I was born in the Caribbean and currently live in Florida so I can tell you a thing or 2 about Summer and heat. Unfortunately, I was reminded - TODAY! - just how quickly you can clinically deteriorate if you're not paying attention. I just had the fencing around my property replaced, and the Weather-Man was threatening afternoon rains so I was hell-bent on getting the yard back in shape before the afternoon storms rolled in. Mind you, we've been having temperatures in the high 90s with heat index running in the 100s per Mr. WeatherMan (like most of the United States). Forgot to drink; Didn't take a break; Sweated like a fiend! SIX HOURS LATER...... I am dizzy, lightheaded, flushed beet-red, panting like a puppy, heart beating a-mile-a-minute, nauseous, headache, and noticed really concentrated urine (only a small amount at that!). That was my cue to get inside the house into some air-conditioning. I laid on the "cold" tile floor in the kitchen with my feet up (old nursing trick) until I felt steady enough to sit up and drink some lemonade. Lesson learned! Heat Cramps can quickly deteriorate to Heat Exhaustion, and if untreated, Heat Stroke.
In Chinese Medicine, there are multiple Patterns of Heat Syndrome so this post will not cover all the various diagnoses. In this instance, our TCM Diagnosis is Summer Heat, with Treatment Principle to Replenish Yin (fluids) to clear Heat.
Symptoms may extend anywhere along the continuum (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke) from the ones listed above that I was experiencing that day, all the way to symptoms of Heat Stroke, resulting in red skin, profuse sweating, confusion or delirium, lethargy and high fever. This is a true emergency so you will need to seek medical advice ASAP!
Prevention/Treatment Suggestions:
"The thing with heat is no matter how cold you are and no matter how much you need warmth, it always eventually becomes too much". (Victoria Aveyard)
In good health;
Dr. Audrey Steele
Licensed Acupuncture Physician
www.Acupuncture4YourHealth.com
In Chinese Medicine, there are multiple Patterns of Heat Syndrome so this post will not cover all the various diagnoses. In this instance, our TCM Diagnosis is Summer Heat, with Treatment Principle to Replenish Yin (fluids) to clear Heat.
Symptoms may extend anywhere along the continuum (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke) from the ones listed above that I was experiencing that day, all the way to symptoms of Heat Stroke, resulting in red skin, profuse sweating, confusion or delirium, lethargy and high fever. This is a true emergency so you will need to seek medical advice ASAP!
Prevention/Treatment Suggestions:
- Drink, drink, drink! I enjoy coconut water (fresh coconut water is ideal and a lovely treat, but avoid those packaged with added sugar). Other options include your favorite sports drink (watch sugar content as well), popsicles, fruit-infused water, mint or cucumber infused water, chrysanthemum flower tea (you can find this in the Oriental grocery store), and fruits with a high water content (such as cucumber, melons, berries).
- Take a cool shower, jump in the pool, &/or apply a cold rag/ice-pack to back of neck or forehead . I always keep on hand in the freezer those eye masks that you can whip out in a flash; a bag of frozen peas/veggies work well too :-)
- Avoid hot, spicy, greasy foods, warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, garlic and pepper, and definitely avoid alcoholic beverages which tend to dehydrate.
- See your local acupuncturist as we do have acupuncture points and Chinese herbal formulas that can help to Clear Heat.
"The thing with heat is no matter how cold you are and no matter how much you need warmth, it always eventually becomes too much". (Victoria Aveyard)
In good health;
Dr. Audrey Steele
Licensed Acupuncture Physician
www.Acupuncture4YourHealth.com
 I recovered nicely after my Heat Exhaustion scare :-) |  Cucumbers and berries have a high water content so enjoy as much as you can! |  Summer melons are excellent at rehydrating! |
