It’s so common in summer, especially in Washington where we really cherish the warmth, to… well, overdo it a bit. Excessive drinking, lots of cold brew, eating sporadically and not well (hello, pizza) and blazing in the sun for hours – sound like a lot of your summers? What does Chinese medicine say about staying healthy in the summer months?
I see a lot of people in September, in that summer to fall transition, get sick. You know what I’m talking about – you party it up all summer, and then September feels like it’s back to business (or back to school) and then everyone starts to get sick! What I love about Chinese medicine, is we work on building up the body’s natural defenses, instead of always just treating whatever illness comes our way. I see in herbalism a huge emphasis on Winter wellness, but we should think about it year-round, because pathogens don’t care what season it is! This is why looking at Chinese medicine and the emphasis on seasonal health so important. Focusing on proper nutrition, sleep, not burning ourselves out, getting enough recharge time, and dressing properly for the season too, is very helpful!
So food - we eat seasonally, always. There are a ton of foods & herbs that cool down your internal heat without putting out the fire completely. Intuitively you know what they are, because you probably have seen them around summer bbq’s like watermelon, cucumber & peaches (no the White Claw doesn’t count…). Other foods like oats, celery, honeydew (most melons), cherries, lemon, prunes, mung beans, and lean meats are also great!
For hydration, I’d highly suggest water! Adding a pinch of salt to your water can also help replenish lost electrolytes through sweating. You can get the electrolyte tabs or drops too, but just check out the ingredients first and make sure they don’t have a bunch of crap in them (sugar, fillers, food coloring, etc). Green tea is also very cooling, and I love hibiscus, peppermint, spearmint or chrysanthemum tea. If you want to try some Chinese herbal medicine, you can find dried lily bulbs and red dates (jujube), simmer those two on the stove for about 40 minutes, strain and sip!
Things to avoid!
I know, we love it. I love it: cold brew. There’s nothing more refreshing in the summer than an iced coffee! Or is there??? In Chinese medicine, ice in general is a big no-no. It puts out the digestive fire than takes us so long to build, and you might not notice it right away, but over time, continuously putting things in our digestive system that put out the fire, can cause problems later! Coffee is also dehydrating, moves Qi and the caffeine in cold brew is higher than regular coffee! If you’re going to enjoy this luxurious drink, make sure it’s with or after food, and not every day. If you notice trouble sleeping, higher anxiety, heart racing, looser stools orr nausea, these could be signs that your body isn’t into it!
Alcohol is another culprit, because it’s heating and moves Qi, and there’s already enough of that in our bodies in summer! Too much fried food, sugar and ice cream are other ones! Why ice cream?! Ice cream is dairy & sugar, the perfect combo to create what we call “dampness” in the body – think sluggish, low energy, bloated, loose stools, fatigued, foggy-headed. This can also contribute to a lower immune response (sugar does in general).
Now, instead of thinking all you have to avoid, think of the summer-luxurious bounty! Hibiscus tea, watermelon, big lovely cherries, lots of water, salads with some grilled veggies like eggplant & zucchini & peppers, fresh tomatoes! Can you envision this rainbow in your mind? Your mood will be better, your skin will look amazing, and overall you won’t feel so “heavy” in mind & body, slugging through the days. AND your immune system will be stronger and likely won’t be sick in the fall. Pay attention to how much energy you’re putting out also, if you’re tired, take some rest and don’t overdo it.
Curious to find out how to take better care of yourself during the summer season? Come in for acupuncture or book a wellness session with me and we’ll set you up!