Posts In: TCM

 

We are in the middle of the summer and what a scorcher it is.

Summer represents the outward expression of energy – expansion, movements, activity,…

Life and energies are at their peak – days are the longest, sun in the hottest and nature is most active. And so are we. Full of energy and our’s body qi (energy) and vitality are at their peak.

Summer is ruled by fire and in TCM it is the season associated with heart and small intestine meridian.

And if the fire element is well balanced we have the ability to see the connection between things and we also can understand our place in the world clearly. We are able to feel love and compassion for others and for self. We go about our daily activities with joy, passion and laughter.

On the other hand, if fire is out of balance we will feel disconnected and isolated. The emotion of this element is joy. But when out of balance we may lack joy which can manifest in anxiety or depression. Also we can have an excess of joy when we could feel a bit manic or obsessive.

Emotionally, because heart is connected to our spirit, summer gives us an opportunity to heal emotional wounds that we have carried from the past. This gives us space to find love, joy and happiness. To live in the moment. Not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Just right here right now.

So take a brake. Enjoy yourself, spend some time with your family and friends and find the joy in your life again.

Some tips for hot summer days:

  • drink plenty of fluids,
  • wake up early in the morning.
  • enjoy going to bed later in the evening,
  • rest at midday,
  • keep calm as anger contributes to heat and we have plenty of it during this season.

As mentioned above, summer is the season of maximum yang, and we need to stay hydrated and cool. There are many foods that are beneficial to eat during this season. Look for cool yin foods that are moistening to balance the heat. Indulge in salads which are full of raw vegetables. And add some pungent flavours and avoid the bitter ones.

Here are some foods beneficial to eat on hot summer day:

  • apricots,
  • asparagus,
  • bamboo,
  • bean sprouts,
  • bok choy,
  • broccoli,
  • cantaloupe,
  • chinese cabbage,
  • cilantro,
  • corn (go for the organic),
  • cucumber,
  • dandelion,
  • dill,
  • duck,
  • endive,
  • fish,
  • gamasio,
  • green nori,
  • job’s tears,
  • lemon,
  • lime,
  • lotus root & seed,
  • mint,
  • mung beans,
  • nectarine,
  • orange,
  • parsley,
  • peach,
  • polenta,
  • seaweeds,
  • snow peas,
  • spinach,
  • sprouts, strawberries, summer squash,
  • tomatoes,
  • watercress,
  • watermelon,
  • wax gourd, white mushrooms.

The cooking methods are dry roasting, toasting, steaming and boiling for short period of time. Cop your veggies into fine small pieces for quicker cooking. Ad some fresh fruits as they have cooling effects.

The idea behind TCM is in prevention of disease. And food is medicine. We can use its healing properties to build up body that is weak, clean it of toxins and release where it is in excess.

In the beginning maybe start living according to the season and start going forward to stay healthy, to have strong mind and spirit and live long, happy healthy life full of love..