It’s been incredibly hot the last several weeks, and summer is just getting started.  Depending on where you are in the world, it might be challenging to beat the heat, but the practices and wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine can help - anywhere, anytime, through the practice of acupressure. 

We write extensively across The Way on acupressure benefits and its ease of application.  You literally stimulate (or massage) specific points on your body, which in the case of the three points below, can help regulate your internal temperature and in turn, stay cool.

Three “Points” That Can Help You Stay Cool

1. LI4 (Hegu) - The “Joining Valley”

Location: On the back of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.

Benefits: LI4, also known as Hegu or “The Joining Valley”, is known for its ability to regulate body temperature and alleviate heat-related symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, applying pressure to this point can help promote cooling and reduce inflammation, making it an excellent choice for those sweltering summer days, hot commutes, or when the air conditioning is on the fritz. 

Use your thumb and index finger to apply firm pressure to the LI4 point for 1-2 minutes. Breathe deeply and relax while applying pressure to maximize the benefits.

2. PC8 (Lao Gong) - The “Place of Toil”

Location: In the center of the palm, between the second and third metacarpal bones.

Benefits: PC8, or Lao Gong, “The Place of Toil” is highly effective for “clearing heat from the body and calming the mind”. This point can help alleviate symptoms of heat exhaustion and promote a sense of relaxation, making it easier to cope with hot weather.

How to Apply: Press the center of your palm with the thumb of your opposite hand. Hold the pressure for 1-2 minutes, gently massaging the area to enhance the cooling effect.

3. GV14 (Dazhui) - The “Great Vertebra”

Location: On the midline of the back, just below the seventh cervical vertebra (approximately at the base of the neck).

Benefits: GV14, known as Dazhui, is a powerful point for clearing heat and reducing fever. Stimulating this point can help lower body temperature and improve overall energy flow, providing relief from the intense heat.

How to Apply: Use your fingers to apply firm pressure to the base of your neck at the GV14 point. Hold for 1-2 minutes, breathing deeply and evenly to facilitate cooling.

The Benefits of Acupressure for Summer Heat

Short of scheduling an appointment with an Acupuncturist in your neighborhood (and chances are there’s one closer than you think), acupressure can be helpful when it’s sweltering outside.  Why?  From a Traditional Chinese Medicine standpoint, it’s believed that these three points can: 

• Regulate Body Temperature: Help your body stay cool by promoting better blood circulation and delivering a sense of cooling off. 
• Reduce Inflammation: Combat the swelling and discomfort that hot weather can exacerbate.
• Enhance Relaxation: Lower stress levels and promote mental clarity, making it easier to handle the heat.

Other Recommendations: Acupuncture, Herbs, and Hot Water

As we note above, connecting with an Acupuncturist can help amplify the benefits of these points (and more), while herbal options such as Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (as featured in our Physical Tranquility formula) can help as well.  

Finally, give some consideration to drinking hot water - seriously.  From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, it’s thought that it will help bring internal balance and support digestive health as well.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations  from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us on hello@mydaolabs.com.