Sun, Fun and YOUNG
How Classical Chinese Medicine Can Help You Get the Most Out of Summer
         
Summer is here! For most of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer begins on June 21, which kicks off rising temperatures and long summer days. But as we know, too much fun in the sun can take its toll on our skin and overall well-being, leading to signs of aging and other health ailments.

Here are a few natural, healthy tips to help feel and look younger and more vibrant along the way.

Cool It Down--But Not Too Much. Here in the US, ice is plentiful, which means summers filled with ice-cold drinks, ice cream and other frozen treats. A little bit of cooling down is good, but too much can lead to stomach aches and diarrhea. According to Classical Chinese Medicine, it is best to eat ice-cold foods in moderation, and always try to balance something cold with a bit of ginger, which can be easily added to ice cream, ice tea, lemonade, and other summer treats.
 
Quench Your Thirst. We all know not to get dehydrated on hot days. But what is the best way to quench your thirst without all the sugar? Try adding just a splash of fruit juice to lemonade, ice tea or water. The best way to hydrate is to drink mineral water, which has electrolytes that carry precious fluids directly into your cells instead of simply through your body.

Eat Light. Skip all the heavy carbs and savor a wide variety of light salads to help you cool down and keep off the pounds. Here is one of my favorite fast and easy fruit salad recipes to enjoy with your next meal. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the white part of the watermelon rind helps hydrate the body and relieves thirst without many calories.

Preparation: Take the white portion of one watermelon rind and cut into 2 inch by ½ inch strips. Combine strips of watermelon rind and salt in a bowl. Mix well with hands. Then rinse under cold water to remove salt and dry on paper towels. Whisk together garlic, sugar, salt, sesame seed oil and vinegar in a bowl. Add watermelon peel and toss until evenly combined. Marinate for 1 hour before serving.

Have a joyous and fun-filled summer! To learn more about how Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, can help reverse the aging process for you, call my office at 415.544.9104. Or, send an e-mail to drwonson@drwonson.com.