How To Survive The Texas Heat With Traditional Chinese Medicine
Photo by Tomek Baginski on Unsplash
This summer in Texas is undoubtedly the roughest one we’ve seen for awhile. To the point that it’s actually making people feel sick. What we’re experiencing is much like catching a mild cold, but it’s the opposite. Instead we’re catching a “summer heat.” I’d like to help you understand what this is and offer some advice on how to deal with it from a Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) perspective.
Summer Heat vs. Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
Summer Heat is a diagnosis an acupuncturist would give to someone who is living or working in a hot, often damp, climate, but can affect anyone during a heat wave. This person is going to show symptoms such as fever, nausea, diarrhea or loose stool, heaviness of the head or body, and irritability. I’ve had many of my patients coming in with a few of these symptoms lately and after multiple negative Covid tests it dawned on me that a lot of us are experiencing some level of Summer Heat.
It is important to note that heat exhaustion, also known as heat stroke is more serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of this could include loss of consciousness, rapid heart rate, confusion, throbbing headache, and red skin.
More About Summer Heat
The foundation of TCM is all about finding balance. When the weather is excessively hot, it can disrupt normal body temperature and physiology, causing an imbalance. Your body tries to return to balance by opening your pores, allowing you to sweat, vent the heat, and cool down.
Although your pores are doing what they are supposed to by opening up to allow you to perspire, according to TCM open pores can also cause you to be susceptible to external pathogens, ie. “external heat and dampness” invading the body.
Going back and forth between extreme heat and cold (air conditioning) doesn’t do us any favors either. We’re constantly shocking our bodies into adjusting from hot to cold over and over again which isn’t leading to a very balanced way of living. Drinking loads of ice water damages our digestive qi which causes nausea and loose stool, and if the climate is humid or rainy, this dampness can invade the body causing symptoms of heaviness, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Top Ways To Not Let Summer Heat Get Ya
Beware of cold air. I’m talking about cold air from a fan or air conditioner on bare skin, particularly on the back of your neck. I know that sounds weird, but you’ll have to trust me on this one. TCM talks about heat, cold, and dampness invading the body and cold likes to do so at the back of your neck. This can manifest as chills, body aches, and stiff muscles.
Eat “cooling” foods. Watermelon, lemon, spinach, cucumber, summer squash, radish, zucchini, apple, and pineapple are all good examples of cooling foods. A good rule to follow is to eat the fruits and veggies that grow locally in the warmer months.
Avoid hot and damp foods. This includes roasted meats, fried foods, and overly fatty and oily foods. Overconsumption of alcohol, dairy, and sugar can cause imbalances during the hot months as well.
Stay hydrated. Obviously you should be drinking plenty of water throughout the day and here’s a tip; adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can help replace electrolytes. If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or headachy, this could indicate that you haven’t had enough water.
Avoid outdoor activity in the sun during the hottest time of day. If you can avoid being out in the sun when it’s blazing hot in the middle of the day, please do so. If you are exercising outdoors, do it early morning or in the evening after it has cooled off. Wear lightweight clothing in color and fabric so you don’t overheat. Wearing all black in the sun will not make you feel good.
Go for a swim. Getting into some cool water will certainly help bring your temperature down and you can still get some vitamin D from the sun without getting heat stroke. Do you live in Austin? The Springs are calling you.
And lastly, if you need an immunity boost this summer or anytime, give me a shout! Having immunity boosting treatments now will help you later in the fall and winter. Stay cool out there!