A balanced summer

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Although the Netherlands is only showing a modest hint of sun here and there this year, the summer period has truly arrived. 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 related to an imbalance of the fire element, which plays a significant 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. Each element has qualities that correspond to a season, specific organs, emotions, and so on. Depicted in a wheel-like form, the five elements illustrate the coherence and influence they exert on each other. An acupuncturist uses this as a basis to detect and restore imbalances in the physical equilibrium.

The season of summer belongs to the fire element in TCM and is thus the most Yang season of the entire year.
In summer, activity is greater with its warm and long days, and it is outwardly focused. We often move literally outside, engage in various activities, have more social interactions, and go to bed later.
The fire element belongs to the heart and small intestine and plays a crucial role in the overall body's heat 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 disruption in the element, you may experience 'explosive' symptoms 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, Moistening, and Evenness
The fire element requires the right amount of cooling, moistening, and evenness. Cooling to help your body dissipate excess heat, moistening to stay well-hydrated (especially if you sweat a lot!), and evenness in distributing your energy throughout the day. An afternoon nap, or siesta, for example, is a healthy habit on long, hot summer days.
Spend time with people who make you feel loved and joyful. Pleasant experiences and nurturing connections are important for the heart!

Nutrition Tips for a Balanced Summer
Finally, some nutrition tips that are used in the nutritional teachings of TCM.
Chinese nutritional teachings categorize food based on energetic qualities of temperature, nature, taste, and the ability to moisten and strengthen the body.
Cooling and moistening are therefore important priorities during the summer period.
This refers to food primarily with a Yin quality. Energetically cool and moist food can help the body expel moisture and stay cool. This doesn't 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!
If you still have annoying complaints, find a good acupuncturist who can further support you.
We wish you a balanced and joyful summer period!