Happy Summer! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that the energetic shifts accompanying seasonal changes are reflected in both our physical and emotional bodies. This is a great time for an acupuncture tune-up to help your body acclimate to the weather and energy of summer. Each season is different, and asks for us to adapt our practices and habits to support our bodies.
Summer Vibes
This is the most yang time of year, meaning it’s more supportive of outward-facing energy. With the many hours of daylight, the bountiful energy of summer is the ideal time for socializing, nurturing creative projects, and outdoor exercise. As the warmest season, summer is associated with the fire element, and anatomically TCM connects summer with the heart.
When the fire element is balanced, the body has good temperature regulation; the heart properly circulates the blood, and enables the breakdown of food in the small intestines. Emotionally, when the fire element is balanced we feel connected to our emotions, free and honest in our expression, fulfilled and at equilibrium between heart and mind.
Growth, joy, and connection between the heart and mind are the focus during this season. Summer is an invitation to fully embody the joy we are all deserving of. With this invitation of experiencing joy, explore what lights you up and find ways to bring more of that into your day.
Imbalances of joy can look like mania when joy is overabundant, or sorrow and bitterness when joy is sparse. It is important to note that there is no judgment attached to these emotions. Often joy is seen as positive and sadness as negative, but feeling each is the way to a healthy, balanced life.
Summer Life
What kind of gentle lifestyle changes are supported by the summer season? Follow the sun by awakening earlier in the morning, and going to bed later in the evening. Rest during midday, when possible, to promote healthy digestion and escape the heat. This will help balance the outward energy of summer with some restful, introspective time.
Following the theme of outward energy, summer gives us a boost of light and warmth to take action. With this lively energy, you may notice yourself feeling more energetic than usual! Try incorporating more active workouts with a focus on cardiac health to align with the heart-centered energy of the season. However, don’t push it too hard! Especially during the hot summer months, it’s important to listen to what feels best for your unique body on any given day. Traditional Chinese Medicine is always focused on balance!
Summer Foods
First thing is first: drink plenty of fluids! It’s important to have a particular eye on your hydration during the warmer months. If you struggle to stay hydrated, divide your body weight in half and aim to drink that amount in ounces. once you get in a habit, you’ll have an easier time drinking intuitively when you’re thirsty.
Eat your greens! Many greens fall under the TCM taste category “bitter,” which is recommended for summer. Think dandelion, parsley leaves, mustard greens, collard greens. These are thought to stimulate the heart and small intestine.
During this time of year, the digestive fire is typically more active, which means our bodies can handle foods that are otherwise more difficult to digest (such as cold and raw foods). Raw fruits and veggies are a go! If you tend to overheat easily, try to be mindful of incorporating cooling foods like watermelon, lettuce, and cucumber to help to prevent the body from taking on too much heat.
For personalized recommendations for living your best summer season, make an appointment with one of our acupuncturists! Did you know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine there are two summers? Late Summer begins in August, when we will have our final installment of this TCM Living series.
