A balanced summer

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Although the Netherlands is only showing a modest glimpse of sun here and there this year, the summer period has really begun. For some, summer is a time of relaxation and enjoyment, while for others it heralds a period of poor sleep, heat discomfort, or other inconveniences. This may be due to an imbalance of the fire element. It plays an important role in the summer.
What is the fire element, and how can you support it yourself? Read below!

The fire element is one of the five elements within TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cycles play an important role. This is clearly reflected in the application of the five elements, namely: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. All elements have qualities that correspond to a season, specific organs, emotions, and so on. Depicted in a kind of wheel shape, the five elements show the coherence and influence they exert on each other. An acupuncturist uses this as a starting point to detect and restore disruptions in the physical balance.

The season of summer belongs to the fire element within TCM and is therefore the most Yang season of the entire year.
In the summer, activity, with its warm and long days, is greater and outward-focused. We often move literally outside, engage in various activities, have more social interaction, and go to bed later.
The fire element belongs to the heart and small intestine and plays an important role in the overall body temperature regulation. It is also responsible for the mind (memory and thinking ability), emotions, and consciousness.

Fire element in balance
When the fire element is in balance, the heart is calm, the mind is peaceful, and you sleep well.
This element, when in balance, brings harmony to the emotional life. You feel safe, relaxed, and are able to enjoy the beautiful things in life.
The blood vessels are healthy and the blood is of rich substance.

Fire element out of balance
If the fire element is out of balance, there may be depressive or excited (manic) feelings. Depending on the type of disturbance in the element, you may experience 'explosive' complaints such as intense anger and frustration to fiery migraine attacks and burning pains and inflammations. But also nervousness, palpitations or poor sleep can occur as expressions of an imbalance of the fire element.

How do you stay as balanced as possible during the summer period?

Cooling, moisturizing, and uniformity
The fire element requires the right amount of cooling, moisturizing, and uniformity. Cooling to help your body dissipate excess heat, moisturizing to stay well-hydrated (especially if you sweat a lot!), and uniformity in distributing your energy throughout the day. For example, taking an afternoon nap, or siesta, is a healthy habit on long, hot summer days.
Spend time with people with whom you can feel loved and joyful. Pleasant experiences and nurturing contacts are important for the heart!

Nutrition tips for a balanced summer
Finally, some nutrition tips that are used in the nutritional theory of TCM.
Chinese nutritional theory categorizes food based on energetic qualities of temperature, nature, taste, and the ability to moisten and strengthen the body.
Cooling and moistening is therefore a key priority during the summer period.
We are talking about food mainly with a Yin quality. Energetically cool and moist food can help the body expel moisture and stay cool. This does not always mean that the food is thermally cold, but its energetic quality does have these characteristics.

Yin foods that you can eat very well during this period:
Apricots, watermelon, lime, peach, orange, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, bamboo, bok choy, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, radish, corn, cucumber, white mushrooms, snow peas, spinach, pumpkin, watercress, seaweed, coriander, mint, and dill.

A lot of things you can do yourself!
However, if you are still struggling with annoying complaints, then find a good acupuncturist who can further support you.
We wish you a balanced and joyful summer period!