We entered summer at the beginning of May with Li Xia 立夏, the seventh term of the Chinese solar calendar. Li Xia marks the end of the in-between season and heralds rising temperatures and the return of the heat.
It is said that in summer, “heaven and earth form a perfectly united couple”. Their breaths combine to increase the fertility of the earth and allow plants to flourish.
And as with every new season, the arrival of summer brings a change on the energetic level. We therefore need to prepare for many upheavals, both climatic and physiological.
What are the characteristics of summer in Chinese medicine? How can you stay in shape all summer long?
The energy of summer
While spring evokes birth and beginnings, summer refers to maturity and blossoming. It is the most Yang season of the calendar, the opposite of winter, which is the most Yin.
So we can observe energy rising gradually in summer: Yang grows and takes over from Yin to give us the vitality we need for movement, exploration, travel, celebration… In short, for everything we love doing in summer!
Taking care of your Heart in summer
In traditional Chinese medicine, summer is associated with the Heart. It is one of the Zang organs and is paired with the Small Intestine.
According to Chinese energetics, the Heart is a whole system with multiple roles: it produces Blood, controls the blood vessels and regulates the circulation of Blood and Qi. In addition, it houses the Shen (the Mind) and controls mental activity, memory and sleep.
As for the Small Intestine, it is said to separate “the pure from the impure”. It extracts the essences from food (the pure) and passes them on to the Spleen. It carries the waste (the impure) to the Large Intestine to be eliminated.
It goes without saying that it is essential to take care of your Heart all year round. In summer, however, it deserves special attention. A healthy Heart makes for a clear mind, optimal blood circulation, bright, lively eyes and a radiant complexion. A weakened Heart shows up as paleness, palpitations, a feeling of tightness in the chest, sleep disorders or difficulty concentrating.
To take care of this precious organ during the season when it is most in demand, Chinese dietetics advises adapting your diet to the summer season and above all turning to foods with a bitter flavour. Having an affinity with the Heart, this flavour helps tonify it and enhances its functions.
Joy, controlled and moderate
According to the theory of the seven emotions (Qi Qíng), each organ is associated with a particular emotion. For example, the emotion linked to the Liver is anger, and the one linked to the Lung is sadness.
Summer means sunshine, outdoor walks and holidays, which is why every year we notice a general feeling of joy setting in.
Joy (Xi) is the emotion associated with the Heart. It shows itself as a feeling of fulfilment, satisfaction and well-being. However, it is important to remember that emotions can, in some cases, open the door to disorders. That is why Chinese medicine suggests moderating joy.
Indeed, while a lack of joy can harm emotional balance by causing fatigue and more or less marked low moods, an excess of joy can also become disruptive and have negative effects on well-being. Entering a state of frenzy, agitation or euphoria damages the Heart and slackens its energy. As a result, extreme joy can lead to concentration problems, palpitations or even psychological imbalances, since the Heart is no longer able to house the Shen properly.
In conclusion, a lack of joy or, conversely, an excess of joy can give rise to a number of symptoms affecting the body. Chinese medicine therefore encourages us to master our emotions in order to preserve our Energy.
Fire, the movement of summer
According to the five elements theory, the summer season is dominated by Fire.
A Yang element, Fire refers to strength and enthusiasm. According to the generating cycle, Fire arises from Wood as it burns. In turn, it produces the ashes that generate Earth.
“A balanced Fire warms without burning and purifies without devastating”
To harmonise the energy of Fire, what could be better than practising energy exercises outdoors, to make the most of the fine weather! Qi Gong includes many postures that aim to calm and nourish the Heart and to connect with our deepest feelings 1. Say goodbye to energy drinks and caffeine, and stimulate your Qi with Chinese energy gymnastics.
In summer: beware of pathogenic energies
Among the external causes of illness are the 6 pathogenic energies. Summer, a season known for its high temperatures, is characterised by the presence of two pathogenic energies:
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Heat (Re): Yang in nature, it is mainly a threat in summer. When it is present in excess in the body, it can show up as redness of the face, irritability, dizziness or nosebleeds…
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Summer Heat (Shu): Yang in nature, Summer Heat is the bane of the season! It dries up Yin and causes diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, intense fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the head…
To protect yourself from harmful energies in summer and their impact on health, TCM strongly recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, staying well hydrated, tonifying your Qi and choosing a diet suited to the season.
Summer is the season of leisure and pleasure, of outdoor living and discovery. Enjoy nature to the full and burn off your energy, without forgetting to take a few precautions so you don't end up laid up in bed!