Summertime Wellness
Embracing Summer Wellness with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Summer, with its abundant sunshine and vibrant energy, is a season of warmth, growth, and activity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is associated with the Fire element, which governs the Heart and Small Intestine. The season’s energy is expansive, lively, and outward-moving, encouraging us to fully engage with the world around us. To harness the benefits of summer and maintain optimal health, it’s essential to align our lifestyles with the principles of TCM. Here’s a guide to summer wellness according to TCM.
The Fire Element and Your Heart
In TCM, each season corresponds to an element and its related organs. Summer is ruled by the Fire element, which is linked to the Heart (yin) and small Intestine (yang). The heart, often referred to as the “Emperor” of the body, governs not only blood circulation but also houses the mind and spirit, known as Shen. A balanced heart ensures mental clarity, emotional stability, and restful sleep.
Signs of Imbalance:
Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, restlessness, agitation, or excessive joy (think uncharacteristic highs followed by low moods).
Physical Symptoms: Insomnia, palpitations, hot flashes, rosacea or a red complexion.
Digestive Symptoms: Bloating, indigestion, or irregular bowel movements.
Embrace the Season with Lifestyle Adjustments
1. Nutrition: Nourishing the Heart and Cooling the Body
Summer’s heat can lead to excessive internal warmth, so it’s important to consume foods that cool and hydrate the body while supporting heart health.
Cooling Foods: TCM never condones ice in your beverages (but frozen treats are joys of summer that can always be enjoyed in moderation!) however, eating and drinking foods and beverages with cooling properties can be beneficial for beating the heat and staying hydrated. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, mint, and leafy greens. These foods help to cool the body and maintain hydration.
Hydrating Foods: Foods with high water content, like tomatoes, strawberries, and citrus fruits, can keep you hydrated and refreshed.
Bitter Flavors: Bitter foods such as dandelion greens, arugula, and bitter melon support the Heart and improve digestion by gently clearing heat and promoting our body’s innate detoxification pathways via the liver and large intestine. Digestive bitters can also be helpful for this reason.
Avoid Overheating: Limit intake of overly spicy, greasy, or fried foods and alcohol, as they can exacerbate internal heat.
2. Movement: Aligning with the Energy of Summer
Summer’s energy is dynamic and expansive, making it the perfect time for physical activity that invigorates the body and mind.
Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor exercises such as swimming, hiking, or yoga in the park. The natural environment can enhance the benefits of physical activity.
Morning Workouts: Exercise in the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid overheating and sunburn.
Moderation: While it’s great to stay active, avoid overexertion. Listen to your body and ensure adequate rest and hydration in order to keep Yin and Yang in balance.
3. Emotional Well-being: Cultivating Joy and Connection
The Heart’s association with the mind and spirit means that emotional health is paramount in summer.
Social Connections: Spend time with loved ones and engage in activities that bring joy and laughter.
Mindfulness Practices: Practices such as meditation, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong can help calm the mind and harmonize the spirit.
Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities like painting, dancing, or music to express your emotions and connect with your inner self.
4. Sleep: Maintaining Restful Nights
Despite the longer daylight hours, adequate sleep is crucial for Heart health and overall wellness.
Cool Sleep Environment: Ensure your sleeping environment is cool and comfortable. Use light bedding and consider a fan or air conditioning. A warm shower or bath before bed can activate the body’s internal cooling capabilities and help prepare the body for rest.
Relaxation Routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine with activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or a warm bath.
Consistent Schedule: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even during the longer summer days, as much as possible.
5. Hydration: Staying Refreshed
Proper hydration is vital during the hot summer months to support the heart and overall health.
Drink Water: Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas and coconut water are also excellent for hydration. Sleep is a dehydrating event, so before coffee in the morning, start the day with 12-24 ounces of warm or room temp water, a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of quality sea salt for a natural electrolyte beverage. Other electrolytes we love are from LMNT (drinklmnt.com , no affiliation). 1/2 to 1 packet per day on an empty stomach if you eat a whole foods diet and are active can be a great way to maintain electrolyte balance.
Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: These can dehydrate the body and exacerbate internal heat. Keeping caffeine consumption to before noon. If you choose to drink, give your body a few hours before bedtime to process alcohol so as not to interrupt your sleep. If you wake up at 2-3 am, feeling warm and awake, that’s your liver is working hard to process those spicy margaritas from earlier…it happens!
6. Skin Care: Protecting Your Skin
The summer sun can be harsh on your skin, so it’s important to take steps to protect and nourish it.
Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Natural Skin Care: Use natural and cooling skincare products, such as aloe vera and cucumber, to soothe and hydrate the skin.
7. Herbal Support: TCM Herbal Remedies
Herbs can be a powerful ally in maintaining balance and health during summer.
Hibiscus Tea: This cooling and hydrating tea supports heart health and reduces internal heat.
Chrysanthemum Tea: Known for its cooling properties, this tea can help soothe the eyes and reduce summer heat.
Mint: Adding mint to your beverages or meals can provide a refreshing and cooling effect.
Embracing the Joy of Summer
Summer is a time to embrace joy, connection, and the vibrant energy that surrounds us. By aligning our lifestyles with the principles of TCM, we can harness the season’s benefits and maintain optimal health. Listen to your body, nourish your Heart, and enjoy the warmth and vitality that summer brings.
Whether it’s through mindful nutrition, engaging in joyful activities, or ensuring restful sleep, small adjustments can make a significant difference in your well-being. Embrace the principles of TCM this summer and let the season’s energy guide you to a state of harmony and health.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information on how to integrate TCM practices into your summer wellness routine.
By exploring these practices, you can find a balanced approach to summer wellness that enhances your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.