4 tips for a pain free summer 

In Seattle we look forward to our sunny and warmer Summer days. We get to really appreciate the sun (when it does come out) because it is rainy and overcast the majority of the time. However, if you are one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic pain you may not get to enjoy the summer.

Don’t let you pain get in the way of living your life!

Chinese medicine view of summer

Summertime is associated with the element fire. Fire represents maximum activity. In nature, everything is at its peak growth during the summer, so Chinese Medicine sees our energy as its most active and exuberant. Summer is the time of year with the most yang energy, which is all about excitement and assertiveness. When the fire element is in balance, the heart is effectively circulating blood and ensuring the beginning of the digestive process in the small intestine is working. From an emotional standpoint, a balanced fire element looks like confident self expression, gentle sensitivity and a strong heart and mind connection.

Chinese Medicine theory suggests that summer is the time when our fire and yang energies are most likely to be in balance. However, summer can be a very busy season, full of outdoor adventures, vacations and social commitments on top of our regular obligations. How can you stay in balance, enjoy the summer living even with pain?

Here are 4 tips get pain free this summer:

Adjust your sleep schedule.

Chinese theory suggests realigning your sleep schedule as the season changes will help you have the most energy throughout your day. In the summer, take advantage of the long days by getting up early, going to sleep later and taking a rest in the middle, hottest part of the day. Getting enough high quality sleep is not only good for energy but for pain reduction. Lack of sleep is directly correlated with increase in pain levels and may even prevent healing. So, it’s time to get your sleep back on track! In addition there is mounting evidence that acupuncture can help to regulate the sleep cycle and curb insomnia. Read more about how acupuncture can help sleep here.

Balance your exercise with breath.

Summer is the highest energy, highest movement time of year, including in terms of moving your body. TCM suggests getting a lot of exercise during the summertime. Along with running, biking, swimming, hiking or whatever your summer activity of choice is, incorporate some slower, more mindful movement to stay strong and healthy. Practicing yin or restorative yoga or choosing to meditate in stillness outside can be great for staying in tune with your bodies needs and cultivating mindfulness in all your activities. Breath work can also help to reduce pain, muscle tension, and inflammation. Read our previous post on breath work here to learn some easy breath work exercises.

Stay hydrated.

The opposing element to fire is water, and addressing its implications is an important part of staying balanced during summer. Especially if you live somewhere very hot in the summer, it is very important to drink plenty of water each day. Whether the climate is humid or dry, drinking enough water is very important. Staying hydrated helps your energy levels and assists in digestion. TCM also recommends watermelon juice for cooling the body and cleansing the system.

Get Acupuncture.

Now is the time to take control of your chronic pain and be pain free for summer. When following the plan your doctor prescribes, acupuncture can be extremely effective at reducing and treating many types of pain. In a recent study on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating fibromyalgia. The study found that acupuncture was significantly better than sham “placebo” acupuncture for relieving pain and improving quality of life with patients who suffered from fibromyalgia.

Therefore, now is the time to take control of your health. Get to the root cause of your pain, find help and relief so you can get out there this summer pain-free and thrive!

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain or migraines, give us a call today (425) 686-4498 to learn how we can help you find relief in an all-natural way!

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Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She is a pain specialist, seeing people who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, as well as digestive issues. Offering pain relief injections, acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, and nutrition consults. Most insurances accepted. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free on Amazon.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30787631