According to many ancient healing systems, we can look to the seasons and the natural world to fine-tune our diet and lifestyle for optimal health. Watch the video and read on to learn how to attune to the summer season:
Chinese Medicine // Ayurveda and the Summer
According to Chinese Medicine, the summer season is associated with the fire element and Heart energy. Ayurveda (the medical system of India) also tells us that there is an increase in pitta, or fire, this time of year. Fire is the most yang element. It is connected to heightened activity, expansion, connection, and expression.
The Heart, which is related to the element of fire, governs the spirit and circulation of blood. When the Heart is disturbed, there may be anxiety, insomnia, a feeling of heat, or skin eruptions.
During the summer, you can generally eat lighter, eat more fresh foods, and cook foods for less time. Avoid alcohol and too much heavy, oily food, including nuts, meats, eggs and grains. Use only small amounts of salty and sour foods, especially if you live in a hot place. For example, heavy pasta with tomato sauce and a beer are off-limits this time of year. This kind of meal can raise your body temperature and lead to feelings of stagnation, digestive problems, and even skin outbreaks.
Instead, choose more greens, salads, sprouts, fruit, cucumber, tofu, flower and leaf teas, mung beans, watermelon, apples, lemons, and drink lots of fluids. Keep a semi-cold pitcher of water with lemon or mint slices on hand.
If you’ve been following my suggestions in other posts, self-massage using coconut oil is best this time of year.
Summer is a great time to connect with others. Enjoy gatherings and being more extroverted! So wake up earlier, and be more active in the mornings (not the evenings). Eat your dinner earlier and use the evenings to relax. When fall comes around, you’ll be glad you didn’t burn yourself out.
Thank you so much for watching! Let me know in the comments below one thing you like to do in the summer to stay in balance.
Want to learn more about seasonal change? Read more about summer and watch my videos on fall, winter, and spring.
