Tune-Up with Acupuncture for Summertime

Summertime is right around the corner for us here in Chicago-finally! We do not seem to have too much of a spring so we usually jump right into summer. Although it may feel like we are still in the winter mode-our muscles may not be as flexible as in the summertime, we may still have the desire to sleep in longer and take naps. So, to help our bodies and souls along with being ready for the change in temperature and environment, we can use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to prepare ourselves.

We use acupuncture to tune-up the different meridians in our bodies. The meridians are the pathways that carry our qi (our energy) throughout our bodies. Acupuncture points are on each of the meridians. We decide on and choose the points according to any symptom a patient may present with. Although, when we want to just have a treatment to prepare ourselves for a change in the seasons, we choose points according to the meridians associated with the five elements: fire, water, metal, earth, and wood. These five elements also correspond to the four seasons of the year. The specific points help support all of the systems in our bodies to keep us at our optimal health level. For example, for the heat of summertime, we can focus on the heart meridian which is associated with the fire element. By keeping this meridian and its’ energies in check, we can help our odiesto stay cool while working and playing in the heat.

By paying close attention to each meridian associated with each season, we can prevent that energy from becoming affected by pathogens and turning into an illness. TCM can be used in this way as a preventative and maintenance medicine for our health.

Another nice treatment to help prepare for the warmer months is a cupping treatment. Cupping is a treatment using cups, either glass or plastic, to remove toxins and stagnation from our body.

It is easy for our bodies to build up toxins during the winter because cold environments allow for our everyday body functions to slow down. Cold temperatures also make our muscles tighter and they tend to contract more easily. These toxins can create stagnations of energy which results in areas of the body to have too much energy and others areas not having enough. Cupping can release these toxins and allow for a harmonious flow of qi. Cupping is also effective in relieving pain and discomfort-as we often use it to treat back pain.

From a nutritional aspect of TCM, we want to balance our energy with cooler foods and liquids. During the warmer seasons, we can have more of the raw, cold foods such as salads and sushi. This is not to say that we should not have hot tea during the summer, we just do not want to overheat our systems. We are always looking at the yin and yang of foods and how they will affect the yin and yang of our individual bodies and spirits. If we take everything in moderation, our immune and digestive systems will function at their best.

Here is a light and easy recipe for the warmer months:

Summer salad

¼ cup arugula
¼ cup spinach
¼ baby greens
1/8 cup sliced, raw radish
¼ cup avocado¼ dried fruit, such as cranberries or blueberries
¼ cup adzuki beans
¼ cup pistachios

Dressing: mix 3 parts olive or sesame oil with 1 part rice vinegar; add a touch of fresh squeezed orange juice, sprinkle of sea salt, pinch of black pepper, and rosemary until the flavors blend well. Shake all ingredients together and let stand for 10 minutes.

Lightly dress the arugula, spinach, and baby greens with the dressing and top the salad with remaining ingredients.

Caroline Jung, Dipl. Ac., MSOM