Protecting Your Body During the Summer
Summer is a time of increased activity, longer days and plenty of outdoors time. Whether you're hiking, biking, swimming or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, your body experiences more wear and tear during these active months. As an acupuncturist, I often see patients who have overdone it, suffering from muscle strains, sprains, soreness, sunburn and general aches. Learning to listen to your body and using acupuncture to treat those summer side effects can help you stay healthy and pain-free throughout the season. (So you can squeeze out every drop of sunshine.)
Understanding Summer's Impact on Your Body
It’s easy to push your body beyond its limits without realizing it, especially when we feel the crunch of our pretty short season. Some common summer issues include muscle strains and pains, general soreness and aches, overuse or overextension during activities, sunburn and fatigue. Even too much time in the sun comes with its own ups and downs.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture can alleviate many of the issues associated with summer activities. By stimulating specific points, it helps balance the body's energy flow, reduce pain and promote healing. Here are some of the ways it addresses those common summer ailments I mentioned above.
Muscle strains and sprains: Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, enhance blood flow, and relieve pain in injured muscles and joints. Points like GB34 (Yanglingquan), located on the outer leg, and LI4 (Hegu), on the hand, are particularly effective.
General soreness, aches and overuse: Regular acupuncture sessions can help manage chronic soreness by releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Points ST36 (Zusanli) on the lower leg and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) on the inner leg can provide relief.
Sunburn: For sunburn relief, acupuncture can help reduce heat and inflammation. Points like LI11 (Quchi) on the elbow and SJ5 (Wai Guan) on the arm are beneficial.
Fatigue and boosting energy levels: Acupuncture can enhance energy levels and combat fatigue by balancing the body’s Qi (energy). Points like CV6 (Qihai) below the navel and DU20 (Baihui) on the top of the head are excellent.
It’s also important to pair acupuncture with the right fuel for your body, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, that means choosing the right foods to maintain balance and health. During the summer, it’s essential to consume foods that cool the body, provide hydration and support energy levels.
Eat cooling foods: Incorporate foods like cucumber, watermelon, mint and green leafy vegetables that have cooling properties.
Stay hydrated: Consume plenty of water, herbal teas, and hydrating fruits like oranges and strawberries.
Eat light and fresh meals: Opt for lighter meals that are easy to digest, like salads, steamed vegetables and grilled fish.
Avoid overly spicy and greasy foods: These can create excess heat in the body, which is counterproductive during the hot summer months.
Listening to your body during the summer is a vital part of enjoying the season. Acupuncture is a natural and effective way to prevent and manage pain, heal injuries and maintain your energy levels. And as always, consistent and regular acupuncture is the best way to get the most out of your sessions.
In health and wellness,
Julie