It is summer and it can get really hot. Therefore our body heat is the most endangered system in our body. It is necessary to calm the whole body and it's temperature. We have to pay attention to our metabolism and namely to strengthen the Liver.
Summer heat can be combined with dampness which can create symptoms like heaviness in the head and body, fever, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness. Other hot weather symptoms are sweating and irritability. Faiting, rapid heart rate and headaches are associated with heat stroke or heat exhaustion and medical attention is necessary!
In hot weather it is difficult to be indoor without the air conditioning for a longer period of time. The hot weather can contribute to overall weakening of the organism. People, who live in the big cities during the hot summer weather, have to pay attention to rising mercury in their bodies. It is an atmospheric toxin that can harm the body. It can cause a disruption of normal metabolism and chemical imbalance in the body.
When our body heat increase, it can also cause symptoms such as acne or skin rashes. It is important to reduce our body heat.
How to cool the body:
Recommended "cooling foods":
- watermelon, cantaloupe, lemon, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, tomato, cucumber, cilantro, turmeric, ginger, wild fish
- green and mint tea (calms the mind, removes heat from the Liver and Gallbladder), cumin seeds tea, barley tea; herbal teas are very effective to improve metabolism
- steamed green vegetables
Consume less cold foods and raw foods (like salads). Consume more slightly cooked foods. Our bodies are able to extract more nutrients that way rather than from raw foods. Steamed or cooked vegetables with fresh ginger promote easier digestion; to break down and assimilate the food.
Fresh pressed juices with added fresh ginger are delicious summer drinks.
Fresh lemon juice is another delicious option to cool the body heat and to stimulate the flow of Qi energy in the body.
Always drink room temperature water. Drinking icy cold water disturbs the normal functioning of the gastric juices. Icy cold water contracts the blood vessels, it can stimulate your vagus nerve and the heart rate can decrease. Drinking very cold water after a workout is a shock for the digestive tract. Drinking icy cold water especially after a meal is a shock for the digestion and it can cause a sore throat.
Ice cream is high in fat and sugar. It is OK to enjoy this summer treat from time to time but not often or every day. Sugar, coffee, fried or spicy foods, processed foods, fast and salty foods heat the body, they are not healthy to eat especially in summer.
In summer it is recommended to wake up earlier and go to bed later. It is beneficial to rest during middle of the day. You can take cooling baths, cold showers, swim in the pool, lake, river, sea, ocean. Don't forget to be in the shade and rest in the hot weather.
Enjoy summer sports and activities, be active but also take care of yourself. Don't get overheated!
Yoga is a great summer activity. Practising pranayama and some yoga poses can help to cool your body in summer, it also brings new energy in your body and moves toxins out. Together with meditation it is a great combination.
Massage is wonderful during summer holidays. Massaging the body with coconut oil can cool the body. Massage improves blood circulation, reduce swelling, reduce stress, improves joint mobility, improves lymphatic drainage, reduces muscular tension, helps with anxiety, depression, headaches and promotes better sleep.
Have a nice summer time and bring joy in your life!