Summertime! Well it seems in Minnesota we’ve completely skipped Spring and jumped right into the hot weather of Summer. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been working quickly to adjust to the new way of life, it is so different from Winter and early Spring practices. 

Welcome to the season of longer days, lazier afternoons and an increase in energy to match the bustling months to come!

It is likely that you are already eating lighter, more cooling foods and doing things to match this Summer energy (spending time outside, swimming, connecting with friends) These simple changes are what seasonal harmony is all about, and will help promote health for your body and mind. 

The Summer season is ruled by the element of Fire and contains the energies of expansion, movement, energy and growth. The emotion related to this season is Joy. The mind and the spirit of the Heart are very important and typically thrive during this time of year. It is a good time to connect with loved ones and actively practice those pursuits that bring us great joy and happiness. When a lack of joy or and overabundance of manic energy is present, then we know it is time for some shiatsu or acupuncture to help bring us back into balance. Practioners of Chinese Medicine can also provide lifestyle advice so that you are able to come back into balance on your own. 

Living in harmony with the seasons is at the core of Traditional Chinese wisdom. Health is nurtured by living in harmony with nature, one’s environment and found through preventative practices and practical eating. 

Align with Summertime

• Take advantage of the longer days by getting up early and staying awake later at night
• Rest in the middle of the day when it is most hot
• Invite Water into your life in order to temper the Fire energy…do this by drinking plenty of hydrating fluids and staying cool by swimming in the lake or taking cool showers
• Be mindful of anger, it aggravates Heat
• Cultivate Joy and Happiness

Foods for Summer Season

• Light easily digestible foods
• Fresh vegetables, especially organic locally grown
• Fresh fruits, especially organic locally grown
• Put sliced cucumber or watermelon and fresh mint sprigs in your water for a healthy cooling beverage
• Summer is a good time to eat more salads and raw foods for many stronger bodies, but caution should be taken when Qi is weak

Here is where I remind you that it is always best to talk to your physician before making any major changes to your diet. Professional practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine can also provide safe advice on lifestyle practices and foods that will suit you! This article is for information purposes only and cannot substitute personal advice from a professional.

September 2012

Hello friends,

Fall is in the air! Things are drying out, cooling off and beginning to change. Yet, I bet we can expect a few more sweet summery days this month before the weather truly shifts! I'm beginning to dream of cool autumn walks, bonfires and soup. How about you? Here are a few good links below for you to enjoy. See you soon!

SEAWEED :: love it? never tried it? scared of it? curious? 
Here is a great introductory article that explains a bit about the health benefits and how to get started with eating these delicious vegetables of the sea! 
(click here)

SPLEEN LOVE!
You've probably heard me talk about the Spleen by now. And if not, check this out! Here is a very well written informative article all about loving your Spleen! 
(click here)

SOUP! 
I love eating soup and I love making soup. Here is one I can't wait to make this season, it is a Mulligatawny (Indian Stew) made with root vegetables, lentils and coconut milk. Soooo good! 
(click here)

Spices for Good Health
Everyday spices are powerful health and wellness remedies. The best part is that we usually have them on hand in the kitchen!
Ginger
Ginger is an incredible spice that helps with digestion, appetite and many other things. Fresh ginger is used to help break down the high protein packed foods such as meats and beans. Boiling a peeled and chopped piece of ginger in water for 15 minutes makes an aromatic and powerful cup of ginger tea which is useful when there is a lack of appetite, nausea, congestion or cold extremities. Also, ginger and other warming, drying spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and cardamom all aid digestion of sweet foods like yams, squash, sweet potatoes, dairy and fruit dishes. And they taste amazing!
Garlic and Cayenne
This is a combination fit to fight the common cold! A soup or tea made with these will have antiviral, antibiotic and diaphoretic properties which means it will help disperse colds and flus at their onset. Did you know that cayenne is one of the highest plant sources of Vitamin C?
Turmeric
This wonderful yellow root spice is very medicinal. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that also helps to lower cholesterol. Its been show to reduce joint swelling in cases of rheumatioid arthritis as well. Tumeric is also used to improve digestion, decongest the liver, increase ligament flexibility and reduce menstrual pain. It is usually taken in a capsule to achieve these types of effects.