We’ve arrived! The sun is bright! The days last seemingly into the night and a playful feeling fills the air. What is it about this season of Fire that makes everything feel a bit easier, a bit more filled with hope? Let’s explore the Fire element to discover the gifts and wisdom of Summer, and use them to stay balanced during this season of scattered energies.
The Spring season, which relates to the Wood element, is about direction and goals-about creating our vision and hopes for our future. The Fire season which follows then, finds us standing in those hopes and dreams fulfilled. Nature, reflecting our inner rhythms, is in perfect display of this pattern of fruition: flowers bloom at their fullest, trees bear their fruit, and the garden grows wildly toward the sun. We have completed the work of the spring and all that is left now is to sit and allow the sun to bring all towards its natural progression to ripeness.
The traits of the Fire element are communion, connection, fun, and joy; all aspects of the natural expression of Qi at its highest point of the year. When these traits are nurtured in the summertime, we continue to be warmed emotionally and sorrow is kept in check when the days become shorter and our energies start directing inward. Because the Fire element is related to the heart, it is important to nurture heart connections during this time of year.
What happens when Fire becomes imbalanced, and what can you do to resolve it?
The Fire element imbalance can manifest as either deficiency or excess:
Deficiency: Those who tend toward Fire deficiency have a hard time letting loose and knowing how to be playful. They may isolate, or take life too seriously and rarely bring laughter into their days and relationships. Physically, they may lack internal warmth and their internal processes can slow down and function poorly. Their circulation is sluggish and they can have heart and/or vascular problems.
Excess: Those who tend toward Fire excess charmingly fall madly and maniacally in love with almost every person they date, yet lose interest once the flames of novelty burn out. This creates chaos and disorder in their own lives, as well as a path of destruction with many “burnt” souls behind them. Physically, they may be very high strung and have a hard time slowing down, and may have too much heat, which manifests as excessive thirst, dryness, high blood pressure, and red face and skin, along with many other symptoms.
To Balance the Fire Element:
· If you have a hard time connecting, commit to socializing more this summer! If you seriously isolate and are unable to maintain even friend relationships, you may need the support of a therapist who can help you with this.
· If you fall in love constantly, take a break from romantic relationships. Feed your Fire by connecting with loved ones instead, and try cultivating a love with yourself for just this season, and see what comes of it!
· Spend time near water. Water balances fire and can calm your flaring sparks!
· Because the fire element is about connection and understanding, make a point this season of focusing on understanding and really listening to those around you, before overriding their comments with your own. As speech is related to the heart, practice the recipe of positive and compassionate words. YOU are the one who will benefit.
· Schedule some acupuncture appointments to address issues of depression, or conversely a hyperactive inability to slow down and relax.
Food
· Even on hot days, avoid extremely cold foods and drinks, as cold causes contraction and hampers digestion, leading to sickness due to sudden extremes of temperatures. Instead, choose slightly cool food and drink. Some of the best choices include apples, watermelons, lemons, and limes.
· More cooling foods can be eaten safely at this time of year than any other, including salads, melons, sprouts, fruits, cucumbers, and tofu.
· In the warmest of weather, very hot-spicy foods are appropriate; but take care, as too much dispersal of heat can lead to weakness or loss of yang (heat), which then affects your body’s ability to stay warm in the winter.
Make the most of this time to nurture your heart Fire, as this love will bring warmth to your life for the entire year ahead.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am practicing Acupuncture in India. I want to know more about 5 element theory and all about . How I get to know more? Write me please.
Thanking You
Subrata.
Hello. A great place to start with 5 Elements is to read the book “Between Heaven and Earth”. Otherwise, you may be able to take a correspondence course over the internet via the 5 E school in Maryland. Even just reading Paul Pitchford’s “Healing with Whole Foods” will be beneficial, because while he does not address the Elements per se, he does divide the book up by organ systems dependent on the element to which they pertain. If you can find any books by Worsley, the founder of modern 5E, that will be helpful. I’ve found those much harder to come across, even online. Lonny Jarrett’s books are great, although quite heady.
Good luck!