Seasonal Guide to Self- care: Summer edition
🔥A Radiant Heart, rooted in Spirit.
The element tied to the summer season is… fire. Fire is known as the fastest transmuter of energy and is synonymous with the flame of Spirit, the spark of Creation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Fire element rules the Heart, Small Intestine, and Shen. Shen is the term used for our consciousness, or our Spirit.
Going forward, when we speak of the Heart, we are speaking about it in multiple contexts- the anatomical heart and cardiovascular system, the emotional heart, and the heart meridian. Meridians are mapped energetic pathways. At specific junctures of these pathways, Acupressure points can be stimulated and treated through applied pressure, moxibustion, or Acupuncture needles to create healthy flow of subtle energy. The Meridian Systems have been utilized in TCM and Japanese healing methods for thousands of years.
💓 Understanding the Heart Meridian & Shen
It’s believed that when the Heart, in all contexts, is in harmony, we experience vibrant energy, emotional presence, deep connection, spiritual clarity, and physical vitality. When it’s taxed—by heat, stress, overexertion, stress, heartache, or overstimulation—we may feel anxious, scattered, overheated, or emotionally depleted.
In TCM, the Heart is considered the "Emperor" of all organs, governing blood circulation and housing Shen. The Heart meridian runs from the chest to the pinky finger on both sides. It influences emotional clarity, mental focus, restful sleep, and even our capacity for love and compassion.
Signs of imbalanced Shen
insomnia
emotional volatility
difficulty concentrating
a sense of spiritual disconnection
With Summer being a season of elevated activity and socialization, Shen can scatter. Our task is to anchor it through nourishment, ritual, and movement, balanced by rest and reflection.
🥗 Nourishment & Reflection
During the summer, we need cooling, hydrating, and spirit-calming foods to maintain balance:
Supportive Summer Foods:
Cooling & bitter: dandelion greens, arugula, watercress, endive, romaine
Hydrating fruits: watermelon, berries, cucumber, lychee, peaches
Heart tonics: hawthorn berries, goji, rose tea, hibiscus, lemon balm
Mineral-rich: seaweeds, miso broth, celery, beet greens
Nourishing proteins: fish, tofu, mung beans, eggs
Hydration: Infused water, fresh fruits. Mint, rose petals, or citrus cool the body and elevate Shen
Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or greasy foods—they can aggravate the Heart and increase internal heat.
Points of Reflection:
Where am I being called to express more of my true self?
What emotional heat am I holding in my chest?
How can I soften into joy without burning out?
Supportive Movement:
Joyful dance
Swimming
Breath-led somatic movement
Qigong
Gentle walking
Yin/restorative yoga
Cacao + breath
