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Summer is the time of outward expansion and movement. It’s the perfect time to get outdoors, exercise more and enjoy lighter, colorful and seasonal foods.

In Chinese Medicine, Summer corresponds to the heart energy and the fire element. Therefore, it is recommended that we do things to nourish the heart in Summer. This includes food choices, but also connecting with loved ones and reaching out to others.

Eating a wide variety of foods and a vast array of color is one of the wonderful things about Summer. The seasonal produce available at this time is often exactly suited to our body’s needs. It’s important to reassess our diet and routine at a change of season to make sure we are getting the optimal health benefits.

Foods that can be beneficial for the heart during Summer, include cooling foods such as oats, blueberries, raspberries, lettuce, celery, cucumber, rose-bud and chamomile tea.

Too many hot spicy foods and caffeine can increase incidences of rashes, digestive discomfort and palpitations.

If you have some health concerns left over from the cooler seasons, this can be a time when they start to resurface and perhaps exacerbate due to the heat. Digestive upset, sleep disturbances, headaches and skin breakouts are some of the symptoms that can occur when your system is out of balance.

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture treatment can be of benefit in addressing some of these imbalances. During a consultation, we go through your health history and any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your current symptoms. We work out a treatment plan that is best for you and your needs. This includes Chinese Medicine dietary recommendations based on your symptoms, constitution and lifestyle.

Please contact clinics to make an appointment.

Wishing you a fun Summer season!

Elisabeth

Photo by Mink Mingle on Unsplash

Spring has arrived! In Chinese Medicine this is the perfect time to shake off the hibernation of winter and bring movement and activity into focus.

As the environment around us changes, so we can experience different symptoms internally as well. It is important at the change of seasons to re-evaluate and take stock of our health practices and see what is working and what no longer serves us.

In Chinese Medicine Theory, the liver and the gallbladder are the organs of Spring.

Breathing exercises and stretches that open the diaphragm and stretch the sides of the body are beneficial for the liver and gallbladder. It is also the perfect opportunity to support these organs by embracing the seasonal foods available and move away from the heavier denser foods of the colder months. We can to start introduce lighter more fragrant foods into our diet, including dark leafy greens, sprouts, fragrant herbs and spices.

Dietary therapy forms an important part Chinese Medicine and depending on a person’s constitution and presenting health care complaint, other foods are often recommended during a consultation to optimise health.

Increased outdoor activities are easier as the weather starts to warm. However, the weather is still temperamental at this time, therefore, it is important to protect the neck and lower back from bracing winds and unexpected chills.

Our immunity can also be tested and Allergic Rhinitis, or Hay fever as it is often known, can be particularly common in Spring as the temperature fluctuates and pollen is madly flying around! The latest research supports the use of Acupuncture in helping alleviate the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever). (Please follow the links below to read studies).

So if you are feeling a little out of balance coming out of the colder months, booking a consultation can help set you back on track. A consultation includes Acupuncture and other traditional Chinese Medicine modalities such as cupping, moxibustion and gua sha where needed. I will also look at the lifestyle and dietary additions that you can make to help improve your health.

A course of Acupuncture treatment can help you feel re-balanced and refreshed and ready to enjoy the warmer months.

Happy Spring!

Elisabeth

Links to allergic rhinitis research:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25644617

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23099289

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25590322

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25943957

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27156748