Welcome to Utopia Health Care’s first seasonal newsletter.
It has been an incredible year filled with great success and plenty of challenges, as I took a deep breath and established my own wholistic health care clinic in South Yarra. I’ve had great feedback from many of you on the location and range of services on offer. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome- please keep them coming and if you haven’t already done so, make sure that you drop by soon.
In this first newsletter, I would like share a little bit about the attributes of summer from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. I am also delighted to introduce you to two new practitioners now working at Utopia Health Care and the wonderful services.
My unreserved gratitude to all of you for your wonderful support over the years. Blessings of the festive season and happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
Warm regards, Mychelle
Summer- Fire Element
Energetically, we all have aspects of the five elements (fire, metal, earth, water, wood) in various combinations and intensity. In Chinese medicine, fire element is considered the most yang in nature. This translates in practical ways such as feeling lighter, more expansive, playful and sociable.
Notice how much easier it is to connect with other people in summer?
The effect of the sun brings out our ‘sunny’ nature. This could be as simple as smiling at someone on the street to wanting to be around friends or family in a fun and festive way. We have more energy, vitality, enthusiasm and warmth and when your fire is healthy, it’s only natural to share this with people.
Aligning with the Fire element for Maximum Health and Wellbeing
As the weather warms up, your exercise program will naturally start to include more yang energy (think cardio) running, cycling, swimming, sailing, rollerblading etc. Your muscles will be warm so less stretching is required – less yoga, less tai chi and less meditation. It’s time to get active and be involved!
Too Much Fire
There are many fantastic things about summer, but as we face another summer of heightened bushfire threat, Australians are all too aware of the extremes of the fire element. Even though our bodies can cope with later nights, drinking more and overindulgence of foods, we have to be mindful of problems related to excessive heat build-up in our body. Signs and symptoms to look out for may include insomnia, persistent headaches, excessive emotional states, red face and eyes, reflux, and vertigo. Just as we need to keep our gardens shaded and watered, our bodies also need to be protected from the excesses of heat through adequate hydration and appropriate dietary considerations. Beware of extremes: a healthy person is a balanced one.
What to Eat in the Summer Months
The hot weather in summer can make more work for your digestive system so choose foods that are easy to digest. In any season always remember to think about the ingredients in a meal and how it relates to your health. For example red meats are generally heating to the body, so only eat in small amounts. Rather than cooking red meats on the BBQ, try seafood kebabs or a mix of vegetables and tofu. Skewer a prawn lengthways and thread calamari that has been marinated in lemon, olive oil and chili and turn a few times on a hot grill-delicious and very healthy!
In summer when you are doing lots more physical activity and the body is warmer, it is good to eat fresh salads and increase the amount of vegetables, grains and fruits. When you have had a few too many late nights, foods that can help clear heat are alfalfa, barley, millet, wheat, tofu, mung beans, radish, tomato, watercress, celery, cucumber, lettuce, and avocado.
Some summer fruits that can clear heat within the body mulberry strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, peach, and banana. Blueberries are not only a great anti oxidant but also strengthen the yin of the kidneys which is great bonus in summer. Blueberries are great in a salad with cabbage, green apple, dill parsley and mint. Cherries are good for building blood and improve the digestion-obviously eat in moderation. Cherries can be poached with a little sugar and lemon.