Page 39 - Real Rochdale Issue 22 Summer 2024
P. 39
Health and wellbeing during
Fire and Earth season
In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the
seasons are closely linked with the five
elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
Summer is associated with two elements – fire
and earth – which shows us how seasonal
transitions affect our health in subtle ways.
Staying healthy and happy during the summer
is all about going with the flow of the season’s
energy. Think of it like tapping into the good
vibes of sunshine and warmth while keeping ABOUT THE WRITER
your body and mind in balance. Suzanne Cooper is a complementary
healthcare therapist using the principles of
Early summer is all about embracing that traditional Chinese medicine.
vibrant fire energy, which means finding joy,
staying active, and keeping your heart happy. energy production, immune function, and it
Early summer is characterised by rising also regulates metabolism and fluid balance.
temperatures and increasing yang energy. Fire
corresponds to this phase, particularly in the Emotional wellbeing is linked to the spleen,
beginning of summer when the weather with excessive worry affecting its function.
becomes warmer. Symptoms of a spleen imbalance may include
fatigue, digestive issues and susceptibility to
During early summer, fire acknowledges the illness. A balanced diet, stress management and
peak of yang energy, so there’s a need to adequate rest can support spleen health.
balance it with appropriate practices and
lifestyle choices that are more yin, like The earth element represents stability,
meditation and gentle exercise. nourishment and transformation. Late
summer is a time where it’s essential to support
Protecting the heart from emotional stress is digestion and overall stability, especially as the
key, along with staying hydrated and eating season shifts towards autumn.
cooling foods like cucumber and watermelon.
Rest and self-care replenish qi, our life force This includes maintaining a balanced diet with
energy, while moderate exercise supports emphasis on easily digestible, nourishing foods
circulation and vitality. Care should be taken such as whole grains, root vegetables and
when spending time outdoors to avoid cooked foods. Avoiding excessive worry and
excessive sun exposure. overthinking, which can weaken the spleen, is
also important. Engaging in grounding activities
Late summer represents the transition from such as walking in nature, practicing
the peak of yang energy to the beginning of yin mindfulness, and gentle exercise can help
energy. This phase is associated with the earth balance the earth element.
element, which corresponds to the spleen and
stomach organ systems. Complementary and alternative holistic
therapies such as reflexology, acupuncture,
In TCM, the spleen is considered one of the chiropractic care, naturopathy, etc. can provide
most vital organs for overall health and additional support tailored to your individual
wellbeing: it plays an essential role in digestion, needs.
REAL ROCHDALE - SUMMER 2024 38 39 REAL ROCHDALE - SUMMER 2024
