The Five Elements are central to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Each element corresponds to different phases of the year, systems of the body, emotions, and other aspects of human life.

As we head into summer, it’s time to adapt to the fire element.

The fire element in TCM is associated with the mind and spirit (Shen), with joy and laughter, with play and intimacy. During summer, we embrace the dynamism of the fire element while also considering the potential for heat-related imbalances.

Playing outside, socializing and learning are all ways to embrace the fire element.

But don’t forget to cool and calm your body and mind.

Drink plenty of fluids, eat cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens. Bitter foods clear heat and drain fire and are particularly beneficial now. Include cooling teas like chamomile and chrysanthemum.

Summer represents the peak of Yang energy in the annual cycle.

Meditation, mindfulness, and Qigong can help nourish the heart with Yin to balance the Yang of the season. In times of extreme heat yin can be depleted, so be sure to get enough sleep and find emotional nourishment and calm.

In every season acupuncture can help reduce stress and inflammation and balance the energies of the body and mind, and summer is no different!

Come in for a lie down and let the stress drain away!