Chinese Medicine’s Take on Summer

Summer is here and in Chinese Medicine we rejoice in welcoming the most yang time of the year. Yang indicates a full expansion of energy. The days are at their longest, the temperature is at its warmest, and we as humans are at our most active. In Charleston, we celebrate with frequent beach trips, water activities, outdoor festivals, and time spent with family and friends.

The organ associated with this yang time of year is the heart. The heart is considered the empress, reigning over all the other organs, and because of this, it is important to have a healthy heart, or fire element. Lui Zhou, a 6th century philosopher states, “If the spirit is at peace, the heart is in harmony; when the heart is in harmony, the body is whole.”

When the heart’s fire is glowing in balance, it can manifest with:
-Deep, restorative sleep
-A balanced excitement for life
-A strong sense of inner stillness and silence
-The ability to articulate with clarity and ease
-Heartfelt, meaningful relationships
-Good circulation to the limbs

When the heart’s fire is burning out of balance, it can manifest with:
-Agitation, anxiety, nervousness, mania, and fright
-Insomnia, or vivid, disturbing dreams
-Dramatic, difficult relationships
-Heart palpitations, night sweats, panic attacks
-Blockages in the throat or tongue due to unvoiced expression
-Feeling lost, confused or unable to focus in life

In Chinese Medicine theory, yin nourishes and compliments yang. It brings balance with its cool and calming nature. In the warmth of the summer we want to include foods in our nutrition plan that reduce excessive heat in the body by nourishing yin.

Potassium is the nutrient associated with the fire element. In fact, it is essential in keeping the heart healthy by lowering blood pressure. It acts as a cooling agent that can help calm the mind and promote deep sleep. Try to include these delicious, cooling foods into your daily menu.

Seasonal summer foods that are high in potassium (look for organic):
-Cucumbers, Watermelon, Tomatoes, Bananas, Apricots, and Black Cherries

Other foods that contain potassium and cool the body (again, source organic):
-Blueberries, Broccoli, Raw Cashews, Kale, Arugula, Kelp, and Walnuts.

Thank you to Laura Marion, L.Ac., for this lovely post on the Fire season of Summer!

We love supporting your health and wellbeing. Schedule acupuncture or massage with us to calm your heart and balance your energy this Summer!