Temperatures are rising, school holidays are upon us, travel plans are made.
Summer is here. Time for going to the lakes, meeting friends on a terrace, barbecues, camping, having fun. For many, this is the high-time of the year. Also, our energy is running at its highest peak.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, summer relates to the fire element; to joy, abundance, and nature at its peak of growth. The element is associated with the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and triple heater meridian. As you know from western medicine, the heart is in charge of our blood circulation. In TCM the function is considered to be much broader. It is the most important organ/energy system is our body. It coordinates all activities, physically and mentally and it houses Shen, our soul.
A peaceful, healthy heart is therefore vital for our entire body, mind, and spirit.
Because Chinese Medicine regards the heart as the master of the mind, mental issues and sleep problems arise from an unbalanced heart.
Summer is the time to nourish your heart's energy. And here are some things you can do:
1. Be physically active
Swimming, running, cycling, biking, this is the best time of the year to nourish your energy by being physically active. A healthy body and mind need regular (moderate) exercise. Use common sense though, drink enough water and avoid overheating by exercising moderately.
2. Have fun with friends and families
A good laugh with friends or family is often the best medicine. Your heart is nourished by connecting to others. Summer is the time to do so. Barbecues, holidays, camping adventures, cocktails on the water. Let work be work and enjoy those sunny months.
3. Eat heart nourishing foods
The fire element is associated with the color red. Stock up on all the red fruits that are ripe in this season, tomatoes, berries, cherries. Bitter is the taste of the fire element. Green bitter salads and vegetables like kale will help your heart to cool down in the summer heat.
3. Do-In exercises for summer
5. Acupressure on Heart 7
This point is great for calming palpitations and settling the mind.
It helps to nourish and replenish blood and Qi (energy). It is also the access to Shen, our soul. Stimulating this point will help you to settle Shen back into the heart. It is, therefore, a great point for treating insomnia and anxiety.
The point is located bilaterally at the outside end of the wrist crease, in the depression between the two tendons.
Hold the point for a minute and then change sides.
Stay healthy and enjoy the summer.
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