SUMMER

Our acupuncturist, Lili Hodgins has put together some very helpful resources on how to stay cool during these upcoming hot days:

Fun fact: while drinking ice cold water will cool you down internally, it also takes energy for your body to heat the water back up to a manageable level, which is part of why the heat feels like it’s draining us - all that temperature management can be exhausting. 

But there’s an easy resolution: Have a cooling tea instead! You can let it come down to room temperature or even a little colder, while not being ice cold. You can also incorporate more fruit, and electrolytes into your summer time snacking.

Teas: Chrysanthemum, Mint or Green teas are great for this. Chrysanthemum, historically has been the most popular. 

 Interested in why? 

Chrysanthemum: Known as Ju Hua in Chinese, this lovely, soothing flower is a great anti-inflammatory and helps dry eyes, dizziness, irritability and headaches from heat. It has been an incredibly popular choice for cooling teas (drunk warm) for thousands of years.

Mint: Known as Bo He in Chinese, mint also helps release heat, and is great for the eyes, throat and skin, and will help cleanse out impurities. 

Green: is a natural antioxidant and anti inflammatory, it’s great for your skin and energy, and a warm green tea will have a soothing effect

Fruits: Watermelon is very cooling, but careful not to overindulge, it can cause an unhappy gut due to how cold it is. It’s hydrating and refreshing though, on a hot summer day! Strawberries are also great at this time - tis the season! Both of these are hydrating, good for blood pressure, and full of vitamin C as well.

Electrolytes: This can be as simple as having a splash of lemon, honey, sea salt and even some ginger in your water, or you can take use an electrolyte supplement. We recommend LMNT as a brand for electrolytes which we always have in stock. If you’ve been out and sweating, and drinking a ton of water, remember you also need to replenish your electrolytes (and preferably not with gatorade) - especially if you have a nagging headache after being in the sun all day. 

And as always, acupuncture is a great tool to help our bodies feel more aligned with the seasons so please reach out or make an appointment if you need any support.

-Lili Hodgins, LAc