a tendency to laugh inappropriately, or swing from one extreme emotion to another. Moderation can be difficult to maintain, and extreme consumption of food/substances and erratic behavior is common in this state of imbalance. The face may be red and the eyes may be bloodshot. A person with excess heat in the heart also has a hard time remaining still, but their movements are often sudden and forceful.
Tips to Stay Healthy in the Summer
Summer is the apex of yang energy (therefore, hot!) and the fire element can easily get out of whack. Here are some sugges- tions on how to stay balanced during this season of heat. • In general, it’s okay to get less sleep in the summer. People
(often) have more energy in the summer months, and naturally need less sleep than they do in the winter months. • If you are feeling like you might have a heart imbalance, the best time to meditate or nap is from 11 am to 1pm, when the qi moves through the heart (according to the Chinese merid- ian clock). • Enjoy cooling, yin-nourishing foods. Foods with cool or cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids. The “yin” foods include fruits and vegetables with high water content - cucumber, watermelon, melon, asparagus, toma- toes, peach, pineapple, berries, lemon, and lime. Coconut water is especially appropriate for the hot months of summer. Avocado and walnuts are also great yin-nourishing foods. • Don’t overhydrate with water, especially if you’re sweating a lot. On labor-intensive days, or especially hot days, remember that you need electrolytes to properly hydrate. For moderate, recreational activity, coconut water is perfect, but if you are engaging in more extreme exercise – be sure to snack in small amounts, and often. Salty sourdough pretzels, a banana, or a handful of trail mix are some good options. • Eat what’s in season. Instead of giving you a long list of seasonal produce– check out Maine’s incredible farmer’s mar- kets and let your body guide you. See
www.mainefarmersmar-
kets.org for more information. • Get some acupuncture. Yintang (located at the “third eye”) is an especially effective acupuncture point for some imbalances that tend to flare in the summer months. When needled, it’s a quick-acting chill pill for a racing mind. It can also enhance concentration, promote sleep, and help alleviate sinus conges- tion.
Lauren Breau is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Wildwood Com- munity Acupuncture in Portland, Maine. Wildwood Community Acupuncture is a sliding scale acupuncture clinic where all people can be treated, regardless of income. Learn more about Lauren at
www.wildwoodmedicine.com. See ad on page 19.
FREEPORT INTEGRATED HEALTH CENTER
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