In Chinese Medicine summer correlates to the fire element and is all about light, warmth, expansion and abundance. With nature being at its energetic peak it’s also the most yang time of the year. It’s a time for maximum growth, connection, and celebration.
Internally, the fire element is represented by the heart organ. Not only is the heart responsible for controlling our circulatory system, in the ancient Chinese texts the Heart was compared to an emperor and is thought of as the controller of all of our other organ and bodily functions, and it is often compared to our brain and our central nervous system. Issues with sleep, anxiety, and hormonal issues can all be related to an imbalance in the heart organ system.
When it comes to our menstrual cycles, summer refers to the timing around ovulation, and the heart plays a crucial role in the overall hormonal signaling required for ovulation to occur. Simply put, the heart communicates with the uterus and kidneys at the start of the cycle and acts to make sure “all systems are a go” for the release of the egg. So at this time in the cycle we want to reduce stress and allow for the proper circulation of the heart’ s qi and blood.
Here are a few simple tips you can also incorporate at home to support your body’s inner summer and promote ovulation:
Increase laughter and joy. Hang out with friends and family, enjoy social gatherings and celebrations, find things that make you smile and laugh.
Enjoy the sunshine as much as possible.
Get active, increase exercise, expand and stretch your muscles
Spice it up! Warming spices such as black pepper, ginger, cinnamon are great to add to help that yang energy peak for ovulation
Limit dairy and greasy, overly heavy foods
If you are prone to anxiety, make sure to get adequate sleep and avoid “burning the candle at both ends”
Keep up with acupuncture and herbs to keep stress levels at a minimum.
Mallory Berge, LAc is a licensed Acupuncturist in Salt Lake City, Utah and a member of the Acupuncte Board of Reproductive Medicine. Her clinical focus is on fertility, IVF/IUI support, menstrual wellness, women's wellness, and more. Explore Mallory's schedule HERE.
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