Acupuncture and Summer Health: Harnessing Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cooling Relief
As the summer temperatures rise, so does the need for effective ways to stay cool and maintain a balanced state of health. One avenue that many individuals may have yet to consider lies in the time-tested traditions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - specifically, acupuncture and the therapeutic use of Chinese herbs. Here, we explore how acupuncture can be applied to promote summer health and also delve into some refreshing recipes using Chinese herbs renowned for their cooling properties.
Acupuncture and Summer Health
Acupuncture, one of the pillars of TCM, has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body, known as acupoints. These areas are the link to the body's vital energy or Qi, and by manipulating these points, practitioners aim to correct imbalances and promote health.
In summer health, the primary concern for many people is managing excess heat, which can lead to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, dehydration, and even heatstroke. TCM views these symptoms as signs of excess heat or Yang energy in the body. Acupuncture can help rectify this imbalance by stimulating acupoints with cooling or Yin-enhancing effects.
Several acupoints are associated with heat-clearing effects, such as LI11 (Quchi), HT8 (Shaofu), and GV14 (Dazhui). It's crucial, however, to seek the assistance of a trained and certified acupuncturist, as they can provide a personalized assessment and treatment plan based on your specific needs and overall health condition.
Cooling Down with Chinese Herbs
Beyond acupuncture, TCM also extensively uses herbs to rectify imbalances in the body. Several Chinese herbs and ingredients are recognized for their cooling properties for combating the summer heat.
1. Mung Beans: Mung beans are well-known for their cooling and detoxifying effects. They are rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can be included in sweet and savory dishes.
2. Chrysanthemum Flower: This flower is often brewed into tea and clears heat and toxins from the body. It also has calming properties, making it excellent for alleviating stress and insomnia.
3. Lotus Seeds: Lotus seeds are used in various Chinese dishes and desserts. They are cooling and beneficial for the heart and kidneys. Lotus seeds are also known for their calming effects, assisting with restlessness and insomnia.
Chrysanthemum tea for a Cool Summer
1. Chrysanthemum Tea
Ingredients:
- 20-30 dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 1 tablespoon of honey (or to taste)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chrysanthemum flowers under cold water.
2. Place the cleaned flowers in a teapot or a heat-resistant pitcher.
3. Pour boiling water into the pot and steep the flowers for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the honey until it dissolves.
5. Strain the tea into cups and serve. You can enjoy this drink hot or allow it to cool and refrigerate for a refreshing chilled beverage.
Contact Marc Gian, in Flatiron NYC and Crown/Prospect Heights Brooklyn to schedule a consultation
845.519.9256