Chinese Medicine tips to support you through the festive season
The year’s end is fast approaching and along with the pressure that often accompanies the festive season, this begs the question
“How can we get the most out of our end of year break, whilst maintaining a sense of balance and feeling well?”
The festive season in Australia combines the Summer sun, celebration and often self-indulgence! For many those precious weeks off work become a pressure cooker of family obligations, social commitments, long days, late nights and hungover mornings. We can lose sight of the routines that have served us well throughout the year and struggle to pick them back up once the new year is upon us.
Whilst it’s great to have a break from the rigidity of our day-in-day-out, there’s no need to throw caution to the wind with reckless abandon! Afterall, don’t we all wish to enter the new year feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges?
Keep moving your body
Summer is peak Yang! When we are in harmony with nature we have boundless energy and can rise and retire with the sun.
With more energy to burn, you can get up earlier to move your body before the heat of the day sets in and go to bed later.
Eat regular sized meals at regular times
Eat slowly and mindfully to avoid overeating unintentionally. According to the Chinese Body Clock, optimal times for digestion are between 7-9am, 11am-1pm, 5-7pm.
If you’re eating outside of those windows or overeating you may notice your digestion feeling sluggish.
Peppermint tea, Po Chai pills or a gentle walk are go-to Chinese Medicine remedies to soothe a too-full-tummy.
I love me a Summer Spritz
Alcohol is hot and drying in nature.Overconsumption of alcohol depletes Yin fluids and can perpetuate heat accumulation in the body with symptoms such as agitation, insomnia and anxiety.
My first suggestion is to start with a sparkling water or non-alc option before diving into your favourite cocktail.
Secondly, half your alcohol intake by opting for a 50/50 spritz, or alternate alcoholic drinks with water. “Knit one, pearl one” as my mum would say.
Counter the heat of Summer
Chinese Medicine acknowledges that we can become encumbered by the accumulation of heat, a pathogenic influence that takes hold especially in the warmer months. Rest during the hottest part of the day between 11am-1pm.
Consume Yin nourishing foods in moderation such as cucumber, watermelon, radish, tomato.
Heightened emotions of the Heart
Summer is the season of the Heart.
The Heart energetic is particularly heightened this time of year.
When the Heart is in balance, we feel joy, genuine connection and a sense of expansive ease. Imbalance of the Heart energetic can move toward mania, associated with overcontrol and lack of boundaries. Conversely, the Heart can lose its spark as it does in depression and feeling teary or numb.
Go gently with yourself through this time. Carve out time and space to feel your feelings. If you’re struggling with your mental health do reach out for help from those around you.
Take time to ground with acupuncture
Acupuncture, of course! Similarly to doing a hard workout, no-one ever regretted an acupuncture treatment.Carving out the time to regroup and settle your nervous system is essential “silly season prep” if you ask me!
I’ll be in clinic right up until Christmas Eve, so book yourself in.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Summer break. May you get swept up in the silliness, soak in the sun, belly laugh with your loved ones, take pause to breathe and come into 2025 feeling well.
With Kindness, Courtney.
