Balance Your Fire this Summer

/

On June 20th, 2024, we celebrate the Summer Solstice and enter a period of expansion, growth, lightness, and brightness. During this time of year, we experience heightened activity and an abundance of warmth, both externally from the sun and internally within our bodies. As we learn from Traditional Chinese Medicine, understanding and harmonizing with these seasonal energies can greatly enhance our physical and mental well-being.

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Summer Cheat Sheet:

  • Element: Fire              

  • Organs: Heart + Small intestine

  • Emotion: Joy          

  • Taste: Bitter         

  • External Factor: Heat

The Heart and Small Intestine Connection 

The main function of the heart is circulation. It also houses the mind, spirit and controls sleep and memory. The Heart’s partner organ is the Small Intestine. This dynamic duo plays a crucial role in separating the "turbid" from the "pure" in our food, liquids, and thoughts. Maintaining the health of the Small Intestine is essential for supporting our Heart, digestion, and mental clarity.

Indicators of Heart Health:

  • Tongue: The tongue is a useful diagnostic tool in Chinese Medicine. It is the only organ that is both internal and external. We look at the tongue as a way to see how the body is functioning internally. Its size, shape, color and coat all indicate something.

The tongue is also where the heart energy opens to. If you have trouble sleeping, are feeling restless or anxious, take a peek at your tongue.  Chances are the tip of your tongue will be redder than the rest of the tongue body. If you find a center crack on the tongue that can indicate stress in the body or a deficiency of the heart energy.

  • Face: The face, rich with Blood vessels (the tissue of the Heart), can also reveal Heart health. A pale face might suggest insufficient Heart Blood, whereas a red face can indicate excess heat.

Managing Summer’s Double Yang Energy

Summer's intense Yang energy, coupled with the external heat, can lead to feelings of agitation, irritability, palpitations, and insomnia. Additionally, many of us anticipate summer all year long, especially here on the Cape. It can feel like such a short season and we might feel compelled to get the “most” out of it. As a way to keep joy and our heart energy balanced, this is a perfect season to focus on activities and practices that calm the mind and nourish the heart.

Tips for a Balanced Summer Routine

  • Diet: Incorporate bitter foods like bitter melon, dandelion, parsley leaves, collard greens, mustard greens, arugula, kale, celery, corn, burdock root and sesame seeds to nourish the Heart. Eat plenty of cooling foods such as cucumber, spinach, tomatoes, and salads. Enjoy fruits like apples, lemons, kiwis, and watermelons to draw out excess heat in the body.

  • Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink lots of water, watermelon juice, and green tea, which helps disperse summer heat, calm the mind, and detoxify.

  • Sleep and Rest: Rise early and stay up late, with a midday rest if needed. Utilize the peak Qi and energy of summer to accomplish tasks and engage in activities that may have been on hold during the winter and spring.

  • Exercise: Engage in moderate exercise to keep the Qi flowing smoothly, but avoid overexertion.

  • Book Acupuncture: Summer’s intense Yang energy can lead to restlessness and irritability, excessive sweating and inflammation.  Acupuncture can provide a calming counterbalance and clear excess heat from the body.

  • Book a Fire & Ice Facial: Our Fire and Ice Facial is the best of both worlds, combining the detoxifying effects of a heated treatment and the soothing benefits of a cooling treatment. 

By aligning with the season’s natural rhythms and focusing on practices that balance the fire element, you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant summer. Embrace the energy of summer, nourish your Heart, and maintain a harmonious balance within your body and mind.