Summer is here and it’s the season to be active! From the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Five Elements, each season is associated with one of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Summer is associated with the fire element and it represents energy and abundance. All living things are at their peak growth and are most active during this time of year.
According to TCM, summer is also associated with the heart and small intestine organs. When the fire element is in balance, the heart is effectively circulating blood and the small intestine is efficiently assisting in the digestive process.
Summer is the time when our fire and yang energies are at their highest peak of activity – so we should take advantage of it. However, it’s also really easy to overextend ourselves, overheat, or become energetically burnt out by September as summer is typically a busy season.
Here are three recommendations to maintain a healthy balance during summer:
- Stay hydrated. The opposing element to fire is water, so it is important to drink plenty of room temperature water each day. Staying hydrated helps balance fire as well as it aids in digestion.
- Balance your exercise. Be sure to get plenty of exercise but also incorporate slower activity like yoga and meditation to help balance the abundant energy.
- Adjust your sleep schedule. TCM recommends aligning your sleep schedule with the season. Take advantage of the long summer days by rising early, going to sleep later and taking a rest in the middle and hottest part of the day.
Summer is an exciting season. Be active, eat appropriately, and stay healthy!
Dr. Jordan Biegler
TCMD, RAc, RMT, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture
