5 Common Summer Ailments That Acupuncture Can Address!

While the heat of summer is upon us, it’s key to remember that this season’s element is, of course, fire. It’s a time of abundance, high energy, and loads of sun and warmth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there has to be a balance between yin (water) and yang (fire). This time of yang symbolizes maximum activity and abundance. You may find yourself going hard all day, being more outgoing in disposition, and having an unpredictable sleep schedule during the summer months. But it’s important to maintain a level of balance. What happens when we’re out of balance this season? “When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia.” (Acufinder) Here are 5 reasons acupuncture can be the antidote to summertime’s most common health complaints:

1. Allergies

Pollen levels can wreak havoc on our bodies and we can experience hay fever, sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes. Most allergy sufferers turn to antihistamines for relief, but studies show that Acupuncture can help by stimulating the lymphatic system — without the side effects.

2. Pain Relief

The urge to “overdo” it is strong during the summer. We’re over-committed and try to make the most out of each and every day. In addition, we may feel compelled to engage in activities that we don’t normally do the rest of the year. Acupuncture can stimulate blood flow and bring healing to the entire body, in addition to the sore, achy parts.

3. Lowering Blood Pressure & Headache Relief

Higher summer temperatures often cause headaches as blood vessels in the head expand and put pressure on nerve endings. Dehydration further contributes to the problem. In addition to hydrating and consuming cooling, high water-content foods like cucumber and watermelon, acupuncture can help lower blood pressure and calm the nerves that contribute to headaches.

4. Skin Rashes

Heat rash, bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy rashes can be an uncomfortable part of summer for many. With few treatments, acupuncture can help stimulate the lymphatic system, bring blood flow, and allow toxins to be released from the skin to bring our body’s biggest organ back into balance.

5. Insomnia

Our sleep schedule is likely to be disrupted or unpredictable during the summer months, and the longer days can lead to insomnia and other sleep issues. Acupuncture can target this mind/body energy disturbance and open up points of energy flow that can balance sleep patterns.