Cool Down This Summer

summer beach ball in cool water

Summer has peaked here in Southern California. As an acupuncturist in the clinic setting, I am seeing cases related to excess heat. These can be rashes, headaches, anxiety, digestive complaints, and much more. If one already has a pattern that correlates with too much heat in the body, summer weather will make it worse. There are foods and herbs that are cooling which can help. Peppermint, lemongrass and chrysanthemum teas can clear heat in the body. Watermelon is fantastic. Cilantro, watercress, cucumber, celery and apricot are also helpful. We have an array of Chinese herbs in the pharmacy as well.

In contrast, I am treating someone with a burning sensation in the bottom of her feet. I discovered she is putting cinnamon on all of her food to lower her blood sugar. Cinnamon is very hot and can create symptoms of heat. These are subtle things that we notice as practitioners of Chinese medicine that can shift an imbalance.

If you live in the Santa Barbara area and are experiencing inflammation or any of the symptoms listed above and need extra support, call the office at (805) 898-1804 to schedule an appointment.