TCM ideas for the Hottest Days of Summer!
I grew up in Houston, Texas so I’m used to this 95º degree humid weather. Since living in the Northeast I have come across many people who are not accustom to this type of weather. As an acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner I am trained to understand the effect that climate and temperature have on my patients. We have very cold winters and very hot summers so these changing conditions constantly have an impact on our health.
So here are a few tips to handle the weather and avoid a heat stroke:
Drink plenty of water. It is recommended to drink 8 ounces of water per hour.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Wear loose and light colored clothing made from natural fabrics.
Remain in the shade when the sun is strongest
Eat cooling foods. Some examples are: apple, banana, pear, persimmon, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomato, all citrus, lettuce, radish, cucumber, celery, button mushrooms, asparagus, Swiss chard, eggplant, spinach, summer squash, Chinese cabbage, bock choy, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, zucchini, soy milk, soy sprouts, tofu, tempeh, mung beans and their sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, millet, barley, wheat and its products, amaranth, kelp and all seaweed, spirulina, wild blue-green, oyster-shell calcium, wheat and barley grass, kudzu, yogurt, crab, clam.
Spicy foods, although they cause us to feel hot, are helpful because they make us perspire which will cool us down.
Exercise in the early morning or evening when the temperature drops.
These are common signs of overheating:
Fatigue, weakness • Poor sleep
Dizziness • Loss of Appetite
Pale skin • Constipation
Nausea • Rapid pulse
Sweating profusely • Shallow breathing
In the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective over-heating or heat stroke is the depletion of cooling yin fluids. Acupuncture strategy will involve clearing heat, opening the pores, promoting fluids and stimulating sweating. There are several acupuncture point combinations and herbal formulas that we can offer to help you remain healthy, energetic and have your best summer ever!
At the Acupuncture Center of New Jersey we can help you with all your summer health concerns... Enjoy the beach!
Post by Punita Jhangiani, L. Ac.
Contact us to learn more and for an appointment at, (973) 984-2800