In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is directly related to the fire element. So many things are at their peak when the leaves grow out and the weather finally warms: activity, light, heat, time with friends. Here are some insights from Chinese medicine that should help you to optimize your summer experience.
Calgary summers belong to the fire element. Fire, like summer, is expansive, radiant, outgoing, and warm. It is a yang season where light, warmth, activity, and interaction are at a peak.
Summer offers an abundant variety of fresh foods and the diet should reflect this. Minerals and oils are sweat out of the body which can cause weakness if not replaced through a varied diet. To be more comfortable, drink hot liquids, add spices to your meals, and take warm showers to induce sweating to cool off the body. Summer heat combined with too much cold food weakens the digestion. Coldness causes contraction; it holds in sweat and heat, and interferes with digestion.
Water naturally balances the fire element: one is hot, one is cold; one is yin, one is yang. To feel more balanced in summer, try to spend time near the water. Since there is a natural exaggerated expression of fire qualities, being physically near water can be a grounding and relaxing experience in a chaotic season. Drinking water during the hot summer days is also very important to maintain hydration with the extra sweat and movement.
With all of the activities, gatherings, and events to attend during summer, sleep can fall to bottom of your to-do list. However, it is important to get adequate rest during the summer months. The Heart is the organ of the fire element and a regular sleep cycle helps to keep the heart in balance.
For more advice or help with any of this, consider booking an appointment with one of our skilled TCM Doctors here.