In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), summer is the most yang time of the year. Summer is the ideal time for socializing, prioritizing joy, and making time for exercise outside. The organ associated with summer is the heart. The heart is seen as the emperor of the body and is responsible for the Shen (mind). The element of the summer season is fire, the emotion is joy, the taste is bitter, and the color is red. Today, we go over some tips on how to stay healthy holistically this summer.
Healthy Summer Checklist
Here are some tips on how to stay healthy this summer season:
Eat cooling foods
Consume enough water
Spend time in nature
Exercise (at least 30 minutes a day)
Get enough sleep
Hangout with the people you love
Schedule a healing session if you feel out of balance in any way (acupuncture, body work, nutrition consultation)
What Should You Eat During the Summer Season?
It is best to eat cooling foods during the summer to balance out the heat. You should also eat lighter foods to avoid indigestion. Summertime diet suggestions include but are not limited to the following:
Fruit: Watermelon, apple, lemon, kiwi, orange, pear, pineapple, and/or tangerine
Cooling foods: Cucumber, spinach, tomato, salads, coconut yogurt, fish, mint, dill, cilantro
Drinks: Ample amounts of water and/or mint tea
It is best to avoid hot foods such as coffee and alcohol, excessively spicy foods, and ice-cold foods like ice cream. Summertime is also the only time of the year you should consume raw foods or eat raw.
What Happens During Summer When Your Heart Is Out of Balance?
When the heart is out of balance, some of the symptoms people may experience include:
Insomnia
Palpitations
Irritability, anxiety, and/or restlessness
Depression (too little joy) or mania (excess joy)
Red complexion
Excessive sweating
Speech problems (excessive talking, inappropriate laughter, rapid speech, aphasia, and/or stuttering)
Do you need help adjusting to the summertime season? Feel free to get in touch with us today by calling 619-356-1225 or contacting us online.
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