body and mind. By understanding and aligning ourselves with the principles of TCM, we can optimize our well-being and live in harmony with nature.
In this blog post, we will explore how to live seasonally in summer, incorporating dietary advice, lifestyle practices, emotional balance, exercise routines, and managing the heat for a wholesome summer experience.
How to eat in Summer
In TCM, diet plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body. During the summer season, it is important to focus on foods that help counteract the excessive heat while nourishing and hydrating the body:
Cooling Foods: Include watermelon, cucumber, mint, cilantro, and other cooling fruits and vegetables in your diet. These foods have a cooling effect on the body, helping to balance the external heat.
Red Foods: Incorporate red foods into your diet, such as strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, red peppers, and beets. Red is associated with the fire element in TCM, which corresponds to the summer season. These foods support heart health, promote circulation, and help nourish the blood.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, such as herbal teas, coconut water, and infused water with cucumber or mint. Adequate hydration is essential during the summer to replenish fluids lost through sweating. Avoid excessive amounts of iced or carbonated beverages, as they can impair digestion.
Light Meals: Opt for lighter, easily digestible meals such as salads, steamed vegetables, and grilled lean proteins. Heavy, greasy, or fried foods can lead to sluggish digestion and discomfort in the summer heat.
Things to Avoid:
Caffeine: Limit or avoid caffeine-containing beverages like coffee and black tea. Caffeine is a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration, which is already a concern during the summer season.
Sugar: Minimize your intake of refined sugars and sugary treats. While they may provide a temporary energy boost, they can disrupt your blood sugar levels and contribute to inflammation.
Alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption, as it dehydrates the body and can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature. Opt for hydrating alternatives such as infused water or herbal mocktails.
But why are you depriving me of these joys, Kate?
Caffeine, sugar, and alcohol can all have negative effects on the body during the summer season. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and potentially leading to dehydration. Sugar, particularly in the form of refined sugars, can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and contribute to inflammation, compromising overall health. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, making it more difficult to stay adequately hydrated in the summer heat. Limiting or avoiding these substances will support your body's natural balance and help you stay cool and energized during the summer season.
By incorporating cooling foods, hydrating properly, and being mindful of your food choices, you can support your body's natural ability to adapt to the summer season. Remember to listen to your body's cues, stay active but not overexerted, and embrace the joy and vibrancy that summer brings. Live in harmony with nature and allow the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to guide you towards a season filled with balance, well-being, and optimal health.
Lifestyle Advice for Summer:
Balance Rest and Activity: Embrace the longer days by waking up earlier to enjoy the cool morning air and engaging in gentle exercise or outdoor activities. Reserve the hottest hours of the day for rest and relaxation to conserve energy and prevent overexertion.
Stay Cool and Protected: Use natural methods to cool your living space, such as keeping windows and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, using fans, or utilizing natural cooling techniques like wet towels on the back of the neck or a refreshing foot bath.
Embrace Nature: Spend time outdoors, connecting with the energy of summer. Walk barefoot on grass, practice gardening, or simply take leisurely strolls in parks. Allow yourself to appreciate the abundance and beauty of the season.
The best ways to move your body this season:
Swimming: Cooling and invigorating, swimming is an excellent exercise to beat the heat while keeping your body active. It supports cardiovascular health, improves lung capacity, and helps maintain a balanced weight.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi: These ancient practices combine gentle movements, deep breathing, and focused intention. They enhance energy flow, strengthen the body, and promote overall well-being.
Do something you enjoy! Summer is all about happiness and childishness, so bounce on your trampoline with your children, rollerblade around the park and find your inner child!
Emotional Balance
According to TCM, emotions are closely linked to our overall well-being. In summer, it is important to cultivate positive emotions and maintain emotional balance:
Openness and Joy: Summer is associated with the fire element in TCM, which corresponds to the heart and small intestine. The heart is considered the residence of the mind and spirit. Cultivating a sense of openness and joy during this season can help nurture a healthy heart and support emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and laughter, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or immersing yourself in nature's beauty.
Connection to Others: Summer is a time of socializing and connecting with others. Cultivate and nourish your relationships with friends, partners, family, and even strangers. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and creating memorable moments together can bring a sense of fulfillment and deep connection. Opening yourself up to new connections and strengthening existing ones can foster a sense of belonging and emotional well-being.
Creativity and Passion: TCM views the heart as the seat of consciousness and creativity. Summer provides an opportunity to tap into your creative side and explore your passions. Engaging in artistic pursuits, such as painting, writing, or playing an instrument, can be deeply fulfilling. Embrace the energy of the season and allow your creativity to flow, igniting a sense of purpose and enthusiasm in your everyday life.
Summary
By cultivating openness, joy, connection, and creativity, you can enhance your emotional well-being and fully embrace the vibrancy of summer. Remember to engage in activities that bring you joy, nurture your relationships, and explore your passions. Allow yourself to be present in the moment, savoring the beauty and abundance that surrounds you.
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises can also support emotional balance during the summer season. By grounding yourself in the present moment and cultivating self-awareness, you can navigate any emotional challenges that may arise and maintain inner harmony.
By embracing the TCM principles of openness, joy, connection, and creativity, you can experience a summer filled with emotional balance, deep connections, and a renewed sense of purpose in your everyday life.
How to Book an Appointment
If you are interested in having some acupuncture to help work through some heat in the body, lack of motivation and connection, or any other symptom arising for you this summer, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us. If you feel acupuncture is right for you, you can book your appointment now.
The information in this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.