This is a really busy, active and almost urgent time of the year, in nature right now we can see the hatching of insects such as dragonflies showing the shift in seasons.
The air is heating up and the humidity is rising. It is best to acclimatise to warmer weather, and cope without air conditioning and iced drinks. Dress lightly with a thought about protection from sun exposure.
Mind:
Prepare to close the chapter of Spring and open up into Summer, the aim is to prevent springs upward and outward momentum becoming a source of summer frustration by keeping the nervous system grounded.
Food:
Sour flavours are good this time of year, they are astringent and contracting, drawing the energy inwards, and tightening the pores, retaining vital body fluids that would be lost to heavy summer sweating.
Sour flavours includes lemon or lime water, grapefruits, apples, cherries, pomegranates, raspberries, and currents.
Bitter foods are often recommended for summer, but excess bitter can be too cooling for the digestive system this Solar Term, as they can dowse the digestive cooking fires, we look to using mild, earthy, sweet foods to support the digestion, for example grains like millet, and root vegetables yam, sweet potato and carrots.
Energies of this Solar Term:
The summer fire of the body can be squashed by a heavy lid of environmental humidity, and in some people this can lead to the heat being trapped in the chest, which agitates Mind or Shen, causing mental unrest, anxiety and insomnia.
The body senses humidity and heat and the warm yang energy rushes to the surface of the skin to manage sweat and regulate temperature, leaving the core organs especially the digestive system cold and vulnerable even as the sun warms the exterior.
This can lead to something called “Summer Wasting,” a heavy midday lethargy, with heavy limbs. That is easily countered by Acupuncture treatments and the following practices.
Exercise:
A regular, slow, yet meaningful upward stretch helps to clear the bodies internal water passages and allows stagnant dampness to move and give the body room to function.
Exercise can be moderately active during the cool of the day, but balanced with a rest, especially between midday and 1 pm. Look for signs of fatigue and avoid pushing beyond your limits.
Meditation:
Focus on mental clarity and the change of the season will helps prevent overwhelm.
Practice the “Jade Fluid Practice” – to help replenish fluids without the shock of cold water.
1 – Sit quietly for a few minutes.
2 – Begin to slowly and gently click teeth together 36 times.
3 – Swirl collected saliva three times around the mouth.
4 – Swallow in three intentional portions,
5 – Follow the movement of each swallow down into the stomach.
6 – Rest in the calm space for a few minutes before resuming your day.
This nourishes your natural yin and provides hydration at your bodies natural temperature.
By gently changing habits you can move smoothly and comfortable through even the stickiest days of the year.
Disclaimer
This content is offered to support awareness, not to “fix” you. It reflects a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and is for informational purposes only—and is not a substitute for individual medical care or a one to one consultation and treatment.
For more information about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist you in this season, please make an appointment.
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