Beating the Summer Heat with Acupuncture

The summer heat and sun can take a toll on our bodies. All those fun activities we love to enjoy mean that we are going to be feeling the fire before long! But did you know that you can avoid heat related injuries and ailments with acupuncture? Sounds interesting, right?

“Summer is the season of yang, a time when the body undergoes vigorous metabolic (body energy) processes. Several thousand years ago, The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor put forth the principle that one should cultivate the yang energy in spring and summer, while protecting the yin energy in autumn and winter.

TCM teaches us that summer belongs to fire, one of the five elements. Fire is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest yang, which means that it is a time of heat, outgoingness, and moving outward in nature and in our lives. In human anatomy, the heart, mind, and spirit are ruled by the fire element. Thus, top priority should be given to the heart, mind, and spirit for staying healthy in summer.” (1)

To prevent summer ailments and remain in harmony with the environment of summer, ancient Chinese physicians advised:

• Awaken earlier in the morning.
• Go to bed later in the evening.
• Rest at midday.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Add pungent flavors to your diet.
• Refrain from anger; keep calm and even-tempered.

These practices, in conjunction with regular acupuncture therapy, can help relieve the rise in heat in our bodies and protect us from heat stroke, heat exhaustion, anxiety, and dehydration. Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us of two specific acupuncture points that are useful when combating the fire based season of summer. Dr. Chah can meet with you to determine if adding these to your current acupuncture therapy regimen will support you in living life to the fullest and embracing all the fun that the summer has in store! She may be reached at 561-249-0447 to schedule a consultation or therapy session.

Contributor: Melody A. Martin