BY DR. SAKSHI MEARS, L.Ac.
Summer time is a lovely break from the rest of the year. We get to enjoy long sunny evenings, spend time outdoors and enjoy friends and family. Many of us recently sent our kiddos back to school after a long summer full of travel and nonstop activities. Hiking, swimming, biking, you name it, during summer we are outside soaking in the sun.
This year, as I watched the bus pull away with my sixth grade daughter to her new middle school, I felt a wave of relief and then absolute fatigue. Summer is an energetic season, we are naturally more active in warmer weather with longer days, but it can also be draining. In the summer we lose our rituals, and our routines and self-care can go out the window. As we approach fall and have a little more time to fill our own cups we can begin to take care of ourselves again. Here are some of my favorite ways to find wellness and get back into a routine of self-care.
Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is a complete system of medicine that can treat any health condition. In Chinese medicine there are organ systems that connect to meridians, or energetic pathways, that cross the body in a series of acupuncture points. Keeping those systems in balance brings the body back into harmony and wellness, reduces inflammation and increases circulation. Acupuncture can treat just about anything, such as emotional wellness, pain, migraines, digestive disorders, fertility, hormonal regulation, menopausal symptoms, allergies, immune system support and much more. Not only can acupuncture treat current issues, but it’s a wonderful preventative medicine that can keep the body healthy as we age. The best part of an acupuncture treatment is the amazing sense of calm and deep relaxation you feel afterward, it’s like a total body reset.
Cupping: Cupping is an ancient bodywork technique that is used in many different cultures, but most commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The basic idea is that the air is removed from the cup to create a suction, then the cup can be left in place or moved around to release muscle tension. In retention cupping the cup is left in place and may create a round purple bruise indicating an area of stagnation where blood isn’t flowing well. Slide cupping is a technique in which oil is applied to the back and the cup slides along the paraspinal muscles. Cupping breaks up adhesions in the tissue and brings blood circulation to the tight areas of the back. It can also break a fever and loosen up mucus in the chest during a respiratory illness. The cup pulls heat and inflammation out of the body and regulates the immune system.
Massage: Massage is another great way to loosen tight muscles and find relaxation. There are many different types of massage from traditional Swedish massage to deeper Shiatsu. My favorite is a good Thai massage which is more interactive. In Thai massage the therapist stretches your body to get the muscles moving and does myofascial release techniques to ease muscle spasms. Foot reflexology is another treatment that can be very relaxing and treat a variety of health conditions.
Nutrition and Hydration: This one seems basic, but when we are on the go it’s easy to forget to drink water and eat well. Often in the summer we are traveling or taking road trips and we end up eating fast foods and snacks. As fall approaches think about cooking some balanced meals at home with lots of fruits, veggies and protein. To incorporate more water into your day you may turn to sparkling water or try brewing an herbal tea to hydrate. Green tea is a great way to get a bit of caffeine and some healthy antioxidants as well. Keep a water bottle handy so you can get an idea of how much you are drinking. On really hot days be sure to incorporate some electrolytes to replenish the body.
Moving meditation: This can encompass all sorts of activities based on what you like to do. In a moving meditation we lose ourselves in the movement and get in the “zone.” Think of hiking, biking, yoga, pilates or even long walks around Wash Park. Our minds are always chattering, but when we move our bodies mindfully we can calm that chatter. We all have our favorite ways to exercise and keep fit, but when you add mindfulness to your movements you can feel life’s stresses fall away. You feel the movement take over and your mind goes quiet. This liminal space allows the mind to slow down and reset. Next time you do your favorite physical activity try to notice that moment and enjoy the peace it brings.
Mindful breathing and relaxation: This one can be done anytime, anywhere. Just take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Work to breathe deep into your belly and lengthen your exhales. Let your mind relax and let your thoughts fall into the background as you keep your attention on your breath coming in and out. Relax your jaw and your brow, let your shoulders drop down away from your ears. Even a minute of mindful breathing can take you out of a stressful day and back into your body and into the present moment.
Sleep: Sleep is so important. A good night’s sleep helps us heal our bodies, boosts the immune system, eases anxiety, regulates our hormone systems, it is essential to all aspects of our health. In the summer it’s easier to stay up late and lose a steady sleep routine. Get back into a good routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time. If you have trouble falling asleep try taking a warm bath, reading a book or listening to calming music. Be sure to turn off the phone and TV and try to hydrate a couple hours before bedtime.
There are so many ways we take care of ourselves. Think about how you find peace and wellness for yourself in your busy life. Many of us are so busy caring for our friends, family, co-workers, clients, and even strangers, that we don’t find the time to tend to ourselves. The best way to care for others is to fill our own cups. Now that school is back in session and fall approaches, I encourage you to get back into your routines of self care, and if you don’t know where to begin I hope you are able to try something new from this list. Be well!
Dr. Sakshi Mears is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She has been in private practice since 2017 and currently has a clinic in the Wash Park neighborhood of Denver on Old South Gaylord Street. Sakshi specializes in holistic wellness and can treat any health condition using a combination of therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, bodywork, CBD, and natural supplements. She is also a yoga teacher specializing in hot yoga and prenatal yoga and has owned a tea shop and apothecary for many years. Learn more about Dr. Mears at firelilyacu.com.