It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere! And so here’s a cliché summery tune to put you in the mood – just press play as you read on…
I recently attended a workshop on living with the seasons and the theme of course, was summer – and how to do it well. Chinese Medicine places great importance on living with the seasons to optimise our health in the present but also in the seasons to come.
Here’s a few ideas on living well this season. Pick and choose the ones you like to make sure that you absorb a year’s supply of summer energy (or yang) while it is abundant.
Summer is all about these (and this is not conclusive and they are in no particular order):
Pleasure.- Blossoming. Showing your true, wonderful self to the world.
- The Fire element. Red. Heart. Small Intestine. Bitter foods. Joy.
- Fertility. Bearing fruit.
- Watching thunderstorms.
- Abundant yang.
- Nourishment.
- Walking barefoot on the sand and grass.
- Sips of iced peppermint tea. (Cold drinks in moderation.)
- Stargazing.
- Soaking up a little sun. (How much do you need in your region?)
- Prosperity and beauty.
- Social butterflies. Extroversion.
- Siestas.
- An open mind, curiosity and an optimistic mood.
- Rosewater, mint and cooling aromatherapy face & body mists.
- Colourful, light and flowing clothing.
- Pretty frocks.
- Outdoor dinner parties.
- A slice of fruit after a meal.
Not everyone loves the summer. Think of what makes you more comfortable in hot weather and prepare yourself in late spring or early summer with these:
- A change in diet. Lighter, more cooling foods with bitter and acrid flavours. Read more about summer eating.
- Lighter sheets and bedclothes.
- A fan.
- Earlier to rise, later to bed with an after-lunch nap if you can.
- A change in wardrobe or at least storing your winter wardrobe away.
- A new hat and/or sunglasses.
- Getting close to (or in) the ocean, a lake or river.
- Be most physically active in the coolest parts of the day.
- Resist the urge to spend the whole day in airconditioning – get some summer air each day.
- It’s okay to perspire but be sure to rehydrate by increasing your water intake.
- Chat to your Chinese Medicine practitioner if you are still struggling to embrace the summer.
What does summer mean to you? And what tips do you have to enjoy the summer?
To book an appointment at the clinic or further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture). Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), massage therapy and natural health.
