While the heat of summer is upon us, it’s key to remember that this season’s element is, of course, fire. It’s a time of abundance, high energy, and loads of sun and warmth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there has to be a balance between yin (water) and yang (fire). This time of yang symbolizes maximum activity and abundance. You may find yourself going hard all day, being more outgoing in disposition, and having an unpredictable sleep schedule during the summer months. But it’s important to maintain a level of balance. What happens when we’re out of balance this season? “When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia.” (Acufinder) Here are 5 reasons acupuncture can be the antidote to summertime’s most common health complaints:
1. Acupuncture for Allergies
Pollen levels can wreak havoc on our bodies and we can experience hay fever, sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes. Most allergy sufferers turn to antihistamines for relief, but studies show that Acupuncture can help by stimulating the lymphatic system — without the side effects.
2. Acupuncture for Pain Relief
The urge to “overdo” it is strong during the summer. We’re overcommitted and try to make the most out of each and every day. In addition, we may feel compelled to engage in activities that we don’t normally do the rest of the year. Acupuncture can stimulate blood flow and bring healing to the entire body, in addition to the sore, achy parts.
3. Acupuncture for Lowering Blood Pressure & Headache Relief
Higher summer temperatures often cause headaches as blood vessels in the head expand and put pressure on nerve endings. Dehydration further contributes to the problem. In addition to hydrating and consuming cooling, high water-content foods like cucumber and watermelon, acupuncture can help lower blood pressure and calm the nerves that contribute to headaches.
4. Acupuncture for Skin Rashes
Heat rash, bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy rashes can be an uncomfortable part of summer for many. With few treatments, acupuncture can help stimulate the lymphatic system, bring blood flow, and allow toxins to be released from the skin to bring our body’s biggest organ back into balance. Don’t forget, acupuncture coupled with ONDAMED can amplify recovery and healing. Check out this testimonial from a happy patient who came to us with severe hives from an allergic reaction to antibiotics.
5. Acupuncture for Insomnia
Our sleep schedule is likely to be disrupted or unpredictable during the summer months, and the longer days can lead to insomnia and other sleep issues. Acupuncture can target this mind/body energy disturbance and open up points of energy flow that can balance sleep patterns.
In addition to acupuncture, there are some things you can do on your own to improve your comfort in the summertime. Because one of the organs of the fire element is the small intestine, a light and fresh diet featuring cooling, yin foods is highly encouraged. Generally speaking, green foods (think lettuces, cucumbers, etc.) are great choices that favor the summer season. Foods red in color like tomatoes, rhubarb (see below for some great recipes!) and watermelon also correspond well to summer’s fire element. Fish and seafood tend to be more cooling than meats, so stick to those especially if you tend to feel excess heat in the summer. Eating in harmony with this fiery season can minimize heat, eliminate toxins and help maintain fluid balance in the body.
Give us a call to learn more about how acupuncture can help you this summer. Whether you’re in pain, need hormonal balancing or are experiencing one of summer’s ailments, we can help provide relief for a wide array of health concerns using a holistic, natural approach. Call to schedule your appointment today and to take advantage of this summer’s acupuncture special in celebration of our 11 year anniversary: