Summer is the season of Yang, a time when the body undergoes vigorous metabolic (body energy) processes. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends cultivating Yang energy in spring and summer, while protecting Yin energy in autumn and winter. Chinese Medicine believes summer belongs to fire, one of the five elements symbolic of maximum activity or greatest Yang; a time of heat, outgoingness, and moving outward in nature and in our lives. In human anatomy, the heart, mind, and spirit are ruled by the fire element, so priority is given to heart, mind, and spirit for staying healthy this summer.
Simple Techniques to Prevent Summer Ills and remain in harmony with the environment of summer:
• Awaken earlier in the morning.
• Go to bed later in the evening.
• Rest at midday.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Add pungent flavors to your diet.
• Refrain from anger; keep calm and even-tempered.
• Keep water with slices of lemon and cucumber and sip throughout day.
• Eat in moderation – over consumption of food, especially cooling foods, can lead to indigestion, sluggishness and possibly diarrhea.
• Stay away from dairy, heavy, greasy, and fried foods. Eating Under the Sun In summer, indigestion can easily occur, so a light and less-greasy diet is recommended.