Summer in Maryland - Weather and Our Health
The summer season in Maryland is the ideal time to get out and enjoy the diverse topography of the State, though the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Acupuncture and East Asian medicine can help you navigate the summer season.
The State of Maryland falls into two main weather categories:
- Humid subtropical and
- Humid continental
Eastern and Central Maryland experiences the subtropical climate characterized by summers that are notably very hot with high humidity and frequent thunderstorms. Tropical air dominates the season, helping to intensify the heat of summer days and setting the stage for corrective storms. These storms can temporarily decrease the temperature and humidity, but can be extreme and are often characterized by damaging winds, bursts of rain in short periods of time, lightning strikes, etc. Western Maryland experiences the humid continental climate, known for experiencing all four seasons distinctly with summers that can be very warm, though a bit cooler and shorter than the subtropical climate
According to East Asian medicine, the summer season (characterized by the fire element) serves the simultaneous purposes of health maximization and preparation for the fall and winter seasons. In summer, we have the opportunity to spend more time in nature taking advantage of longer days, more exposure to sunlight and overall exposure to nature which typically results in overall balance - realigned rhythms and increased capacity for energy (yang) & strength building. This realignment can facilitate an easier winter experience (dominated by yin energy). East Asian medicine supports typical summer behavior - more leisure time for joy-filled experiences that include connecting to others and nature, movement and eating lighter, hydrating & less heated foods. Embracing the benefits of the summer season can result in improved circulation, digestion, mood, sleep and a state of overall well being that most strive for.
Since summer weather in Maryland is either humid subtropical or humid continental moderation is key to avoid experiencing any form of burnout. This is especially true for those that may be more sensitive to heat, humidity and pollen. Typical ways of coping with the extreme environmental conditions of summer, while still trying to embrace the benefits of the season include taking refuge in places that offer cooler temperatures and participating in activities & events centered around swimming & water sports. Consulting a licensed acupuncture and East Asian medicine practitioner can help to :
- Regulate the body’s cooling mechanisms and alleviate symptoms associated with excessive heat.
- Restore internal balance and thereby energy flow to combat the fatigue often experienced with exposure to heat and humidity.
- Manage symptoms associated with seasonal allergies
- Restore internal balance to reduce anxiety, improve sleep and restore a sense of calm.
- Support healthy digestion by targeting body function and through dietary, herbal and movement recommendations.
Though meteorologic summer ends August 31st, we have embraced the astronomic version of the calendar which extends the season well into September. So based on the calendar we have plenty of time left to continue to embrace the summer season and consult an acupuncture and East Asian medicine practitioner.
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Regulatory Basics You must have a license to practice acupuncture. It is illegal to practice acupuncture and treat patients using East Asian medical therapies without a license. You must also obtain additional certification to practice on animals. Certain non-acupuncturist professionals may practice as
Auricular Detoxification Specialists if they register with the Board and renew their registration. If your license or registration has lapsed please take action to reinstate before you practice.
The
National Auricular Detoxification Association (NADA), is the professional organization for all certified Auricular Detoxification Specialists (ADS). NADA offers the training to become a certified ADS in Maryland, offers membership and is a valuable resource for ADSes.
The
American Acupuncture Society (ASA), the practice’s professional organization, has a Maryland arm - The
Maryland Association of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine (MAAEAM)- that offers membership. MAAEAM is a valuable resource for Licensed Acupuncturists.
About Paper Licenses The Board does not issue printed licenses. Please visit the
License Verification and Roster Information page to print and/or save a copy of your license status.
About Forms of Payment The Board no longer accepts checks or money orders. All payments must be made by credit or debit card.
About Practice Scope The practice statutes and regulations can be accessed from the Board’s landing page via the
Regulations, Board Meeting Minutes & Newsletters menu item on the left. Please consult with a legal professional if you require additional understanding of the statute or regulations.
About Continuing Education At present the Board does not approve/accredit/endorse specific
continuing education (CEU) providers. Licensees should ensure that the CEU provider is legitimate and provides content that meets industry standards. From time to time the Board does share training information. This does not mean that the Board has a relationship with this provider.
About License Status The Board has two renewal cycles annually: Spring & Fall. This means that the renewal system is only open twice-a-year beginning April 1st and October 1st. Spring renewals expire on May 31st and Fall renewals on November 30th. The Board sends notices by email and mail to licensees when it is time to renew.
About Contact Information The Board must be able to contact licensees at all times. This means that the Board must have licensees correct contact information at all times. If you change your address, phone number or email address please
inform the Board of the change so that we may reach you.
About Contact InformationLicensees are required to advertise and practice in the name for which they are licensed. Name changes must be
reported to the Board with supporting documentation.
*The form to report contact and name changes can be accessed in two ways on the Board’s website: 1) on the
Apply for an Acupuncture License page and on the
Resources, Requirements & Information Requests page.
