Summer: The season of maximum activity and the fullest expression of yang (heat/fire/movement), according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In TCM summer is associated with the fire element and the heart, which is the seat of the mind and the highest expression of radiating love and joy. The fire element of summer has the power to give light and illuminate our inner selves.
The three months of summer bless us with an abundance of sunshine and rain. The heavenly energy descends, and the earthly energy rises. When these energies merge, there is intercourse between heaven and earth. As a result, plants blossom and flowers, fruit and vegetables grow abundantly. This is also the most yang time of year when plants and animals are most active, gardens are bountiful, and a perfect time to be more physical.
Being the season of growth it’s also a time to move our bodies. Wake up earlier, run, hike, swim, move your body, enjoy time with loved ones and go to bed later.
Summer Supportive Foods
Chinese medicine is not about fad diets. It is a medicine that celebrates food and eating in harmony with the seasons. In the summer, we eat foods that are more cooling and hydrating to balance the heat of the summer sunshine. And bitter foods drain the excesses of heart fire.
Fruits: Apple, lemon, watermelon, orange, pear, and pineapple
Vegetables: Cucumber, lettuce, spinach, tomato, salads, mint, dill and cilantro
Liquids: Spring water, watermelon juice, green juice, green and white tea
Tea: Honeysuckle, Mint and Chrysanthemum teas have cooling benefits
Avoid: Hot foods such as coffee, alcohol, spicy peppers, fried food and red meats
URBAN REMEDY SUMMER FRIENDLY PICKS: All green juices especially Deep Cleaning as it is bitter (heart friendly) and cooling, all green salads, Matcha Energy Bar, Mint Cacao Chip, and our low glycemic lemonades like Chlorophyll Refresh.
Summer TCM Self Care Practices
Express your joy: Spend time doing the things you love with the people you love.
Stay out: Take advantage of the long days and stay out later, but also make time to relax and rebalance.
Balance the Fire Element: Cool down and go for a lake or ocean swim if you can.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods each day.
Cooling Avocado Summer Soup
This soup is perfect for the summer months as it is cooling and harnesses the power of seasonal ingredients like cilantro and spinach.
Ingredients
2 large avocados
1/4 Bunch cilantro (leaves only)
5 large basil leaves
1 cup spinach leaves
3 Tbs hemp seeds
1 lemon
3 Cups spring water
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
Small knob of ginger about 1 tsp chopped
½ Teaspoon pink salt
Preparation
- Put all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend well.
- Pour into soup bowls.
- Sprinkle with dulse flakes and sesame seeds.
