TCM and
Summer
Summer is a
time of abundant energy, long sunshine-filled days and warmth. In Traditional
Chinese Medicine, summer has many different associations that help define it.
The element of summer is fire, the color of summer is red, the emotion of
summer is joy and the governing organs are the heart and the small intestine.
But what does all of this mean? Let’s find out.
The TCM
system relies heavily on the five elements and how they work and interact
within the body. In TCM, there are multiple levels. The first is that of yin
and yang. At the most basic level, yin is like water and yang is like fire. As
mentioned, fire is the element of summer. Thus fire is yang in nature, which
means it is symbolic of maximum activity. During the summer months, everybody
and everything is more outgoing or outward in nature. And as the heart is the
main organ associated with the season of summer, it should be paid close
attention to and nourished to remain healthy.
The heart’s
main function is to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. In TCM,
mental activity is also associated with the heart. This is known as Shen in
Chinese medicine. The Shen is sometimes compared to our mind, but it is
actually much deeper than that. The Shen includes our thought processes,
memory, consciousness and emotional well-being. And summer is the most
appropriate time to calm the Shen and provide it with enrichment that will last
throughout the whole year. When the fire element is balanced, the mind is calm,
sleep is sound and the heart organ is strong and healthy. If the fire element
is not balanced, there may be depression or an excess of joy, which manifests
as mania. Symptoms of an unbalanced fire
element include heartburn, insomnia, agitation, nervousness, digestive upset,
rashes, palpitations and excessive perspiration.
There are
quite a few ways to keep the heart and fire element balanced during the summer
months. Meditation and deep breathing
are easy to do, plus, they require no expensive equipment to perform and can be
done anywhere.
Going outside
and engaging all of your senses is another easy way to nourish heart health. A
technique known as “grounding” has been gaining popularity over the past decade
and science is showing it can be very beneficial. All one has to do is walk or
stand in the grass while being barefoot. The energy from the earth is quite
healing. And while you’re there, take time to listen to the sounds of nature
that surround you and enjoy the fragrances of the flowers. These things are
also grounding and have a calming effect on the mind and body.
Probably the
two most important things you can do for heart health during the summer months
is drink plenty of fresh water and eat cooling foods. No matter what season of
the year, water is vital and it is recommended we drink at least 64 ounces per
day. Cooling foods like fruits are good at keeping fire under control, which is
healthy for the whole body.
Lastly, if
you are experiencing a heart or fire imbalance, consider adding acupuncture to
your routine. Acupuncture is very good at reducing or increasing the body’s
yang/fire, depending upon your individual needs. Finding a licensed
acupuncturist in your area may be the best decision you can make when it comes
to staying happy and healthy.
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
888.375.5444
No comments:
Post a Comment