Greetings Dear Readers,

Welcome to summer!

Summer is associated with the Fire element in TCM, the Heart and Small Intestine systems, the colour red and the emotion of joy.  Summer is a time of expansive energy  like the blossoming of  flowers.

Summer is a time when our energy moves to the surface of the body as opposed to the winter when it moves to our core.  As such we need to take measures to ensure that our Yin (inward) energy does not get depleted during the Yang (outward) phase of summer.  When our heart system is healthy our mind is at peace and our sleep is deep and refreshing.  Below are some lifestyle tips to help you stay healthy and balanced over the next few months:

1. Cucumber and watermelon are the most cooling foods according to the TCM system of Food Cures.  Drinking lots of water and fresh juices will help you stay hydrated and cool.  Other cooling foods include: green tea, chrysanthemum, tomato, mung bean sprouts, celery, bamboo shoots, melon, summer squash, lemon, lime and tofu.

2. Wake early and sleep later.

3. Keep the mind calm and free from anger as anger creates heat in the body.

4. Conserve your energy.  The summer is the “Fire” season and winter is the “Water” season.  In the TCM Five Element system (Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire), Fire and Water are elements that are the hardest to control.  When you start getting over-heated  it’s best to take a rest.  Avoid over-strenusous workouts during the summer.  Try some mellower but powerfully balancing exercise such as qi gong, tai qi or yin yoga instead, or try a moonlit stroll through the park.

Enjoy a fabulous summer!

Yours in health,

Cynthia