In Chinese Medicine, the season of Late Summer begins in the last week or so of July and ends around September 4th. A shortened season compared to all of the others, it is a time to enjoy the fruits of our labors and the literal fruits of the harvest. The weather is hot and often humid, and we as humans can also create a damp, hot state within ourselves if we are not careful at this time of year. If you read my article in last month’s Lake Talk, you’ll remember that dampness can lead to things like extra weight, foggy thinking, and sluggishness, just to name a few. Here are some ways to avoid creating dampness in your body in the late summer, and to be in harmony with the season:
1) Move your body. It is especially important at this time of year to exercise. Do any kind of movement for at least 30 minutes a day.
2) Allow yourself to receive. Most of us give more than we receive, and the Earth energy that rules the late summer is all about an equal give and take. If you feel depleted, drained, or unappreciated, chances are you are not allowing yourself to receive enough. If you do receive from another person- be it a gift, a compliment, or even a text saying they were thinking of you, take a moment to truly take that in and acknowledge that it is a moment of receiving from others. The good thing is, we don’t need to depend on other people to receive. We can choose to receive the energy that exists on the planet and is in abundance for us. Each day, set a reminder for yourself in your phone to take just a couple minutes to do the following exercise:
Go outside in nature if you can and find a larger tree, and sit or stand against it. You don’t need a tree or you don’t need to be out in nature, so don’t use that as an excuse not to do this exercise- you can do this from literally anywhere. Think of the tree and how its branches extend to the heavens, and its roots and how they extend down into the earth. In Chinese Medicine, we as humans are said to be between heaven and earth, so we are like the trees. Close your eyes. Begin to take deep breaths. Envision yourself like a tree, connected to the heavens and the earth. Now picture energy coming down from the heavens and into you. Energy is abundant and available for you at any time. You won’t take too much from the planet. You need to receive, and it is good to receive. Imagine this energy filling you up like a well. Imagine the energy rooting down into the earth, so now it is coming down through the heavens and through you and down into the earth, with you being energized and full as you stand in that space. Now envision the energy going down around the core of the earth and then wrapping around and coming back up through your feet, through your body, and to the heavens. You are standing in this power and in this energy. Allow yourself to feel that energy- to feel grounded to the earth and expansive and tall towards the heavens. After a few more breaths, gently blink your eyes open, and revel in being able to receive.
3) Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink enough water. It is recommended to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water a day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you’d drink 75 ounces of water a day (about 2.5 liters).
4) Lightly cook your food. In my last Lake Talk article, I spoke of the importance of this as well. It is easy to eat more raw foods at this time of the year due to all of the amazing fruits and vegetables that are abundant, but don’t hesitate to try grilling fruits like pineapple or even watermelon. Enjoy freshly cooked corn on the cob, roasted tomatoes, or salads with grilled peaches or plums.
5) Eat only until you are satisfied, not full. It is especially important in the late summer to keep your meals light and healthy. Rather than eating too much at that neighbor’s barbecue, eat only until you just feel satisfied. Put small portions on your plate, and go back for more only if you’re still physically hungry. The organs associated with the Earth element and the late summer are the stomach and the spleen, so how you eat and how much you eat are crucial to feeling your best.
6) Practice self-care. Getting regular acupuncture, massages, chiropractic work or other modalities can help you feel your best and are another great way to practice allowing yourself to receive. Issues that can get worse in the late summer include edema (swelling/water retention), excess weight or bloating, and low back pain. If you’re prone to edema, try acupuncture or lymphatic drainage massage. If you have low back pain, try chiropractic care and acupuncture to keep it in check. For weight loss or management, nutritionists and acupuncturists can be great partners. Of course, you can also practice self-care by taking time to read a book or magazine, taking a bath, spending time in nature, or any other activity that helps you feel relaxed and tended.
These are just a few tips to help you in this season. Enjoy the gifts of the late summer!
Note: This article was originally published in a local magazine for their August 2021 issue. For citation references, please contact Dr. Yocum at https://jenyocum.com/contact/
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