summer illness
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the peak of summer is regarded as the most yang time of the year, often described as "yang within yang." This period is characterized by extreme heat and abundant yang energy, which profoundly influences both the natural world and the human body.
The Concept of "Yang Within Yang"
In TCM, yang represents warmth, activity, and expansion, while yin symbolizes coolness, rest, and contraction. The peak of summer, being "yang within yang," signifies the culmination of yang energy in the annual cycle. This heightened yang energy promotes growth and activity but can also lead to imbalances and drain yin resources.
Summer illness
Enterovirus and Summer Colds
During the peak of summer the intense heat can deplete bodily fluids, leading to a condition known as "summer-heat."
This can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to viral infections such as coronaviruses, enteroviruses and summer colds. Symptoms often include chills, fever, sore throat, malaise and gastrointestinal upset. Acupuncture and herbs are beneficial to building the immune system and resolving symptoms faster. When herbs are taken at the onset of colds and flus, the body is equipped with more resources to fight the virus and alleviate the condition.
Allergies
Summer is also a time when allergies can flare up. In TCM, this can be attributed to the invasion of damp-heat or wind-heat, which triggers allergic reactions. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Acupuncture and herbs work to resolve allergies and support liver detoxification. Diet recommendations include avoiding damp heat type foods (seed oils, greasy foods, fried foods, dairy, wheat, sugar) and include foods that resolve damp like bitter greens, cucumber, bitter melon and ginger.
Boosting Health in Summer to Preserve Winter Health
TCM emphasizes the importance of aligning with the seasons to maintain health. During the peak of summer, strategies to enhance and preserve health are crucial to ensuring a robust immune system in the colder months.
Eating light, cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens can help counteract the summer heat. Avoiding overly spicy, greasy, or heavy foods can prevent the buildup of dampness and heat.
Staying well-hydrated is vital to replenish fluids lost through sweating and to counteract the drying effects of summer heat. Herbal teas like chrysanthemum and mint can be beneficial.
acupuncture for immune health
Regular acupuncture sessions can help balance the body's yin and yang energies, improve qi flow, and address specific imbalances such as damp-heat or lung dryness. Herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) can strengthen the immune system, while others like Lian Qiao (Forsythia) and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) can clear summer-heat. Acupuncture points are selected to improve We Qi (Immune defense mechanism) and clear heat.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Vitamins
Engaging in moderate exercise during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, can help maintain physical and mental balance. Adequate rest and relaxation are also essential to prevent overexertion and depletion of qi.
Essential vitamins like C, D and other nutrients can boost your immune system and keep invading pathogens from harming your innate immune system. I love the Stamets 7 Mushroom Complex and Oliverix by Biocidin Botanicals, both can be purchased through my full scripts online portal here. Make an account with your email address and gain access to hundreds of high quality, high potency vitamins and supplements at a discounted rate.
By understanding the interplay of heat, dampness and yang energy during the peak of summer, TCM provides a comprehensive framework for preventing summer diseases and boosting overall health.
These practices not only help mitigate the immediate impacts of summer heat but also lay a foundation for robust health during the winter months.