Summer & EAM: Seasonal Practices

In EAM (East Asian Medicine) Summer is the season of the Heart. This season is about expansion, creativity, and blooming. It is associated with the Fire Phase (or element) and stores the Shen/Spirit, and is reflected in the complexion.

In the spring, we focused on the vibrance of germination, starting a new growth cycle. We extended our tender bodies out into the world, growing with the rain and sun. Having established ourselves in our environments, we now expand further up toward the sun to bloom.

It's a busy time of year, akin to a bee buzzing, collecting pollen, and dancing from one beautiful blossom to the next. The season is naturally filled with music, laughter, and gatherings. To stay balanced amidst this energy, which can feel chaotic and manic at times, we must tend to our roots and maintain practices that supplement the yin, as it can dry out with the heat and activity. When the heart, or the Fire Phase, is out of balance, we may notice palpitations, arrhythmia, insomnia, sleep disturbed by dreams, poor memory, trouble with words and speech, restlessness, mania, or even delirium and shock.

EAM encourages us to add extra Yin support by staying hydrated, swimming, lathering the skin and body in Yin-nourishing oils, practicing daily meditation (ideally first thing in the morning), and napping. These can support the longer days and the heat. It is also nourishing to cultivate practices that have a deeper resonance in the Fire Phase, such as creative projects, dancing and singing, festive gatherings, concerts, and embracing an attitude of play.

Summer Overview

Element: Fire

Organs: Heart & Small Intestine

Color: Red

Flavor: Bitter

Time of Day: 11am-1pm (heart), 1pm-3pm (small intestine)

Governs: Blood & Vessels

Opens to the: Tongue

Reflects in the: Complexion

Emotion: Joy

Planet: Mars

Color: Red

Direction: South