Summer is where the Heart is

We're all looking forward to a summer full of sunshine and social events. In the Chinese Medicine model of the world, summer is related to the heart organ.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we believe that the Heart is easily effected by excessive heat. A build-up of unwanted heat can lead to irritability, thirst and sleep difficulties. These symptoms are definitely more commonly seen in the summertime. The Heart system, according to Chinese Medicine, benefits from eating red foods.

One of the benefits of eating what's in season is that nature often provides your body with a way of achieving balance. Watermelon is one of my favorite summer fruits. It also has the ability to clear up what we call "Summer-heat" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I like to define Summer-heat as what comes before heat exhaustion. There may dizziness, thirst, slight confusion. Eating a few slices of watermelon should have you feeling normal again.

If more serious symptoms appear or if symptoms persist, perhaps it's time to get some help from a professional. An herbal consultation from a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist can guide you to taking an herbal formula to solve other problems that may pop up in the summertime, like excessively yellow or burning urination, stubborn restless sleep, or unquenchable thirst. More information on Chinese Herbal Medicine can be found at www.AcuSpaWellness.com