Staying Healthy in the Summer

Excerpted from Staying Healthy with the Seasons
by Elson Haas, M.D. copyright © 2004

On June 21st, we enter summer with the solstice, when the sun is at its northernmost position relative to the Earth. At the solstice, we have the longest period of daylight of the year. The sun provides energy, stimulates activity and outward movement, and creates the hot or dry climate typical of this season. All this leads to increased travel, work, and play in the beautiful sunshine.
Summer is nature's season of growth and maturation. Flowers and fruits are all around us and our gardens are growing tall. We are also maturing and growing. This is the high point of outdoor exercise, sports, water fun, and hikes in nature. We should be sure to get adequate recreation and lots of solar energy this season.

There is a great deal of change during this time of high activity. The Chinese philosophy of health provides us the framework for increased awareness of such change, both in nature and in our bodies, which really mirror each other. Energy must stay in motion within us and in our life to continually nourish us and create harmony. We must learn to flow as Nature does, through the seasons. Tension happens when we resist this flow, and illness can occur when we resist these changes. Healing can happen more easily as we relax, listen, and get our minds cooperating, not domination.

Seasonal Summary
Following the rains of winter and warming of spring, which prepare the Earth, the brilliant sunshine of summer allows nature to flourish. We tend to the garden and watch it grow and mature from the seeds we planted months before. The garden image may apply to whatever projects we begin; if we continue to put energy into them – like sun, water, care, and love – they grow and we all prosper. This relates to plants, children, relationships, work, and each of us. If we do not continue to nourish these areas, they may fail to thrive.

The summer is associated with the Fire element in the Chinese system. The organs ruled by this element are the heart and small intestine as well as the functions of circulation and body heat. How can we nurture these aspects which are so central to our well-being? Diet and exercise are very important to keep the Fire element strong. Proper nutrition is vital to maintain a healthy heart and to provide fuel and heat for the body. So our diet could be changed by eliminating refined foods, tea, coffee, and alcohol, and by cutting down on animal fats, particularly red meats, dairy fats, and other excessively fatty foods. The new wisdom, remember, suggests that eating some healthy fats in moderation from fish, nuts, and seeds is healthy. These are essential fatty acids for brain and nerve function, hormone production, and the health of our tissues.

Exercise is important. An hour a day is little to ask for the benefit you will get from exercise, and the summer is a good time to start. If you already have an exercise program, you can increase your efforts, your goals, and your well being by being active in the summer sunshine. Imagine that you have a new car to start driving around – it's your body. Get it out of the garage, shine it up, and take it for a spin. You may even realize you have a third or fourth gear that is more powerful than you thought. If it appears to need a little tune-up, get it checked; but often just driving it will have it purring in no time. Remember to feed it lots of light, wholesome fuel this summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of water and juices, big salads, wholesome protein, and some whole grains will all give it the power it needs.

Summer is a time to recharge those internal batteries with solar power. Keep the Fire balanced with Water inside and out, and keep the body loose, getting good exercise and plenty of stretching. Remember, it's a season for taking a break, for vacations and good fun, too... It is a time for growth, time to manifest your best, and you can think about getting back to work or school later.

Take care and Enjoy!

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