With tall glasses of ice tea beading in the noontime sun, we know that summer has arrived. Unrelenting heat is a prime characteristic of the summer seasons strong, yang energy. Wherein wintertime is the apex of seasonal yin energy, directing energy inward; summertime is the height of yang energy, liberating an abundance of qi outward, promoting robust circulation with the external environment. With yang energy flourishing, it is a natural time for us to get out, move around, connect with our surroundings, and renew our relationship with things outside ourselves.
Of the Five Phase correspondences in traditional Chinese medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element. Fire is one of the most primal elements associated with human survival - physically, emotionally and spiritually. It provides heat, light, illumination and animation. Fundamentally, fire posses the ability to transform other substances, as in cooking, combustion, digestion, procreation, regeneration and alchemy. The cardinal direction related to the fire element is south. It s associated climatic factor is heat. Corresponding tissues for the fire element are the blood vessels, and the sense organ is the tongue. The daily cycle of the fire element peaks at noontime (11am-1pm). The seasonal flavor is bitter, which aids in cooling the body and dispersing accumulations such as lumps, bumps, cysts and constipation.
The heart is the yin organ of the Fire element. In Chinese culture the heart is associated with the Spirit and mind. It is considered the emperor of all psycho-physiological functions in the body. It occupies this noble position of emperor by abiding in stillness. When stillness is lost through heat or excitation of the heart/mind, the body can fall out of balance quickly. Insomnia, heartache or mental restlessness are ways a disrupted heart/mind may manifest. The corresponding yang organ of the fire element is the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for extracting essential nutrients from our food, and in Chinese medicine it plays an integral role in fluid physiology, functioning to separate the pure fluids from the impure. As the paired yang organ, the small intestine acts as a protective ally to the heart. It helps eliminate pathological heat that builds up from emotional distress which can disturb the heart leading to bladder infections, mouth sores or gum inflammation.
Emotionally, the Fire element contributes warmth, friendliness, laughter and good humor. Character traits that most of us are drawn towards. However, a temperament that is prone towards fire, may exhibit exaggerated bouts of drama, impulsiveness and rash reactions. Taken to the extreme, excessive Fire (often fueled by alcohol consumption) can prompt mental instability, hysteria, and wildly inappropriate behavior. Long standing virtues such as respect, ritual propriety and decorum are social means to help keep the fire element in check, reinforcing healthy boundaries and harmonious relationships.
On its deepest level the fire element represents the sacred spark or intelligence that animates all life. In Chinese medicine this spiritual aspect of the heart/mind is referred to as Shen. Shen is visible in the physical body as a shining light in ones eyes. Shen imbues us with an inner sense of purpose, self-awareness, inspiration, and connectivity to others. By its very nature, a healthy Shen demonstrates honor and respect for self, other, and the sublime. It is the domain of inspired poetry, art, music, philosophy; introspection, and courageous action that is free from self-concern. Our Shen instinctively pays homage to the ancestors, and showers us with a subtle joy when we abide in our spiritual connection to all that surrounds us.
Summer is a natural time for renewed relationships, outdoor adventures and freedom. It is a great time to expand one s boundaries and known limitations through harmonious interaction with our surroundings and our loved ones. The summer encourages us to partake in the seasons natural abundance, yet asks us to never lose sight of the fact that we are, in essence, playing with fire. Handling fire requires respect and awareness in order to avoid burning oneself or others in the process.
