Taoist medicine is founded on the idea that our bodies are microcosms of the macrocosm of the natural world. Thus, the seasons and the climate outside of us also influences our health and internal state of being. This was easy to observe and understand when people lived in and were constantly immersed in nature. Taoist medicine was created for people living an agrarian lifestyle, spending long hours working outside, exposed to the elements. Thus it came as no surprise that winter cold would engender seasonal imbalances like exhaustion, low libido, or stiffness and pain in the low back. Or, that the winds of Spring would exacerbate hay fever, cause dizziness and headaches, and stir up unresolved emotions and illnesses from the past. Each season is understood as having an associated element and climate, and when we understand how that climate influences our body, we can find balance and healing. Here in the modern worls, those influences may be more subtle, but are still very real.
Summer is the season of Fire, and the climate is Heat. Here in California, that Heat is all too apparent as we approach mid-August. As an Acupuncturist, this is the time of year I often see clients with heat type conditions. When we consider the climate of Heat, we observe how heat tends to speed up biological processes, thereby creating restlessness and agitation. This causes conditions like insomnia, night sweating, and anxiety or irritability. Heat rises and affects the upper parts of the body, thus causing headaches or migraines.
Heat can also affect the blood, causing rashes, eczema, cold sores and herpes outbreaks, acne, and can even contributes to autoimmune flares. Heat in the blood contributes to the underlying inflammation we see in rashes of all kinds. When the blood is “hot” the vessels struggle to hold it in its proper channels, this can cause bleeding- in particular, excessive menstrual bleeding or nosebleeds .
Heat can also disturb the digestion. Just as food moves down and through our digestive tract, the qi of the digestive system also needs to flow downwards through the body. Heat can disrupt the proper movement of digestive qi, causing it to flow up instead of down. This causes acid reflux, belching, and nausea.
Heat over time causes dryness in the body- just look at how the sun bakes the California hills, and by late summer the earth becomes hard and dry, unable to absorb water. The same is true for our bodies- after 3 months of summer heat, our tissues can become dried out, and no matter how much water we drink we don’t feel hydrated.
So how can we take care of ourselves, and stay balanced amidst the Heat? First off, know your Five Element constitutional type. Certain constitutions are more predisposed to being adversely affected by Heat. Specifically, Fire and Wood, the two most yang or “hot” constitutions, are more likely to be overheated and develop heat imbalances.
Fire and Wood constiutions easily develop anxiety and insomnia, headaches, irritability, and rashes during the summer months. They need to be sure to consume a more cooling diet and avoid spending too much time in the bright sunshine. Cooling, calming herbs like Chrysanthemum, Lemon Balm, Peppermint and Motherwort can benefit these people.
Metal types also need to take care, they dry out easily, and at the end of a long summer they may experience chronic dry coughing and dry sore throats. During the Summer, Metal folks need to stay hydrated with herbs like lilly bulb and marshmallow root, and avoid too many spicy foods. Foods like squash and pears are also great for Metal people.
When the weather is hot, Earth types can more easily develop damp heat conditions like stomach flus, genital infections, and digestive issues like bloating and nausea. Earth people need to avoid consuming too many rich heavy foods and fats, cut back on sugar, and focus on lean proteins with plenty of greens to keep the body balanced. Earth people with sluggish digestion can still benefit from some spices in their food during the Summer. Drinking tea with equal parts of fennel, fenugreek, and licorice is also an excellent support for Earth types at this time.
Water types often endure the Heat the best, they may even benefit from it, as their constitution can tend to be cold and damp. Water people should be sure to consume plenty of berries while they are in season- blueberries and raspberries in particular can aid the brain and Kidneys, 2 important organs we associate with water. Water folks can also benefit from supporting their electrolyte balance. Be sure to avoid table salt, and instead have high quality himalayan salt or natural sea salt. Instead of sports drinks, which are mainly just processed sugar and water, try lemon juice, a little honey, and a pinch of salt to support your electrolytes naturally.
Here's a list of common Heating and Cooling Foods. If the heat has you down, or you’re experiencing heat type condition in the body, you’ll want to focus more on cooling foods and avoid heating foods, until your condition resolves. Of course, it’s best to get a good diagnosis and constitutional assessment from your Acupuncturist or Herbalist first.
