THE FIRE ELEMENT - Life Comes to Full Fruition

The Heart is the Emperor, ruling the kingdom that is our body - sitting majestically in the center of our chest, above all other internal organs. The health of our organs is dependent on the Heart, and its control of circulating blood throughout the body. Delivering Qi, oxygen and vital nutrients to every cell, exchanging it for waste and bringing it back to do it all over again, and again.

The center of the heart is where our spirit resides. When in harmony, our spirit experiences joy and passion and is able to radiate this warmth to those around us. An open heart is able to both give and receive love effortlessly.

We’ve long been aware of the connection between humans and nature – we share a relationship that is both interdependent and interconnected.

 EARTH,  WATER,  WOOD,  FIRE,  METAL

These are the five elements that represent everything from a small emotion to a large and destructive tornado. The Five Element theory is the backbone of Chinese medicine and philosophy. Each element within this dynamic cycle manifests through a season, an emotion, a taste, a feeling, etc.

The Fire element is birthed from Wood and the season of Spring. It is a time of utmost Yang, representing Summer, hot days & warm nights, high productivity, and the color red. Fire correlates to the energetic Yin Yang marriage of two important organs: Heart (Yin) and Small Intestine (Yang).*

EMBODIMENTS OF THE FIRE ELEMENT

In the ancient text known as the Neijing, the heart is described as the supreme authority within the human body, serving as the center of consciousness and intelligence. Should we choose to prioritize the nourishment of this vital component through our daily practices, we can expect our lives to be characterized by longevity, good health, and a sense of stability.

NUTRITION ENERGETICS OF SUMMER

Align your diet with the natural rhythms of the seasons and embrace the Fire season’s bounty with these foods: 

• Watermelon: hydrating & cooling
• Cucumber: quenches thirst & reduces body heat
• Mung beans: cooling in nature & can clear heat from the body
• Lotus root: promotes hydration & cools the body
• Bitter melon: clears heat & reduces internal dampness.
• Green tea: quenches thirst & contains beneficial antioxidants
• Mint: cooling & aids in digestion
• Summer squash: hydrating, light, & easily digestible *stick to zucchini and yellow squash
• Seaweed: cooling & nourishes the body with minerals and vitamins
• Pears: cooling in nature & help soothe the throat and reduce internal heat
• Lemons: alkalizing effect on the body & can help balance internal heat during the summer
• Celery: hydrating, cooling, & contains fiber

Foods to avoid:

• Spicy and hot foods
• Fried and greasy foods
• Excessive alcohol
• Excessive coffee and caffeinated drinks

HEAT CLEARING TEA TO STAY COOL

• 1/2 cups dried chrysanthemums
• 1 tbsp goji berries
• 1 tsp raw honey
• 2 1/2 cups water

Add the water to a pot and heat over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add in your chrysanthemums, goji berries and your desired amount of honey. Turn the heat down low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1 hour and do not uncover. Enjoy hot or iced!

MORE WAYS TO BE IN TUNE WITH FIRE

Music has the ability to invoke positive feelings and the power to control our mood. We put together a Summer playlist that'll uplift your childlike spirit, and increase your joy - activating the endless summer.

DOCTOR RECOMMENDATIONS

• Unclench your jaw, and open your heart
• Rest midday to honor peak Yang hour
• Seek out bodies of water to keep cool
• Honor your inner child with that which brings you joy

*When discussing organs through a Traditional Chinese Medicine lens we are referring to the energetic function of the organ, as opposed to the literal organ itself.