At the ebb and flow of the seasons, it is time again to visit the Five Element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the 5 being: Fire-Earth-Metal-Water-Wood. Each element is associated with certain seasons, organs, muscles, physiological processes, time of day, colour, taste, an innate virtue/emotion and block to that virtue and several more.
Although our warmest season is waning, today I'm belatedly spotlighting SUMMER, just one of the associations of the FIRE element and suitably depicted by the color, red. Fire governs integration-assimilation-circulation-protection and Summer brings a time of high energy, heat, growth, light, abundance, manifestation of Spring cultivating and the consciousness of one’s being.
Fire houses four meridians (energy systems) : Heart-Small Intestine-Pericardium-Triple Heater (Sanjiao) and rules all aspects of spirit : heart-mind-spirit. The innate virtue of Fire is PROPRIETY (doing the right thing/right time) and the block, HOLDING ONTO JOY or SADNESS.
Imbalance in this element can see sleep disturbance, skin eruptions, palpitations, restless energy/agitation, inappropriate laughter, nervousness or apathy. A balanced Fire element brings improved mood, a healthy heart and calm spirit through us tending to our inner fire - nurturing relationships, releasing grudges, being outgoing in enjoying Summer’s bounty - it brings enthusiasm for life. Summer naturally encourages us into this time for joy through holidays and increased outdoor socialisation.
Activate Fire’s shen (spirit/soul) through waking earlier/retiring later and resting in between (say yes t’ siesta!), staying hydrated, eating cool, raw foods (mix bitter flavors of Summer greens with some pungent ones to balance perspiration) and keeping even-tempered as anger can exacerbate heat. Basically, for what Summer days we have left, keep your cool to keep cool and vice versa - your Fire element qi will thank you. Have you recognised any of these characteristics over your Summer?🔥☀️🙏🏻TCM is a pivotal tool in kinesiology • breathe. listen. be well. #kinesiology #traditionalchinesemedicine #energyhealing#balance #homeostasis #health #mindbodysoul #holistichealth #wellness#southmelbourne #portmelbourne #stkilda #melbourne #preventativemedicine
Although our warmest season is waning, today I'm belatedly spotlighting SUMMER, just one of the associations of the FIRE element and suitably depicted by the color, red. Fire governs integration-assimilation-circulation-protection and Summer brings a time of high energy, heat, growth, light, abundance, manifestation of Spring cultivating and the consciousness of one’s being.
Fire houses four meridians (energy systems) : Heart-Small Intestine-Pericardium-Triple Heater (Sanjiao) and rules all aspects of spirit : heart-mind-spirit. The innate virtue of Fire is PROPRIETY (doing the right thing/right time) and the block, HOLDING ONTO JOY or SADNESS.
Imbalance in this element can see sleep disturbance, skin eruptions, palpitations, restless energy/agitation, inappropriate laughter, nervousness or apathy. A balanced Fire element brings improved mood, a healthy heart and calm spirit through us tending to our inner fire - nurturing relationships, releasing grudges, being outgoing in enjoying Summer’s bounty - it brings enthusiasm for life. Summer naturally encourages us into this time for joy through holidays and increased outdoor socialisation.
Activate Fire’s shen (spirit/soul) through waking earlier/retiring later and resting in between (say yes t’ siesta!), staying hydrated, eating cool, raw foods (mix bitter flavors of Summer greens with some pungent ones to balance perspiration) and keeping even-tempered as anger can exacerbate heat. Basically, for what Summer days we have left, keep your cool to keep cool and vice versa - your Fire element qi will thank you. Have you recognised any of these characteristics over your Summer?🔥☀️🙏🏻TCM is a pivotal tool in kinesiology • breathe. listen. be well. #kinesiology #traditionalchinesemedicine #energyhealing#balance #homeostasis #health #mindbodysoul #holistichealth #wellness#southmelbourne #portmelbourne #stkilda #melbourne #preventativemedicine