Summer

by Debbie Hardin, L.Ac. & M.Ac

Pictured above is a summer solstice miracle - one, lone, perfectly ripe strawberry from my garden that had not been eaten or slimed by slugs yet. It was delicious!

It's common to think of today, the solstice, as the first day of summer, but in Chinese medicine and other nature-based philosophies, it's the midpoint.

Ever since I learned that it makes so much more sense to me to think of it that way. It's the longest day of the year - tomorrow the days will be getting subtly shorter and shorter until winter solstice (also not considered the first day of winter, but rather the midpoint - the darkest day!)

The summer solstice resonates with the flower at its peak bloom, noontime, an open heart, the most expansive expression of fire energy. It often feels good!

And sometimes the heat, the activity, the brightness, can feel overstimulating. We might feel too vulnerable and scattered, or tired and out of sync. It's good to remember that summer is about connection and that will look different depending on the person and the day. For some, maybe it's a strawberry festival with lots of people on a hot day. Or it's a long chat with a friend in the shade. Or it's spending time connecting with the tree in your backyard (this is usually my summer go-to).

Chinese medicine offers ways to bring balance to this most yang time of year:

Bitter foods
these are cooling and nourishing to the heart. Incorporating some this time of year can really help with the heat. A few ideas:
dandelion (the roasted root as a tea or the greens in a salad or slightly steamed)
citrus peel (I save some of my organic orange peel and steep as a tea)
romaine lettuce (especially, but most lettuces are at least a bit bitter)
asparagus
rye bread
quinoa

Stay hydrated (duh) but with foods too!
sometimes "eating your water" is more beneficial than just drinking a bunch more. Think seasonal fruits (especially melons), porridges, snap peas, and yes occasionally still soups and stews even though it's hot. Sometimes a pinch or two of salt in your drinking water can help with absorption.

Acupressure on yin tang
this is the point directly between the eyebrows - I like to bunch all five of my fingers together on one hand and press on that whole area, sometimes making gentle circles. It's very calming and cooling to the mind and heart.

Rest midday
even 5 minutes! watch a bee laze around some flowers. put your legs up the wall. stare at a tree. try the acupressure mentioned above. Especially potent times are between 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm, but anytime you can stop for a bit is helpful.

Wishing you an easeful and joyous summer,

Debbie
Pittsburgh, PA