As the days stretch longer and sunlight graces us with more hours, summer is a beautiful time to reflect on our energy and wellness. With nature in full bloom, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace traditional energy medicine practices that can help us find balance, rejuvenate our spirits, and foster a sense of well-being. Tuning into summer energy can create harmony within ourselves and our environments, helping us to fully bloom as well.
Summer represents a time of warmth, vitality, and growth. Just as nature is bustling with activity, we too can tap into this vibrant energy. Many traditional practices, including those rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and indigenous traditions, emphasize alignment with seasonal changes to boost health and happiness.
According to TCM, summer is aligned with the Heart, Triple Warmer, Small Intestine, and Pericardium meridians. If we look at the characteristics associated with each of these meridians, we can see that they all influence each other. In particular, the Small Intestine can be helpful to the Heart which embraces joyful enthusiasm towards summer activities and socializing. Sometimes the Heart overdoes the “yes” to activities and can burn out and feel overwhelmed. The Small Intestine can help the heart discern what it says “yes” to and, therefore, help to create healthy boundaries so the Heart does not get over tired and over stimulated.
The Triple Warmer helps keep us safe and then codifies safety patterns into habits. It can sometimes become rigid and not allow for new ideas or behaviors to be accepted. This can prevent exploration of better ways of being or experiencing as we continue our life’s journey. The Pericardium can help to calm and de-stress the Triple Warmer so that it can be open to changes that might be more in keeping with the current stage of our lives. The Pericardium is also a strong protector of the Heart and the Small Intestine can assist the Triple Warmer in discerning what is safe and what is not.
How can we viscerally connect these four summer meridians together to help balance each one? One easy way is to link each meridian through their alarm points. An alarm point is a particular point on the body associated with a specific internal organ and its related meridian. Fortunately, we can use our two hands to connect up all four of the summer meridians. Place your left hand on the middle of your chest from between the breasts and down towards your stomach, with your right hand placed below the navel and above the pubic bone. This placement of the hands will link the four meridian alarm points together. Gently breathe deeply and allow a sense of connection between your hands to be created. You will naturally be ready to release the hands when the link has been established.
What are some other ways to create ease for your body and mind during the summer months?
- To boost your energy, flexibility, and mood, try moving through the series of postures to greet the sun, called the Sun Salutations, a yogic practice. Or you could take a stretch class – I have created many free YouTube classes available here: https://www.youtube.com/@sheilapetersdance
- To increase hydration, digestive health, and general cooling effects, try drinking refreshing herbal teas like peppermint or hibiscus. Perhaps you have herbs in your own garden and can create your own unique concoction.
- To ground, heighten clarity of thought, and bring a sense of peace, try finding a serene spot in nature to meditate and reflect. Sitting with your spine lining up against the trunk of a tree and/or planting your bare feet on the earth will bond you into the earth’s calming energies.
- To remove stagnant energy, promote positivity, and clear out your indoor living spaces, try smudging with herbs like sage or lavender or lighting incense or palo santo sticks. Using clearing crystals like selenite in your rooms will enhance the sense of a clean and fresh space.
- To nourish your body and promote ease in your bodily functions, try eating seasonal fruits and vegetables found at a local farmstand. You could find a way to grow organic tomatoes, lettuce, or a favorite vegetable in a container, if you don’t have a private outdoor yard.
To harness the magic of summer, consider incorporating the following practices into your weekly routine. They’re simple, enjoyable, and promote a sense of serenity. Plus, they help you to encompass the elements of the earth which are celebrated by shamanic practices across the globe.
Water symbolizes flow and adaptability. Dipping into lakes or oceans can help you to embrace change and learn to go with the flow.
Earth grounds and offers connection to nature and unity consciousness. Hiking, gardening, lying down on the grass can generate a sense of stability, belonging, and security.
Fire stimulates passion, social interaction, and creativity. Bask in the sun, watch the sun rise and set, or socialize around a bonfire.
Air inspires deep breathing which can clear the cobwebs in your mind. Smell the flora around you, the food in front of you, the scent of the thunderstorms, the fresh summer air surrounding you. Breathwork can enhance mental clarity and boost the immune system.
As you embark on your summer wellness journey, remember to lean into the vibrancy of the season. Embrace these traditional energy medicine practices and feel gratitude for the well-being they can foster. Here’s to a summer filled with health, happiness, and harmony!