Summer Newsletter 2020

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
~ Charles Bowden

At this time, there is much around us worthy of concern yet it is still important to embrace the significance of a changing season. Summer is here and utilizing all it has to offer can lift us beyond a world of strife and into a much needed soft landing of enlightened mental and physical health.

There are many paths one can take during this season known as the ‘energy of fire’. Paths that offer both inner and outer growth, interpersonal ripening, and heart lifting tools achieved by following Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) applications and philosophy. This is a lens most are not aware of, do not have the privilege of looking through or are open to making sense of. This is mostly due to the peripheral noise of a society removed from nature, focusing on fixes rather than root causes.

The Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) summer newsletter can help lay the foundation for a path that winds through all seasons. Starting with the energy of fire, following this path is up to the traveler who is offered the opportunity to move and be bountiful at just the right seasonal turn.

Feed the Heart

Keeping the mind clear is essential, particularly when confronted with anxiety and stress. However, it is a strong heart both physically and figuratively that continues to stoke overall health. The organ associated with summer is the Heart.

The Heart is the ruler of the human body, it regulates blood flow (qi – “chee” or life force) and maintains the Shen (Mind). Therefore, feeding the heart with summer opportunities allows the full spectrum needed to power the entire human experience. As the heart requires energetic support, following a summer protocol will significantly affect optimal functioning. This all connects to what is known as the ‘controlling cycle’ whereas each constitution (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) must support the other for essential systemic performance.

Heiner Fruehauf, Ph.D., L.Ac., of the Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, OR, translated a description of the controlling cycle in ‘Promoting Health During the Four Seasons’ which elaborates upon one of the main themes of the ‘Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic’ (Huangdi Neijing 2600 BC) and appeared in Gao’s book, ‘Eight Pieces on Observing the Fundamental Principles of Life’ (Zunsheng Bajian; 1575 A.D.), stating,

“According to the controlling cycle of relationships between the five elements, fire can distress metal; metal energy governs the lung, and the flavor associated with the lung network is pungent. During the summertime, therefore, one should decrease bitter foods and increase pungent flavors to nourish the lung.  At the same time, one should use the sound “haaaaa” to course stagnant heart qi, and “shhhhh” to harmonize its flow.”

Navigating the controlling cycle and how it can be applied to everyday life, particularly during a seasonal transition like summer, is significantly supported by a naturopathic doctor. Dr. Lisanti of Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) is able to assist each controlling cycle that may be imbalanced. During the summer, this guidance can be an essential tool in feeding the heart for optimal systemic healing and strengthening.

Breathing is one of the first essential steps for moving summer qi which can be done anytime, anywhere. Breathe in the nose and exhale out the mouth alternating the recommended sounds of “haaaaa” and “shhhh” on each exhale to feel and embody opening pathways to feed the heart.

Simple Tips for Embracing Summer Health

Sometimes all it takes is some simple life practices to get the most out of connecting mind and body to the earth.

Acufinder reported,

“When the fire element is in balance, the heart is strong and healthy, the mind is calm and sleep is sound. 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.”

These tips for embracing summer health are recommended:

• Rest at midday.
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Awaken earlier in the morning
• Go to bed later in the evening
• Add pungent flavors to your diet
• Refrain from anger; keep calm and even-tempered

Functional Seasonal Eating

Each season correlates with specific foods that can fuel the body more efficiently than others. In his book, ‘Chinese Nutrition Therapy,’ author Joerg Kastner writes that the heat of summer,

“…feeds on body fluids and harms yin. It is recommended to take in predominantly cooling, yin foods to disperse heat and build up body fluids. The bitter flavor corresponds to the fire phase, and mostly bitter–cool as well as bitter–cold foods in moderation should be consumed during the hot season.”

Overall, sticking to light cooling foods during the summer months will help avoid your essential energy being weighed down which can make you sluggish, foggy, and unfocused.

Summer Sipper: Chrysanthemum and Mint

Chrysanthemum and mint are a cooling combination able to invigorate the body while supporting liver function. Preparing this as a summer sipper, always in the fridge or on-the-go, is an excellent, beneficial, and easy refreshing beverage.

Ingredients:

6 tbsp. fresh small chrysanthemum flowers
2 tbsp. chopped fresh mint leaves
4 cups boiling water
Honey, stevia, or monk fruit to sweeten (optional)

Boil 4 cups of water in a teapot or pot; pour into a glass jar or pitcher with chrysanthemum flowers and mint leaves. Add sweetener to taste if desired. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes to steep. Strain when pouring into cups. Drink generously.

BBQ Asparagus Wrap

Clear out heat and toxins with the BBQ Asparagus Wrap offering a tasty treat all summer long.

Ingredients:

4-6 large whole wheat wraps (not too thick)
1 bushel of clean steamed asparagus
2 cups of sliced cherry tomatoes
2 cups of peeled long sliced baby cucumbers
2 cups of  clean baby spinach
1 cup of sprouts
1/2 cup fresh dill
2 cups of sautéed long cut tofu or protein of choice
Vegan or non-vegan BBQ sauce

Warm wrap, then apply BBQ sauce in the middle as a vertical line leaving about half an inch of plain wrap on both ends. On top of the BBQ sauce (do not go to end of wrap, trim asparagus stalk if needed) add in this order: handful of baby spinach, 2-3 asparagus, sprinkled cherry tomatoes, 2-3 tofu, 2-3 baby cucumbers, sprinkled fresh dill (not too much), sprinkled sprouts. Fold up bottom and top of wrap (at each end of the asparagus) then fold and roll one side to the other until ingredients are snug. Cut in half. Serves 4-6.

Keeping Immune Responsible

As COVID-19 continues to loom it is essential to keep the immune system firing on all cylinders. In addition, spring allergies can always linger into summer, especially with unpredictable weather, so the immune system needs to be at the ready for this as well. Although acupuncture is highly beneficial to maintain seasonal health, at this time it may not be as available. Therefore, washing/sanitizing hands and wearing a mask, adhering to an antioxidant rich diet along with good exercise and recommended supplements, the immune system may have a winning chance.

• Top herbs with anti-viral capability: black elderberry, oregano oil, and olive leaf extract.
• Antioxidant rich foods: kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli and bok choy
• Immune boosting vitamins: zinc (not on an empty stomach), vitamins D3, B12, C
• Probiotics (good bacteria): increases microflora (immune system) functioning

Stay away from processed packaged foods, too many animal products, excessive sugar/carbs, as well as alcohol. Wear a mask in public and try to connect to nature as much as possible. Utilize these ways at keeping immune responsible for a calm, high quality of life approach no matter what is happening outside.

News and Noteworthy

Stay connected to alternative choices that increase health for body and mind that go beyond conventional thinking.

Avoid seed oils. Slow COVID.

Known as ‘The Hateful 8’, Dr. Cate Shanahan author of ‘The Fatburn Fix’, comments on COVID-19 and how eating these 8 seed oils may enhance the virus,

“The virus is not what’s killing most of us under the age of 65. For the elderly, or for those who are otherwise immunocompromised, the sheer viral load can be too much for the body to deal with. But for the rest of us, the real threat is not the virus itself, but the way your body responds. Most of the folks under 65 who have to be admitted to the ICU are there because their body fat is full of inflammation-promoting high-PUFA seed oils. In other words, if seed oils were removed from the equation, then there would be nobody under 65 in the ICU unless they’ve got a rare immune deficiency disorder or are in the middle of chemo for cancer or have something else very serious that’s going on.”

The Hateful 8 oils are:

• Canola
• Corn
• Cottonseed
• Grapeseed
• Rice bran
• Safflower
• Sunflower
• Soy

Forest Bathing

If you cannot touch another human, why not try forest bathing. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) cites studies that validate the healing capability of simply being amongst nature.

• “2007 study, men taking two hour walks in the woods over a two day period exhibited a 50% increase in levels of natural killer cells—the body’s disease fighting agents.”
• “2008 study of 13 female nurses on a three-day trip, in which the trip produced anti-cancer proteins and benefits lasting more than 7 days after the trip”
• “The average concentration of salivary cortisol, a stress hormone, in people who gazed on forest scenery for 20 minutes was 13.4 percent lower than that of people in urban settings.”

Homemade Sunblock

Healthline offers a way to make natural sunblock at home.

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil (has an SPF of 7)
2 (or more) tbsp. powdered zinc oxide
1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel (must be 50 percent or higher)
25 drops walnut extract oil for scent and an added SPF boost
1 cup (or less) shea butter for a spreadable consistency

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients, except the zinc oxide and aloe vera gel, in a medium saucepan. Let the shea butter and oils melt together at medium heat. Let cool for several minutes before stirring in aloe vera gel. Cool completely before adding zinc oxide. Mix well to make sure the zinc oxide is distributed throughout. You may want to add some beeswax or another waxy substance for a stickier consistency. Store in a glass jar, and keep in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use. Not waterproof.

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a naturopathic medicine treatment program that works for you either in person or through digital, telemedicine communication. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914-337-2980 or Click Here to schedule an online appointment.

*Please Click Here to see a current list of insurance companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. For more info, please call 914-337-2980 or securely email us at info@intmedsolutions.com.

Best in health from Integrative Med Solutions.