During the 3 months of summer, the universe is said to “prosper” and we need to nourish the Heart. We cultivate Yang energy in spring and summer and protect Yin energy in autumn and winter.
The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic (452-221 BC) says the energy of the sky meets and merges with the energy of the earth at this time. Yang (hot) energy grows rapidly in the universe while Yin (cold) energy diminishes. Summer belongs to Fire. Fire corresponds to the Heart.
We are supposed to coordinate with the energy of nature. Thus, in the summer, we are supposed to rise earlier and retire later. The body should release excessive heat (Yang energy) and unblock the Blood and acupuncture channels. We prevent ourselves from sweating at all costs. We sit in air-conditioned rooms all day and then sleep in air-conditioned rooms all night; all the toxins accumulated during the previous seasons remain inside our bodies.
It is time to drink plenty of water. Early summer sunshine is healthy. The Heart’s energy grows fast, sometimes excessively, causing irritability and impatience. Instead, keep calm and relaxed. Smile and laugh often. It is normal to have less appetite, sleep less and be short-tempered. Naps are great at this time of year.
“Red”-colored foods such as cherries, pink grapefruit, red beans, tomatoes, and hawthorn are good Heart-nourishing foods. Red corresponds to “Fire” in the 5 Phases, which also corresponds to the Heart. “Cold” energy foods are recommended. Raw foods are beneficial. They help to expel excessive heat.
Long periods of vigorous exercise are not encouraged, but it is important to exercise and sweat. Jogging, high intensity yoga, Yang style Tai Chi are good summer exercises.
Sit quietly, close the eyes and calm the mind to balance your mood and adjust internal Yin-Yang balance.
Walk barefooted on grass, sand or earth. Sit under a tree. Breathe!
Good summer teas: mix equal amounts of mint, Jasmin and chamomile flowers, add boiling water and steep for 10 mins. Add some honey and drink warm or cold.
Chrysanthemum( Ju Hua) tea is wonderful this time of year also. It clears heat and wind, calms the Liver and clears the eyes and resolves toxicity.
Recommended fruits:
Water melon – is a “cold” fruit in TCM that helps dispel pathogenic heat and promote urination. Tannin in water melon can help burn excessive fat in the body and rich fibers can also help move the bowels and get rid of toxins. Eating water melon often can also help expand blood vessels.
Pineapple is a “neutral” fruit that can benefit the stomach and improve digestion and help dissolve and dispel fat. Pineapple can also help improve blood circulation by dissolving blood stagnation, as well as help relieve inflammation and edema.
Pear is a “cold” fruit that helps nourish the lungs and respiratory system. It strengthens the immune system and helps to stop dry coughs; produces fluids and eliminates mucus.
Dragon fruit is also a “cold” fruit recommended in summer. Apart from providing rich fiber yet being relatively low in calories, dragon fruit, with its rich unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, can also help move the bowels and delay aging. It also helps get rid of toxins.
Grapefruit is also a “cold” fruit. Aurantiin in grapefruit can help suppress the appetite. It also contains the organic compound Nootkatone (one of the main chemical components of the smell and flavor of grapefruits) that helps accelerate fat burning. Eating grapefruit often can help improve the metabolism and help get rid of toxins. Nootkatone is a natural insecticide and pest repellent (ticks, mosquitoes and bed bugs to name a few).