While it still feels like spring (and some days like winter still here in Oregon!) for the Chinese Lunar Calendar the beginning of summer started on May 7th this year.
In Chinese medicine each season has an associated organ, flavor and element. Summer in Chinese medicine is associated with the heart, the element is fire, and flavor is bitter.
In spring we may have felt increased irritability, frustration, anxiety, or even anger from the uprising energy that comes with spring, which is associated with the Liver. As we transition into summer if our fire element is out of balance we may experience more insomnia, restlessness, digestive issues, excessive sweating, palpitations, and facial flushing.
Acupuncture is a great way to help ease into the next season as well as keep us balanced throughout transitions. In addition to acupuncture, Chinese medicine also uses food therapy to keep elements in balance. The heat of summer can be taxing on our body fluids, so eating cooling and moistening foods is important. Digestion can also become sluggish with the damp heat of summer, so eating smaller and lighter meals can help keep it running at its best.
Examples of cooling and moistening foods and spices are
cucumber
lettuce
tomatoes
barley
watermelon
radicchio
dandelion root tea
fennel
mint
coriander
cumin
For some, cooler and raw foods can be harder to digest. Drinking fresh ginger tea throughout the summer can help with this and keep the stomach in balance during the season.
If you’re noticing an increase in insomnia, restlessness and digestive issues as we transition from spring to summer, acupuncture is wonderful way to return to balance!