Surviving Christmas Excess During the Australian Summer: A TCM Wellness Guide

 

an image on snad and the word summer written in scarbble tiles.

The festive season in Australia brings joy, indulgence, and sometimes overindulgence! Combined with the heat of summer, it can leave you feeling sluggish, overworked, and out of balance. At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques to help you feel energized, calm, and well throughout the holidays. Here’s how you can thrive during this season.

1. Support Your Digestion Naturally

A teapot and a cup of tea, with green tea steeping

Overeating or indulging in rich foods during festive celebrations can put stress on your digestion. TCM offers simple ways to ease the discomfort:

  • Opt for Warming Foods: Steamed veggies, soups, and rice are gentle on the stomach, even in summer.
  • Try Ginger Tea: Fresh ginger helps reduce bloating and promotes smooth energy flow. Sip a cup of warm ginger tea after meals.
  • Practice Mindful Eating: Chew your food slowly and avoid drinking large amounts during meals. Sip water before or after eating.

Acupressure Tip: ST36 (Zusanli)

  • Location: ST36 is located on the outside of the lower leg. Place four fingers below the knee, on the outer side, and find the slight indent.
  • How to Use: Apply gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes on each leg to support digestion, boost energy, and reduce bloating.

Tip: You can use ST36 anytime during the day for an energy boost – it’s my go-to in the clinic!

 

4 image picture image of how to find St36.

An image of aknee and the lower leg with 4 fingers applied to the leg - to locate the point St 36

St 36 with hands – image shows where the location is of Stomach 36 with a hand shown on the leg.

2. Stay Hydrated Mindfully

Hydration is crucial during the Australian summer, but how and when you hydrate matters:

  • Morning Hydration: Start your day with a glass of warm water to awaken digestion. Add a splash of lemon or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for added benefits.
  • Electrolyte Boost: If you find water passes through you too quickly in the morning, an electrolyte drink can help your body absorb hydration.
  • Pre-Meal Hydration: Sip water 30 minutes before meals to aid digestion.
  • Cooling Hydration: Incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon, rockmelon, cucumber, berries, citrus fruits, and mangoes.

3. Gentle Exercise for Energy Balance

daily-exercise-featured

Exercising in the summer heat can deplete your energy if you’re not careful. TCM encourages gentle, balanced activity:

  • Best Times to Move: Exercise in the early morning or evening to avoid the intense midday heat.
  • Gentle Movements: Activities like Qi Gong, yoga, or light swimming maintain energy flow without overexertion.
  • Morning Walks: A brisk walk in the early hours boosts circulation, metabolism, and energy levels for the day.

TCM Insight: Avoid excessive exercise in the heat, as it can deplete your Qi (vital energy). Balance activity with intentional rest and stay hydrated.

4. Manage Holiday Stress With TCM

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming. TCM techniques offer effective ways to calm your mind and body:

Herbal Teas for Relaxation:

  • Chrysanthemum Tea: Cools the body and soothes the mind.
  • Jujube Tea: Nourishes blood, eases anxiety, and promotes restful sleep.

Acupressure for Stress Relief:

  • Yintang (Third Eye): Located between the eyebrows, this point relieves stress and tension. Gently massage for 1-3 minutes.
    • Tip for Kids: For children, gently stroke down from the top of the head to the Yintang point to soothe and calm them.
  • A picture of a woman with a red dot between her eyebrows demonstrating the point yinttang
  • Pericardium 6 (Inner Gate): Found on the inner wrist, three fingers up from the wrist crease, between the tendons.
    • How to Use: Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes to ease anxiety, relieve nausea, and promote better sleep.
  • An image of a wrist with 3 fingers being held from the beginning of the inner wrist and showing where pericardium 6 is located on the inner forearm

5. Summer-Perfect Teas for Wellness

 

Calming Tea Package

Incorporate cooling, digestion-boosting teas into your summer routine:

  • Peppermint Tea: Refreshes, aids digestion, and helps relieve headaches.
  • Lotus Leaf Tea: Reduces bloating and supports weight balance.
  • Oolong Tea: Boosts energy and fights summer fatigue.

Explore more: Check out our blog on “A Tea for All Seasons” for year-round herbal wellness tips.

Ready to Feel Balanced This Summer?

At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we’re here to help you embrace the holiday season with energy, calm, and confidence. Whether you need acupuncture, herbal remedies, or guidance on TCM self-care, we’ve got you covered.

Book your consultation today and let us help you thrive this festive season! 

Julia applying acupuncture to a point on the clients hands

Written by Dr. Julia Bartrop (TCM)
Rebalance Chinese Medicine
25/855 Plenty Rd, South Morang
Book an Appointment Today!

Phone – 0412 789 772