[Tips from an Acupuncturist in Kunitachi] Beat Summer Fatigue and "Air-Conditioning Sickness"! Wisdom from Traditional Eastern Medicine

According to the calendar, it's fall

I'm not feeling quite right...
When I'm in an air-conditioned room, my shoulders and neck feel stiff...

The summer "Doyō" period has ended, and according to the calendar, it is now autumn.
With the intense heat wave we’ve been experiencing day after day, it’s hard to believe that fall is really coming, but
now that the summer solstice has passed, the days are getting shorter by the day.

From the perspective of the director of Harikyu Yoseido,
I’d like to clearly explain three health tips—based on the principles of Eastern medicine—to help you balance your autonomic nervous system, which tends to become unbalanced toward the end of summer,
and enjoy a comfortable summer.

Why do we tend to feel a little off in the middle of summer?

In the height of summer, the difference between the temperature inside air-conditioned rooms and the high outdoor temperatures
can easily disrupt the autonomic nervous system, which regulates body temperature.

When the flow of “ki” and “blood”—which support the body—becomes stagnant
, heat builds up inside the body,
or the abdomen becomes cold
, making it temporarily difficult to restore balance and activate the body’s natural healing powers.

I, too, find that when I stay in a place with strong air conditioning for a long time,
my head starts to feel heavy.
When that happens,
I drink something warm,
or go outside to get some sun to feel better again.

Start Today at Home! Traditional Chinese Medicine Self-Care for the End of Summer

With a few simple daily adjustments,
you can help calm the ups and downs of your mind and body.
Here are three recommended self-care tips.

1. Warm your neck and ankles once a day.

Cool air from the air conditioner tends to pool at the bottom.
To avoid getting your neck and ankles—where large blood vessels run relatively close to the surface—cold,
keep a light jacket or leg warmers tucked away in your bag.
If you start to feel cold, put on an extra layer frequently,
and you’ll find that you get tired less easily over time.

2. Meals should be Japanese-style, plus one hot dish

Cold drinks and foods that go down easily
cool your body from the inside more than you might think.
Make Japanese cuisine the foundation of your daily meals,
and be sure to include miso soup or a hot dish at least once a day to warm your body from the inside out.

3. Feel the morning sun and balance your autonomic nervous system

When you wake up in the morning, why not take a walk around the neighborhood while you’re taking out the trash?
By resetting and regulating your body clock every day,
it becomes easier to maintain hormonal balance and improve sleep quality.
When your autonomic nervous system stabilizes, you’ll naturally start to feel more at ease.

Take care of your body as you head into fall by maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough sleep

• Protecting your neck and ankles is a great way to guard against the cold caused by temperature fluctuations and air conditioning.
• Eat a warm meal at least once a day to prevent internal chill
• Reset Your Body Clock with Morning Sunlight

If you stick with even just one of these,
your body will definitely change.
Try incorporating just a little bit of time and activity for yourself.
If you like this, please be sure to share it with your family, too.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Who is acupuncture and moxibustion recommended for?

A. Traditional Eastern medicine, which has been passed down for over 2,000 years, is recommended for everyone, regardless of age or gender.
In addition, our clinic’s director has over 10 years of experience as a personal trainer and has worked closely with a total of 5,000 clients.
We offer treatment methods and self-care recommendations based on both Eastern and Western medical perspectives to provide what you truly need.

Q. Do I need to make a reservation?

A. Our clinic operates on an appointment-only basis so that we can carefully assess and analyze each patient’s physical condition.
Generally, you can make an appointment up to 3 hours before your treatment time.