Many people look forward to the warmth and sunshine of the summer months, but hot weather is not for everyone. In fact, when the heat and humidity start to increase, some people start to experience symptoms of dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fevers, and others similar to the common cold or flu. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these symptoms are explained by the external cause– “summer heat.”
Summer heat occurs when temperatures and the dampness caused by humidity outside are high, which attacks an individual internally. The telltale pattern of symptoms is marked by fever, heaviness in the head and body, nausea, diarrhea, chest congestion, dizziness, and irritability. This is most commonly seen in young children and elderly individuals, but can also occur in individuals who don’t live or work somewhere with air conditioning.
The best way to combat summer heat is to cool your body and expel the pathogen. This can be done with items you can get at your local grocery store:
Electrolytes. Keep your electrolyte levels high with fluids. Coconut water is your best bet, but some sports drinks may also help.
Mung beans. For a mild diuretic, boil one cup of dried mung beans in three cups of water and then drink.
Watermelon. The fleshy part of the melon contains a lot of fluid, but you’ll get the most benefit from consuming the white part of the rind, which is also a mild diuretic.
Some other ways to find relief is by getting lots of rest and taking cooling baths. Then get back out to swimming in the lake or pool, eating popsicles, and reading a book in the shade. Enjoy summer while you can!
To learn more about the many benefits of Chinese Medicine during the summer, give us a call or set up a consultation today!
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