Summer, Fire and the Heart.
Summer, the season of the Heart and it’s paired organ the Small Intestine. The reasonance between seasons and organs, means that particular organ systems are more energetically sensitive throughout their corresponding season.
The Heart and Small Intestine systems are more vulnerable to injury if function is already impaired and they are also more receptive to support.
The Heart and Small Intestine meridians traverse the upper limbs, from the little finger up the inner seam of the arm, encompassing the axilla. The Small Intestine meridian continues over the shoulder blade and up the neck to the finish in front of the ear. The shoulder joint and upper limb are therefore more receptive to strengthening at this time, which continues into Autumn with the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians.
The Heart rules the Blood and the blood vessels. Additionally the colour of the Heart is red, the colour of blood. This is a great time of year to be nourishing the Heart and Blood through food. Look out for seasonal red foods such as tomatoes, raspberries, strawberries, radish, plums, capiscum, pomegranate, red grapes. Chinese Medicine theorises that memories are stored in the Blood. Thinking more laterally, another way to bolster your Blood is to make memories by allowing your passions to flourish.
In Chinese Medicine the Heart is also responsible for housing the shen (spirit).
When the Heart Fire is balanced, we feel true joy. A warmth and lightheartedness that feels expansive. When the Heart fire is weak, we lack joy - feeling downhearted, glum and everything feels like an effort. If Heart Fire is in excess we become over joyed, perhaps a little manic or restless, as excess heat agitates the Heart and disturbs the shen (spirit).
Summer is a time to prioritise connectedness and community. The energy of the Heart is said to communicate through the tongue, whether that means speaking your truth, laughing uncontrollably or kissing passionately.
The Heart and Small Intestine work together in the dissemination of nutrients - absorbing nutrients through the gut and assimilating nutrients via the bloodstream. The Small Intestine gathers what we ingest and discerns the pure from impure. We can apply this to our food, our environment, our inner voice, our habits, our interpersonal relationships etc. It is the function of the Small Intestine to absorb what you need and eliminate what you do not.
Throughout Summer our Yang Qi (life force) moves upward and outward to the surface of the body in order to maintain homeostasis to keep us comfortable and well. If we have sufficient Yang Qi, we feel vibrant and energetic throughout the Summer months. Those with insufficient Yang Qi may find it difficult to regulate their body temperature, as well as noticing symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, bloating, fluid retention, heaviness in the lower body and lower back pain.
Common practices in the West also threaten to deplete our Yang Qi (life force) over time, such as overconsumption of raw, cold foods and beverages, cold plunges, excessive sweating and air conditioned environments.
So how do you enjoy the perks of the Summer whilst supporting Yang Qi?
︎Go easy on the raw and cold foods and iced drinks, especially first thing in the morning.
︎Use ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and ginger in your salad dressings or in warm water before a meal to assist digestion.
︎Eat what’s in season. This applies all year round.
︎Going to bed a little later than usual is fine, but continue to rise with the sun and start your day early.
︎Move your body in a way that you enjoy. Better yet, in a way that encourages connection with others or getting into a state of flow.
︎Avoid going from the sweltering heat directly into artificial cold. Preference fans instead of aircon, especially at night.
︎If you have a menstrual cycle, avoid swimming (and cold plunging) during the bleeding phase when you body is more vulnerable to the influence of cold.
May your Summer be filled with joy!
With kindness, Courtney.
