In Chinese Medicine, every season is related to an element and an organ system. Read on to learn a few tips about the summer or check out the summer seasonal cycles video.
Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, San Jiao:
The season of summer is related to the fire element, the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and the San Jiao. The energy of the fire element is represented through the symbols of the glowing sun and the open flower. This season and element is related to growth, full expansion, and creativity.
In Chinese Medicine, the main function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body and is related to mental activity, emotional well-being, and consciousness. If the fire element is out of balance there may be a scattered mind, depression, anxiety, insomnia, poor circulation, excess or no laughter, sweating issues, speech problems, palpitations or heartburn.
When the fire element is balanced the heart is strong and the mind is calm.
The fire element inspires us to:
The fire element and its related organ systems are related to awareness, inspiration, insight, and relationship issues. Use this time of year as an opportunity to connect with others while maintaining healthy boundaries in relationship.
There is powerful heightened energy available during this season. It’s a wonderful time to live in alignment with your true nature, expand your energy, and be creative. Summer is a time for expression and play – enjoy!
Food preparation during fire season:
Summer offers abundance when it comes to food choices. Choose a variety of colors and take joy in preparing meals.
Eating lighter foods and adding more water is appropriate during the summer. Over-eating can lead to an especially congested system in the summer months so limit heavy or salty foods like meat, eggs, excess nuts, seeds, and too many grains.
During this season, add pungent foods and cooling fresh foods such as salads, sprouts, tofu, cucumber, flower teas (chrysanthemum), mint, chamomile, apples, watermelon, lemons, limes, most vegetables, and most fish and seafood. Be careful not to use too much raw or cold food. This will actually “cool” your digestion, especially if you have a weak digestive capacity and/or bowel inflammation.
You can also add more dispersing foods such as red and green peppers, cayenne, black pepper, fresh ginger, and horseradish. These foods help to cool you down even though they’re actually considered “hot” if used in moderation.
Most of all, enjoy summer! Relish your time in the outdoors and take time to be with family and friends. Wishing you summer blessings
