Chinese Medical theory recognizes that each season is associated with one of our internal organs, and teach that in order to keep our health and energy at an optimum level, it would be wise to try to live in harmony with the season and to use this time to not only strengthen the associated organ, but also not to weaken it. The Summer corresponds to the Fire Element, the emotion of Joy, and the main organ associated with the Summer is the Heart, however the Small Intestine is also effected. While they are very important from a Western Medical perspective, they also play a vital role in maintaining good health in Qi Healing Therapy.
The summer is filled with abundant energy, long days and sunshine. This is the most yang (energizing) time of year. Summer is about expansion, growth, activity and creativity, moving outward in nature and in our lives. In human anatomy, the heart, mind, and spirit are ruled by the fire element. Thus, top priority should be given to the heart, mind, and spirit for staying healthy in summer.
Fire element
When the fire element is in balance, the heart is strong and healthy, the mind is calm and sleep is sound, and the heart properly governs and circulates the blood, and its paired energy with the small intestines, insures the breakdown of food in the small intestines.
When imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (maniac condition). Fire is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest Yang; nature at its peak of growth, and the motion is upward. Agitation, nervous exhaustion, heartburn and insomnia are other indicators of imbalance in this area.
Emotionally, this element is associated with the mind and it’s stability. The heart is the “seat” of the mind and therefore, its highest expression is love, as well as enthusiasm, warmth in human relationships and conscious awareness.
Emotions: Joy
Finding Balance in Joy
Joy, as an expression of love, is a wonderful vibration, and according to the Universal Law of Attraction, as we think and feel – we vibrate.
And as we vibrate, we attract. When we vibrate with joy and love, we not only radiate this to others and our surroundings, but we also attract its harmonious energies back to us.
Bring the joy, love and happiness that’s already inside you to life!
As you resonate with joy, love and happiness you automatically draw to you a more meaningful, healthy, loving life.
Finding joy in things we do can give great pleasure, satisfaction and the ability to appreciate all that we are given in this wonderful journey called life!
Tips for Summer Health
Food
In summer a lighter diet feels better, and it’s the perfect time for cool Yin foods. Chinese classify food according to energetic qualities of temperature, taste, and the ability to strengthen the body.
Food with cool/cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids. Cooling foods tend towards green; lettuce, cucumbers, and watercress are some of the coolest. Fish and seafood are cooling, while most meats are warming. Fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets are good choices, while spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine are heating to the system. Go outside, exercise and drink lots of clean, pure water.
Some good veggies fruits and other choices are: watermelon, apricot, cantaloupe, lemon, peach, orange, asparagus, sprouts, bamboo, bok choy, broccoli, chinese cabbage, corn, cucumber, white mushroom, snow peas, spinach, summer squash, watercress, seaweed, mung beans, cilantro, mint and dill. Cold Chrysanthemum Tea is an ideal drink for hot summer days as it clears Heat, benefits Qi, promotes body fluid secretion and is an excellent thirst quencher!
Acupressure
Acupressure is a great tool to help relieve stress and anxiety. Yintang is a point between the eyebrows; the “third eye” which is a very calming and healing spot. The translation for Yintang, is “Hall of Impression.“ Hall is a corridor, passageway, or large entrance of a house. An impression is a strong effect on the intellect, emotions, or conscience, so Yintang can be viewed as the entrance to the mind.
Because of this, the Yintang point can calm the mind, enhances focus, soothes emotions, promote sleep, and relieves depression. You can gently press this spot when feeling agitated or angry. Make sure that you relax your forehead, especially under your finger and take some long deep breaths as you just clear your mind releasing stress, worry and anxiety.
Other helpful tips for the summer season
Keep a pitcher of water with slices of lemon and cucumber with you and sip it throughout the day.
Eat in moderation. Over consumption of any food, especially cooling foods, can lead to indigestion, sluggishness and possibly diarrhea.
Stay away from dairy, heavy, greasy, and fried foods.
The Summer is also the perfect time to practice Qigong, connecting with the vitalizing Yang Qi, it is also an auspicious time to receive an ‘energetic tune up’ and receive a series of Qi Healing Treatments to help us to not only address any aches, pains of other disharmony but also to align with the energy of Summer.
Wishing you all a happy Summer, filled with good health and abundant Qi!
Gary Blaze
For further information on Qi Healing, Qigong, and classes of interest to healers and spiritual seekers, you can sign up to receive my Qi-Newsletter at: http://qihealingsystem.com/ . Join the Michigan Qigong and Qi Healing Meet Up group at: http://www.meetup.com/Michigan-Qigong-and-Qi-Healing/
Gary Blaze is a Qigong practitioner, author and Spiritual teacher who has received ‘mouth to ear’ teachings related to healing, qigong, and spiritual thought from many prominent Wisdom teachers for over twenty years.
