07/18/2023
The weather is warming up as we move deeper into the summer season 🌞
Summer is known as a yang season and emphasizes an exciting time
for creativity, play, and enjoying the outdoors, it is also a time to care for our bodies against the sweltering heat.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, excess heat can manifest through various physical conditions such as inflamed skin, sinitus, and even emotionally through stress and increased anger. Why is it important to
balance excess heat and how can we best support our bodies to promote
balance with this change of season?
Balancing excess heat plays a key role in our overall health during this time of year and helps to prevent illness and disease. Practitioner Nirada Phaphant LAc, suggests focusing on yin-nourishing foods that are
also cooling by nature as a means to help promote this balance. These foods include fruits such as:
• Berries as they are filled with
antioxidants and are naturally hydrating
• Melons such as cantaloupe and watermelon
• Pear
• Vegetables such as dark leafy greens, cucumber, and bok choy! 🥒🥬
“While consistently drinking ice cold beverages isn’t recommended in TCM, brewing a cooling herbal tea can be refreshing and balancing” says Nirada. Her favorites include chrysanthemum, peppermint, and dried dendrobium 🌼
Amidst the excitement of trips, barbecues with loved ones, or even during a particularly busy work day, Nirada emphasizes the importance of dedicating moments of stillness to help remedy the mind. Finding a quiet space and practicing conscious, undistracted breathing for even five minutes a day does wonders for your overall wellbeing!
Stay healthy and hydrated, and know that wellness can accompany you on your many adventures this hot summer season!
In good health,
UFWC
