Summer Health – TCM Approach
Summer is the season of greatest Yang, as Yin is in the winter months. According to traditional Chinese medicine, summer is associated with the element of Fire. Summer is also associated with the heart small intestine, and the tongue. When the fire element is not in balance, one’s Shen (spirit) can be affected, leading to depression or too much joy. Nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia are all symptoms of Fire being off balance. According to TCM, resting at midday is advised along with drinking lots of fluids and adding pungent flavors to your diet. Lighter foods should be chosen over heavy foods to avoid indigestion.