Summer is one of my favorite seasons.
Nature feels alive with activity and energy.
In Traditional Chinese medicine, we learn about the elements of nature. There are 5 phases. Each phase pertains to a season and is associated with certain body organs and emotions. Summer is ruled by the fire element and is the most yang of the seasons, meaning the energy during this time of year is active, expansive, and outwardly energetic. It means you are feeling more expressive and motivated to be outdoors. Being linked to the fire element, the summer season is associated with the heart and small intestines.
In Macrobiotics, we learn to understand and respect this phenomenon because when we do, we can support a physical and emotional balance. Symptoms of an unbalanced heart and small intestines include heart irregularities such as heaviness in the chest area, palpitations or racing heart, digestive upset, acid reflux, and food not settling well. Emotionally you may feel excitable in talk and action, reactive and unsettled.
Learning to eat correctly through each season is an excellent health management tool. You want to nurture your fire in the summer by eating cooling foods such as cucumbers, watermelons, and salads. You also want to keep your digestive fire in the small intestines working properly and not put it out by too many liquids and cold foods. Light miso soups, grains, and bean salads are a great way to nourish both needs. Cooking should be light and quick such as stir-frying, blanching, and wok cooking.
As you plan your summer fun, please make sure to have enough downtime too. Nothing is better than lying on a hammock and reading a book with a nice glass of homemade sugar-free lemonade. Give time for your brain and body to decompress.
In this month’s cooking class, I will address the fire element of summer and how best to harness its energy in the healthiest way possible, physically and emotionally.
Join us on Saturday, June 17th for a delicious welcome to summer meal
-Virginia
