Keeping Cool Chinese Medicine Way
Summer in Brisbane brings sunshine, socialising… and a fair bit of heat and humidity. With the Fire element being naturally strong, this season is all about joy, movement, connection – however, it can become too much. That’s when we start to feel:
- Hot and bothered
- Prone to headaches or irritability
- Overheated at night
- Digestive upset after cold drinks or ice-cream
- Swollen legs or fluid retention
- Fatigue that feels heavy instead of relaxed
Chinese medicine has supported people through intense summers for thousands of years by using cooling foods, mindful drinking and gentle habits that help heat leave the body — without shocking digestion.
Here’s how to feel energised, relaxed and cool from the inside out.
Why We Seek Iced Drinks… and Why They Don’t Always Help
It’s tempting to reach for something straight from the fridge — or a big scoop of gelato. But when we consume very cold foods and drinks, we may weaken our digestive system.
Instead, we want to hydrate and gently cool the body with the right foods from the categories of neutral and slighly cooling.
The Thermal Nature of Food
Foods each have their own thermal nature, which can help balance body temperature.
Below is a simple overview to help you make choices that keep your body balanced throughout the year. The allocation to a category is not set in stone, e.g. the thermal nature can be slightly impacted by your cooking techniques.
Three Principles for Staying Cool (Without Upsetting Digestion)
1️⃣ Avoid foods from the very hot category
Go easy on Coffee, Alcohol (spirits), red meats, Black Pepper, Tabasco and Chili.
2️⃣ Avoid the “cold shock”
Avoid frozen and very chilled foods.
3️⃣ Prioritise neutral and slighly cooling ingredients in your daily meals
Have the majority of your meals cooked, with neutral and cooling foods added.
Think: fish, chicken, tofu, lightly steamed greens and stir-fried vegetables like zucchini and mint.
The Middle Way Works Best
Remember the famous Pareto principle? It’s the 80/20 rule. If we support our bodies 80% of the time, we can enjoy the fun of summer without uncomfortable consequences.
So yes, have the gelato, clink the glasses, enjoy the sunshine – and just make more balanced choices the majority of the time.
Your body will thank you with:
✔ Happier digestion
✔ Better sleep
✔ Less irritability in the heat
✔ More steady energy for all the festive fun
Need help keeping your cool?
If you’re feeling overheated, bloated or easily irritable this season, Chinese medicine offers natural support. Acupuncture and diet guidance can work together to help your body feel calm, cool and balanced through even the hottest days.
Curious what your constitution needs most? I have developed a new comprehensive 4-pager Chinese Medicine Food Guide for all my patients. It’s an in-depth introduction to Five Element Theory and the Thermal Nature of Food. During a consultation, I will take the time to walk you through it and help you make optimum food and lifestyle choices.
