07/05/2025
How to get your summer TLC the TCM way.
In other words, to align with summer, embrace with the fire element ( As summer is associated with the Fire element and the heart meridian, emphasizing joy, passion, and social interaction)
Here are some suggestions:
- Joy and passion.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and express your passions. This helps balance the heart’s energy.
- Social Connection:
Spend time with loved ones, participate in social events, and enjoy lighthearted activities.
- Moderate Excitement:
While joy is encouraged, avoid overstimulation, which can disrupt heart energy.
2. Dietary Recommendations:
- Cooling Foods:
Focus on foods that have a cooling nature, such as watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, and other green vegetables.
- Hydration:
Drink plenty of water and consider herbal teas like peppermint or green tea to stay hydrated.
- Avoid Ice and Cold Foods:
While tempting in the summer, cold foods and drinks can slow digestion and metabolism, according to TCM.
- Eat Lightly:
Opt for lighter meals and avoid overeating, as digestion can be more challenging in warmer weather.
- Seasonal Foods:
Favor foods that are in season, as they are naturally attuned to the body’s needs for the summer months.
3. Lifestyle Practices:
- Rest at Midday:
TCM suggests resting during midday, particularly between 1 pm and 3 pm, to support the Small Intestine’s optimal function.
- Early Wake and Later Bedtime:
Embrace the longer daylight hours by waking earlier and going to bed a little later, aligning with the Yang energy of summer.
- Moderate Exercise:
Engage in moderate outdoor activities to harness the Yang energy, but avoid overexertion during peak heat.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation:
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to balance the high energy of the season and prevent overstimulation.
- Calm Strength Movement:
Choose activities like yoga or Pilates that promote both physical exercise and inner calm.
- Say No:
Learn to say no to activities that drain your energy or overextend your capacity.
- Enjoy the Outdoors:
Spend time in nature, soak up the sunshine, and appreciate the beauty of the season.
