“Summer Heat” in TCM - Prevention + Treatment
You can use TCM to prevent “Summer Heat!”
Summer is the time of the “greatest yang” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s filled with longer days, heat (sometimes muggy heat), and so much activity!
In general, it’s the time when we are in our most energetic state and we, naturally, want to be outside a little bit more. Our bodies crave Vitamin D from the sun and summer is the perfect time to get an extra dose!
There’s a condition that can arise in the summer months we call “Summer Heat” in TCM. Its symptoms usually include several of the following: upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, fever, dizziness, whole body heaviness or heavy arms and legs.
One of the BEST things about TCM is we can treat “Summer Heat” when it occurs but we can also PREVENT it from happening.
If you are currently in good health, acupuncture treatment 1-2 times per month can be an excellent preventative. Either a private appointment or community appointment would be 100% appropriate.
In addition, there are a few nutrient dense, hydrating foods you can add to your summer diet that will help offset any “Summer Heat” condition. Cucumbers, asparagus, watermelon, honeydew, coconut water, coconut oil are all cooling and hydrating foods.
Avoid alcohol, fried, fatty, spicy difficult to digest foods and beverages. These foods are inflammatory and your body has to work hard to digest and detoxify from these types of foods & drinks.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also offers an abundance of herbal allies (herbal formulations) that work quickly to put to rights any symptoms you may be experiencing. We have these formulas in the clinic and they are good to have on hand if you find yourself overburdened digestively or for when “Summer Heat” strikes.
One of our favorites is Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This herbal formula is used to alleviate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills/fever, headache, epigastric fullness, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. It’s been used for gastritis, food poisoning, indigestion, influenza, intestinal flu, motions sickness, traveler’s diarrhea and even hangover. Amazing, right?!?!
Not every formula is appropriate for every constitution so it is very important to be under the care of a licensed practitioner prior to addition of any herbal formulas to your diet.
Remember prevention is key! It’s infinitely easier to prevent disease than to rectify what’s gone wrong. Book your appointment today or reach out for more info, 828-388-5979.