The Summer Solstice (when the sun seems to stand still), the longest day of the year, is upon us soon. Summer is the time of the Fire element and is about the Heart. Joy is the emotion of this element and it is paired with the Small Intestine which represents clarity, discernment and judgment. The Heart opens to the tongue, shows up in the complexion and is responsible for the blood. However the main fluid associated with the Fire element is sweat and the peak time for the Heart is eleven in the morning until one in the afternoon. The Heart is also the spiritual house of Shen (ruler of the mind, emotions and thought).
Therefore this season is about relationships, joy, laughter and heat. It is the time to be active, visit friends and laugh a lot. It is a time for passion with a focus on intimate relationships as well as socializing within the wider scope of friendship. The Heart helps us be our true self and works with our intuition. The Small Intestine assists the Heart to help us determine what is good for us and who is not. You can judge the health of someone's Shen by looking into their eyes. Excellent Shen manifests as sparkling eyes that are bright and clear from someone who is appropriately engaged in your conversation.
The key to health in all seasons is to remain balanced. The Water element controls Fire and will help you stay cool and hydrated. Based of the Heart attributes, it is wise to be active morning to midday and rest in the afternoon. Drink lots of liquids (cool is OK and add a pinch of salt and sugar for the electrolytes). The taste of summer is burnt which coincides with the barbecue season. Meals should be lightly cooked with steam, simmering or high heat with shorter cooking times. Choose cooling or bitter foods like apples, cucumber, watermelon or romaine, broccoli and celery for example. Take time for adventure and have fun while remembering to be careful not to get burnt by sunburn, physical fire, extreme emotion or overindulgence this season.