shin ma

Hello and welcome to the summer edition of Sustainable Health. 

So how do we work with nature during the so called ’silly season’ to maintain optimum health and vitality?  In eastern medicine, summer corresponds to the element of Fire.  Other Fire correspondences include the colour red and the sound of laughter.  It is the season of festivals, fun, family and friends. To sustain the energy required of the Fire element we need to maintain the cornerstone of our connection with others which is in fact the connection with our own heart.

Body

Foods at this time of year can afford to be cooler and lighter to balance out the heat. However, you can also include chilli and spicy foods which open up the pores to release heat.  Think high temperature cooking for short periods of time such as stir fry or quick pan frying.  Red foods such as berries, cherries, tomatoes and peppers are also good Fire element foods.

Mind

The meridians governed by Fire are the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium and Triple Burner.  An imbalance in these meridians can lead to an increase in anxiety, agoraphobia and sleep disturbance or a decrease in joy, communication and energy. If you find this time of year has your fire blazing out of control or leaves you exhausted and with nothing left to give, try giving yourself the gift of stillness. Light a candle and allow your gaze to rest gently on the flame. With one hand on your heart and one hand on your hara (lower belly), allow your breath to settle as you reconnect with your inner peace.

Spirit

Fire is expansive and generous and creates connection with others. Ways to nourish the spirit of Fire at this time of year include playful social interactions, creative gift giving and heart to heart conversations. Laughter is the ultimate heart tonic that is available to us all if we are open to being just a little bit silly this season.

Wishing you health and happiness, Elizabeth

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 10:23 pm and is filed under News, Newsletter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.