Late Summer Healthy Hints
Summer is when the energy is the most dynamic, expansive and vital. There is the desire to be active. That is to be full of the excitement of living. This season emphasises the act of giving and receiving warmth especially healthy human connection.
In the Chinese Medicine classics there is a phrase “in summer tonify the yang”. The interpretation is "awaken earlier and go to bed later". Be active in the day. In summer be outside, lie in the sun for five minutes often and allow the sunlight to infuse into the kidney area of your back.
To be harmonious with the summer season connect socially with people, keep active during the day and eat light easily digested food. Summer is a time of vitality and expansion. Balancing and integrating this expansion takes the ability to be spontaneous on one hand and be contained on the other hand.
The Fire Element
In the five-phase or five-element tradition, summer pertains to Fire.
The fire element is associated with the colour red, the movement and expansiveness of yang qi and the emotion joy. When a person has balanced joy they are often buoyant and optimistic with a tranquil quality.
The flavour bitter tonifies the fire. Take caution with this flavour as it is down bearing and cold by nature and can damage the digestion. It is best to take bitter in moderation. Enjoy the fruits of summer like raspberry, blueberry and strawberry. Eat lightly cooked food that has come from your garden or the local farmers market. An other food that is particularly useful in summer is coriander as it is aromatic, lifting and cooling by nature.
In summer heat is the environmental factor that can create disease. A very important formula to take in heat illness is Yin Qiao San. Contact a Chinese herbalist for proper diagnosis and administration. If you have had ‘too much sun’ on a given day a quick reviver is watermelon.
When a person has a balanced fire element they live in the virtues of compassion, optimism and enthusiasm. Encourage yourself to do exciting things this summer or even do new things that expand you.
Chinese Medicine
You may want to try Chinese medicine (acupuncture and herbs) for the following summer imbalances:
Insomnia or poor concentration
Restlessness, agitation or over heating
Anxiety or being easily startled
Heart palpitations
Heart burn
Hot, painful joints
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is not intended as a substitute for professional advise (We would prefer to work in collaboration with your health professional, General Practitioner, Medical Doctor or Specialist). Mana Health expressly disclaims all liability to any person/organisation arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on, or for any errors or omissions in, the information in this publication, including any references to third parties. Whilst efforts have been made by Mana Health to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, the adoption and application of this information is at the reader’s discretion and is his or her sole responsibility.
