As temperatures climb, many of us instinctively reach for ice-cold drinks. Interestingly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a different approach. Rather than using extremes of temperature, we aim to cool the body gently. Ice-cold drinks are generally avoided because they can weaken what we call the body’s “digestive fire” – the energy responsible for breaking down food and fluids. When this becomes sluggish, it can contribute to bloating, digestive discomfort and low energy.

One of my favourite summer recommendations is chrysanthemum tea. Used in Chinese medicine for centuries, it is traditionally believed to help clear internal heat, support the eyes, calm the mind and gently cool the body. It has a light, floral taste and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. During the warmer months, I often offer a cup of chrysanthemum tea to my patients before or after their treatment. It’s always lovely to introduce them to something a little different that may help them feel refreshed and rehydrated.

Your diet can also help you stay cool. Foods such as watermelon, cucumber, celery, lettuce, tomatoes, pears, strawberries, mint and courgettes are all regarded as naturally cooling in TCM, while spicy foods, excess alcohol and too much caffeine are considered more warming.

Also, keep your home cool by closing curtains during the day, opening windows in the evening and enjoying a cool foot soak before bed to help disperse excess heat and encourage restful sleep.

Key takeaways:

• Drink chrysanthemum tea to help cool the body naturally

• Choose cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, pears and mint

• Swap ice-cold drinks for cool or room temperature fluids

• Keep curtains closed during the hottest part of the day

• Try a cool foot soak before bed to encourage relaxation and better sleep

• Work with your body, not against it, to stay balanced during hot weather

Enjoy your summer.

Sarah Stamp
Olive Tree Acupuncture & Wellbeing, Brackley