Cultivating balance and wellbeing in the heat of summer
Summer ushers in the most yang time of year for us humans. Yang, according to Chinese philosophy, meaning positive, bright, and active; reflected by the blossoming flowers, the ripened fruits, and the outdoor adventures many pine for throughout the rest of the year.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches us that summer belongs to fire, representing a time when the body encounters increased temperatures and activity; being in nature more often and experiencing more movement, reflected both internally and externally in our lives.
In human anatomy, the heart, mind, and spirit are ruled by the fire element, which guides us to greater focus in protecting and nurturing them during the amped up temps of the summer months.
What does that mean, though?
That means aiming to live life to the fullest, of course!
According to TCM, mental activity and the heart go hand in hand; fastening our memory, thought processes, emotional wellbeing, and consciousness - all further contributing to the heart and fire element.
Thoughts and feelings working together?! Who would've thought.
"Summer calls us to nourish our spirit, follow our heart, and realize our greatest potential through the heat of the days and warmth of the nights."
When balance is maintained we will notice a more frequent sense of joy, a strong and healthy heart (aka circulation), a calm mind, and sound sleep. On the other hand, signs of imbalance can show up as depression, agitation, nervousness, and insomnia.
The small intestine is also tied to summer. And believe it or not (you should, I promise), the small intestine works to protect the heart on an emotional level, helping to process issues for decision making and influencing judgment and clarity.
So, in fact, the heart and the gut truly are a duo fit to tango!
Imbalances in the small intestine will take form as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, but fret not...the suggestions below will assist in cultivating balance, overall.
To encourage homeostasis, physicians of Chinese Medicine recommend the following through the months of summer:
maintain a regular schedule: eating and sleeping
rest midday
eat in a calm, relaxed manner
cool your diet to balance the heat of summer
drink extra fluids, preferably water and non-caffeinated beverages
add pungent flavors to meals
refrain from anger (heat is further aggravated by anger); encouraging a calm and even temperament
nourish creative projects
So stay cool (inside and out), play with loved ones, explore Nature, and savor the abundance for which summer is celebrated. It's the TCM way.
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