Summer Solstice Wellness Tips

By Dr. Dalite Sancic, DACM, L.Ac., MS

Your Health this Summer

Eastern Medicine sees summer as a symbol of maximum activity or the greatest amount of yang. This means that it is a time of heat, when we are more likely to be outgoing, moving outward in nature and in our lives. This is the season to nourish and pacify our spirits while maximizing our potential as we find joy in the hot summer days and warm summer nights.

Summer is ruled by the fire element. The fire element corresponds to the heart and small

intestine, the southern direction, the climatic condition of heat, the color red, the emotion of

happiness or joy, the sound of laughter, the taste of bitterness, and the odor of burning. Fire

controls the blood vessels and is reflected in the face and complexion.

Signs that the fire element is in balance include a strong and healthy heart, a calm mind, and the ability to sleep soundly. When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy

(depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element also include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia.

There are a few simple guidelines to keep the fire element balanced.

1. Focus on yin foods. Yin foods are wet and cool. Fruits and vegetables (especially green

vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, and watercress) are yin. For protein, eat fish or seafood

instead of meat. Smoothies and salads are yin and are excellent summer meals.

2. Eat moderately. Avoid huge meals.

3. Eat bitter foods. Bitter foods support the fire element. Coffee, tea, and chocolate (without

sugar) are all bitter, and moderate amounts of them are appropriate for summer health. This is the season you can call your coffee a health food. Asparagus, bitter greens like kale, arugula or escarole, celery, and rhubarb are all good foods for the summer. 

4. Eat big in the Afternoon. If you focus on yin and bitter foods, your diet is cooling and light. But what happens when you need more energy than a slice of watermelon provides?

This is when the timing of your meals matters. If you need a heavier meal, eat it mid to late afternoon. “Picnic time” is the best time to fuel up.

5. Avoid eating a big meal early or late in the day. A healthy summer eating plan starts with a light breakfast. Some ideas for light meals: a serving of fruit combined with full-fat yogurt and crushed nuts; a smoothie with a serving of fruit and/or veggies combined with fat and protein, such as yogurt, avocado, and/or nut butter; eggs cooked how you like with salad greens drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Have a small salad for lunch, again combined with healthy fat and protein. Eat your heavy

meal later in the afternoon and end your day with another light meal or snack, like veggies with hummus or guacamole, nut butter on a piece of toast, or one of the light meals listed above.

By eating mostly fresh, light, wet foods and including a heavy meal only in the afternoon, you

will help your fire burn bright but not out of control. You’ll feel light, cool, and energized. Your

heart, circulation, and digestion will be strong. You won’t feel bloated or full.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses nutrition as a tool to maintain health and promote healing.

Eating a yin diet with your heavy meal in the late afternoon is good general advice, but your

constitution may need a slightly different routine. The proportion of yin food matters and varies from person to person.

Consider revving up your detoxification protocol this summer with our Infrared Sauna, Low

Level Red Light Therapy, an acupuncture visit or a massage. You can also talk to us about

supplements or herbs to support you. You can feel amazing!

Summer Allergies: Eastern Medicine Relief for Seasonal Sneezes

As the flowers bloom and grass grows tall, many of us find ourselves sniffling and sneezing

through summer. From an Eastern medicine perspective, seasonal allergies stem from an

imbalance in the immune and respiratory systems, often linked to excess “Wind” and weakened Wei Qi (defensive energy).

At our clinic, we offer gentle, natural solutions:

• Acupuncture helps regulate immune function and calm inflammation.

• Custom herbal formulas target sinus congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue.

• Nutrition and supplements like quercetin and local honey can build resistance

• Massage therapy can also help relieve tension caused by sinus pressure and improve lymphatic drainage.

Struggling with allergies this summer? Let’s help your body find balance, naturally.

Heat Rash & Skin Irritations: Cooling the Body the Holistic Way

Sweaty, humid days can leave skin irritated, itchy, or inflamed. From a holistic lens, heat rashes

are viewed as “excess Heat” trapped in the body or on the skin’s surface.

Here’s how we help:

• Herbal remedies and cooling teas like chrysanthemum or mint can clear internal heat.

• Acupuncture reduces systemic inflammation and promotes skin healing.

• Infrared sauna sessions help to regulate sweat glands and detox pathways

• The amethyst BioMat calms the nervous system and supports circulation

How Red Light Therapy May Help with Various Skin Conditions:

• Red light therapy can help calm down the inflammation in the skin, which is a key factor in eczema.

• By stimulating collagen production, red light therapy helps strengthen the skin's barrier, which can be weakened in people with skin conditions.

• Some studies have shown that red light therapy can reduce itching, redness, and swelling associated with various skin conditions.

• Red light therapy helps accelerate skin repair and regeneration, which can be beneficial for various skin conditions.

  
  

Natural Recovery from Summer Strains & Sprains

Summer invites more movement like hikes, swims, bike ride, but with that comes the risk of

overdoing it. Strains, sprains, or general soreness are common, and our integrative approach

offers both immediate relief and long-term support.

Here’s how we help your body bounce back:

• Massage therapy reduces muscle tension and speeds up recovery.

• Acupuncture supports healing at the cellular level by increasing blood flow and reducing

  inflammation.

• Red light therapy and the amethyst BioMat promote tissue repair and reduce pain.

• Targeted supplements like magnesium, turmeric, and collagen support muscles and

  joints from the inside out.

Traveling This Summer? Boost Immunity Naturally

Whether you're flying abroad or road-tripping with the family, travel can weaken the immune

system due to stress, poor sleep, or exposure to new environments. Eastern medicine views

travel-related illness as a disruption of your body’s energetic balance.

Prepare and protect your system with:

• Preventative acupuncture to strengthen Wei Qi (your immune defense).

• Adaptogenic herbs like astragalus and reishi to build resilience.

• Infrared sauna sessions before and after travel to flush toxins and reduce stress.

• Portable supplement kits with vitamin C, zinc, and natural antimicrobials.

Bonus tip: Practice grounding (barefoot time on natural earth) after landing to help reset your

nervous system and circadian rhythm. 

Call us 802.855.8547 for a free 15 minute consultation or pass this along to someone that you know that might benefit from this information. Your referrals are always appreciated.

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