If you are female between 45 and 60 years, you, or someone you know experiences hot flashes. Severity and frequency vary but, the basics include overwhelming heat from diaphragm or chest area raging upwards to your head. Your face often becomes red from the surge and upper body especially feels and is HOT. Daytime hot flashes are uncomfortable &/or embarrassing. At night they disturb sleep, and sometimes soak bed linens or nightclothes in perspiration. After the flash, one often feels chilled.
In Chinese Medicine the cause is imbalance of Yin & Yang; basically Yin is depleted and is unable to control the Yang (heat). Along with acupuncture and herbal therapies to nourish the Yin and balance the Yang, the best ways to help yourself is through food choices and gentle consistent exercises of Yin yoga, Qigong, Taichi and walking.
Eat foods which nourish Yin:
- avocado
- sweet potato
- black sesame seeds
- mung beans & sprouts
- lemon and lime
- kelp
Eat meals at room temperature or warmer. Cooked foods are more digestible than raw. For all you salad lovers: keep the lettuce and cucumbers raw and add roasted or sauteed carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
Do NOT consume food & drink which can trigger hot flashes or challenge your Yin. This list includes hot & spicy foods, icy drinks, alcohol and fried foods for a start.
The above recommendations are not complete but an excellent start. To learn more specifics for your individual constitution and considerations, schedule a consultation with your local Chinese Medicine practitioner.
