Date: June 21 — Summer Solstice — 夏至 (Xiàzhì)
Today marks the start of Xià Zhì (夏至), or the Summer Solstice, the 10th seasonal point of the year. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is associated with Yang energy, which is bright, expansive, and outward-moving. The Summer Solstice marks Yang's peak with the longest day, and the beginning of a transition to shorter days and a focus on Yin.
Here's our wellness guide on how to support your health this season with TCM.
WHAT TO EAT
It's important to stay hydrated and prevent internal heat during these warmer days.
Introduce bitter melon into your diet. This beloved gourd is traditionally consumed in China during the summer as it not only protects against the heat but also helps to detoxify the body. You can add it to sautés and soups, or brew it as a tea with roasted oolong tea.
Add cooling foods like cucumber, winter melon, luffa, tomato, honeydew melon, star fruit, peach, plumb, and mung beans to your grocery list. These foods nourish the Qi and boost fluids in your body, which is especially important during the heat.
We love cold noodles this season, layered with plenty of seasonal vegetables like cucumber and mung bean sprouts. Delicious and refreshing, while helping to reduce the heat in the stomach and whet your appetite.
Tea is great all year round. Some of our favorite cooling teas to enjoy during this time of year are lotus leaf tea, white peony tea, and ginger lime tea. You can find more TCM-approved cooling recipes here.
SELF-CARE RITUALS
While it’s great to bask in the summer sun (in our hats and sunscreen), too much heat or sun may cause “Summer Heat” which show up as fatigue and nausea. Protect your energy by following the protocols below.
Practice Zi Wu Jiao (子午觉). Take 30-minute naps around midday (午) to restore energy during the hotter months of the year to restore vitality and balance the internal Yang and Yin. Go to bed around 11pm (子) to provide yourself with high-quality, deep sleep.
Dress appropriately for the season. Opt for light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as silk, cotton, flax, or hemp to stay cool. Tank tops and sleeveless outfits are cooling but don’t forget to protect your neck from wind and A/C draft with a light scarf.
Make time for upper back Gua Sha. Ask a partner, friend or family member to Gua Sha your upper back. This draws stagnant moisture out of the muscle layer and reduces internal heat in your body.
WHAT TO USE
Recovery Body Duo. This set of Bian Stone Gua Sha and Recovery Body Treatment balms creates a powerful ritual to release heat, improve circulation, stimulate lymph flow, nourish skin, and promote relaxation.
Clarify Botanical Serum. Warm, humid summer climates call for an oil serum to match. Formulated for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, the Clarify Botanical Serum is fortified with a proprietary medicinal plant complex that minimizes the appearance of pores, balances sebum production and promotes a clear, dewy complexion.
Essential Mist. Keep skin feeling cool and hydrated with a refreshing facial mist. Packed with soothing white tea and rose water, nourishing pre-biotics and tremella, and protective cordyceps. Store the bottle in the fridge during these warmer months for an even more refreshing experience.
