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We may still be dodging spring showers but summer is just around the corner, and with the change of season comes a change in what we should be eating.
Have lots of juicy tomatoes (plum, cherry, beef, on the vine or just plain regular) that are now in season and enjoy the last of the asparagus. Beet is a great root vegetable – have it roasted, steamed, or raw with some red cabbage and red onions. Top your dishes with watercress, rocket, coriander or some spinach. Seek out other cooling food like salads, green tea, strawberries, watermelon, cucumber and fish – all help disperse heat and calm the system.
Don’t confuse cooling with cold. Cold foods can impair the function of the spleen according to the theories of Chinese medicine. When the spleen is weakened its ability to transform and transport the nutrients from your food is also disrupted and it could lead to symptoms like indigestion, loose stools, lethargy or dizziness.
The spleen functions best when it’s given warm, nourishing food that’s easily digested. It is summer though, and who wants stews and soups in the heat?
You can have your ice cream and eat it too, but don’t overindulge and have five in a row. One of my favourite summer-time salads consists of little boiled jersey potatoes, stir-fried asparagus, cherry tomatoes and tuna all on a bed of salad leaves – served at room temperature.
Eat light, both in flavours and in portion-size. We should take advantage of this time to eat light and fresh. Simple meals with good quality ingredients are the stars.
However do listen to your body – unless it’s crying out for sugar, it’s probably okay to give in to the craving moderately. If you want that ice cold glass of lemonade, go for it. Summer is much more forgiving than any other season.
Avoid anything ice cold as it hampers digestion. Treat yourself but don’t be excessive. At the same time, avoid hot foods such as coffee and acrid, pungent spices as they are too warming. Save those for the colder months later on in the year. And no, a cold coffee frappuccino does not make it neutral, but good try! If you like the taste of liquorice, fennel tea is great.
+ Watermelon Gazpacho
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Factors Affecting Digestion as Explained by Chinese Medicine
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I chanced upon this great infographic by acupuncturist, Patricia Kowal, that perfectly encapsulates the concept of digestion in terms of Chinese medicine.
+ How you eat matters as much as what you eat
+ Apples and Oranges | Why Our Simplistic Approach to Healthy Eating is Doing More Harm Than Good
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No More Foot Blisters for All You Runners Out There
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Ever wondered what that extra shoelace hole in your trainer is for? This video demonstrates how to create a “heel lock” using those extra holes for added heel support without tightening the rest of the shoe - good news for people who get blisters on their feet.
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Read past issues from the newsletter archive.
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If you have been kind enough to refer someone to me – I want to say a big THANK YOU. That is the highest compliment and it’s warmly appreciated every time.
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Other News: Locum Acupuncturist
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I will only be away for three months but if you need an acupuncture treatment, email me and I will get you in touch with the acupuncturist who will be covering for me. He is only available at The Hale Clinic, and this is only for wellbeing and health acupuncture sessions. For those of you who see me for facial cosmetic acupuncture, just a little patience until September!
+ Reminder: I will be on maternity leave from 29 May - 8 Sept 2015.
+ The Pointspace Newsletter will continue to be emailed to you, but it will be much shorter than usual so keep an eye out for it.
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Have a very wonderful June!!
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Thanks,
 Ka Hang Leoungk
Managing Editor, Pointspace
Comment, compliment, feedback: send us your thoughts.
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