Stay Cool And Balanced This Summer – TCM Style

Tips to Stay Cool

As you know, summer is a season of intensity and extremes. Heat, romances, vacation plans…everything seems ramped up for the season. In Chinese medicine, this is no surprise as summer is seen as the time of maximum yang, which is associated with life, heat, vitality, energy, and growth. However, though the warmth and energy brings a great amount of life, excitement, and joy during the season, an excess of anything can cause stress and imbalance within the body. This is why it is so important to maintain balance during this season and take action so you do not feel the negative bodily effects of accumulating too much excitement and/or excessive heat within the body. Here are some tips from RiverWest Acupuncture to help you stay cool and balanced this summer – TCM style.

1. Take lots of breaks.

As we’ve mentioned earlier in the season, summertime is a time filled with activities, projects, and events. Though these things bring us great fun and enjoyment, they can feel overwhelming after a while and leave you feeling like you have little time to yourself. Anxiety and stress can build from trying to keep up with all of the activity with little time to recoup. You can reduce some of these feelings by allowing yourself to take breaks. Say no to one event and spend the afternoon caring for yourself. Take a breath and do some extra planning to prevent over-scheduling. Also, while doing daily activities, such as working outdoors or exercising, take breaks in the shade every hour to cool down your body. In addition, take a break from doing these physically demanding activities during the peak hours of the summer heat, 10 am to 2 pm.

2. Drink lots of water.

This is one tip you’re sure to have heard a lot this summer, especially due to our multiple heat waves! Making sure to drink lots of water will help you stay hydrated and cool during the summer. Water is the yin to summer’s yang, so it is important to balance all of the heat and dryness of summer with the cool liquid of water.

Try to drink eight glasses of water a day, more if you will be out in the sun, and refrain from adding too much ice. Drinking ice-cold water may seem particularly tempting on a hot day, but it causes your body to have to use more energy to match the liquid within your body to your body’s natural temperature. Your body is already harboring too much energy from the heat and activity of the season. Take it easy on your body and help keep it balanced by trying to drink water without ice.

3. Eat lots of cooling foods.

In a previous blog, we covered the important role that food can play in keeping you cool. The inherent cooling qualities of water-filled fruits and vegetables, such as melons, celery, cucumbers, peaches, and lettuce, can help your body stay in balance. These light, watery, and cool foods will help combat the heat your body is taking in from the sun and weather. Just remember to say away from red meats, warming stews and soups, and over-cooked vegetables, as these food items are meant to generate heat with the body and are better suited for later in the year. Also, for the same reason you should not be drinking water with too much ice, try to limit the amount of super cold foods you eat such as ice cream.

4. Seek out acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help treat symptoms that typically pop up during the summer. If you’re experiencing excessive fatigue or anxiety and restlessness from the heat, let acupuncture help treat your body and clear the heat. Customized herbal concoctions created by our RiverWest Acupuncture team in Portland can also help cool and clear heat from the body, restoring balance. The heat and lack of balance during the season can also cause symptoms such as heat rash and headaches. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can address these health concerns, allowing you to feel your best this summer.

Our summer has been a hot one, and with recent heat advisory news, it seems this will only continue. RiverWest Acupuncture wants our clients to stay cool and balanced during this season of heat and excitement. Call our Portland acupuncture office if you need help or advice on clearing the heat this summer.