In Cantonese, there is the expression ‘yeet hay’; meaning too much internal heat. It is used in association with consuming too many hot fried foods which creates a situation in the body of too much heat. However, it isn’t just food that creates this situation; a hot constitution: too much alcohol, exposure to the sun and some medications also contribute to too much internal heat. Here are some of the ways to cool down your heat this summer.
Keep your liver happy
In traditional Chinese medicine the liver is associated with anger and hostility, so it is important to keep the liver happy and freeflowing. Learning to keep your cool and not to get too hot-headed about things is important for liver health. Equally, deeply held resentments and hostility can put pressure on the liver.
Working on ways to deal with your anger and practising forgiveness are very important for keeping the liver healthy, as are yoga, tai qi, acupuncture and reflexology. But reducing alcohol, changing our approach to life as well as having good support from a partner (associated with higher levels of oxytocin) are also vital.
Avoid the midday sun
When we were children, my mother would always keep us out of the midday sun and I actually, mostly, still agree with this notion. In the height of the summer in the middle of the day the temperature and position of the sun means that it is at its most intense with high levels of ultra violet B (UVB) being present. Of course, we need vitamin D so I am a big believer in the fact that allowing our skin to be exposed to the sun is very important too, and it shouldn’t always be covered in thick sun cream which keeps the heat trapped in. But to get your vitamin D boost safely, avoid the intense midday sun and don’t leave your skin exposed for long periods without protection.
Spice things up
It may seem counterintuitive, but eating spicy foods in the heat actually reduces the body’s temperature, which is why they are often consumed in hot countries. Spicy foods work to reduce heat in the body by opening the pores and encouraging sweating, which has the effect of cooling down the body’s temperature. However, if you have heat in the stomach (shown through acid reflux or heartburn), I would advise avoiding spicy foods. Turmeric in particular is a spice that cools the body.
Include cooling foods and herbs in your diet
Chamomile, peppermint, chrysanthemum and spearmint are all rolling in nature. I drink a lot of chrysanthemum tea in the summer as it cools the liver and also is very soothing on the eyes. My eyes often get irritated and itchy and I regularly use my home-made tea to ease the discomfort here. Simply allow the tea to cool in the fridge and then make cottonwool compresses with the liquid to place on your peepers – it really is an excellent way to cool and soothe the eyes (and is also great for hay fever).
Emma Cannon is an integrated women’s health expert, registered acupuncturist and author. Check out more of Emma’s fantastic work at emmacannon.co.uk
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