Summer, Summer, Summertime!!
This time of the year is very nostalgic for me because it always seemed that was when I could really tap into my childhood. My favorite activities were being able to eat watermelon, the snow cone stand, getting in the pool, and going to Six Flags Over Texas. I always think of the smooth, melodious, song Summer Madness by Kool & The Gang and then Summertime with DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith comes to mind after that. There’s something about the timeless smooth energy of Summer Madness that you can keep on a loop for a while.
Thanks for going down memory lane with me! It’s officially Summer and we have a few items to discuss.
Newsletters
I love writing newsletters and sharing information about the work that I do. Over the last few months since my last newsletter it has been challenging to get back to the ‘pen’ or should I say the computer. Time has been the number one factor keeping me away from these. Moving forward you will receive a monthly update and hopefully some bonus posts in between. I just want to let you know that I have not run off LOL.
Summer and Your Immune System
Most people are unaware of how powerful this season is. This is the time we can obtain the most vitamin D levels just by going outside. Summer makes it simple for us to stay healthy in the colder months when the sun’s UV rays aren’t as powerful. Having proper vitamin D levels in the summer will support you in the Winter and keep your immune system healthy.
All you have to do is spend time outdoors with the sun shining on your skin. Vitamin D will start becoming manufactured in the epidermal layer of your skin when the UV light from the sun shines on you! The key is getting UV light, UVB to be exact, to activate the receptors in your skin to kick off this process.
This means that any sunscreen or sunblock will block this process from occurring. So what am I saying??? Don’t be so quick to bathe yourself in sunscreen if you want to build your Vitamin D storage naturally. Aren’t UV rays harmful to the skin? In moderation, it is not harmful.
How to Sunbathe Safely
Studies show that the midday sun is the best time to get the full benefits of vitamin D synthesis from the sun (1). Midday sun is at the highest point in the sky which makes it easy for you to get exposed to all of the good UVB rays. This is also the most efficient way since you don’t have to spend as much time being exposed to the sun. Now, it is important to note that this study is based on Caucasians in the UK. The study states that Caucasians in the UK only needed 13 minutes of sun exposure 3 times per week to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. Those with more melanin pigmentation will need to add a few more minutes in the sun.
Everyone’s sensitivity level will be different so it is best to monitor how long you do “naked” sun exposure without sunscreen and notate your effects. You also want to consider a few factors: skin care products, medications, and health conditions that could make you more sensitive to the sun. So pay attention to all your skincare products and do your research on how to safely sunbathe without sunscreen.
Those of you not used to getting sun will notice your sensitivity levels decrease and see that you feel healthier and more grounded. An added bonus will be to ground yourself with your bare feet in the grass or earth at the same time. This will really increase all of your body’s healing factors. I encourage you all to test this one out.
If you want to totally nerd out with this information like I did in my undergraduate years as a Biology student check out this video: Vitamin D | Biosynthesis & the Vitamin D Receptor
Benefits of Vitamin D Synthesis from the Sun
Insulin sensitization - helps your body regulate healthy glucose levels which can improve or prevent diabetes
Reduces inflammation - inflammation is a top reason for chronic illness
Serum lipid balance - maintains cardiovascular health by balancing the different types of fat molecules your body produces.
Heart health is the next topic I’ll go over below. The summer season is primetime for maintaining heart health.
Immune system support
Mood regulation - decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression
What Else is Summer Good For?
In TCM, the Fire element is the predominant element we need to support during the summer. The Fire element is associated with the Heart. Let’s go back to my post from January where I highlighted the Heart in TCM:
In the Five Element Theory, the Heart represents Fire. Its season is summer and it likes hot climates. It experiences the emotions of joy, happiness, and excitement. It connects to the tongue, face, and blood vessels. It likes the bitter flavor and the color red.
Click this link to read the entire article »»»
The TCM Organ System - The Heart
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JAN 28
Since summer is the season of the Heart we need to focus on nourishing and balancing any issues with the Heart's energy and the heart organ. Here are some typical signs/symptoms of a Heart imbalance:
palpitations
chest pain
high blood pressure or low blood pressure
shortness of breath
low energy/fatigue
inability to tolerate heat
night sweats
insomnia
circulation issues
mental restlessness, depression, anxiety, or even mania
If you notice any of these issues during this season go get a check-up with both your TCM doctor and your primary care physician to rule out any serious cardiovascular issues. Acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle adjustments, and food therapy used to improve heart health can bring long-lasting results and keep you out of the doctor’s office in your elderly years.
Clinic Updates
The I Have A Point For That Clinic is in full swing for the summer. If you are looking to get on the schedule for your next acupuncture, reiki, cupping, or doula consultation visit my website here »» www.ihaveapointforthat.com.
All Friday downtown clinic hours will be moved to my clinic location in the Memorial City/Energy Corridor area after July 18th. I have fallen in love with the simplicity of having a clinic space only 15 minutes from my home. I will still continue to offer my pop-up clinic in The Heights at Vital Family Chiro two times per month. You can view the changes under the In-Clinic Services tab on my website.
That’s it, that’s all! See you soon!!
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20072137/
