Summer
In Chinese medicine summer starts in May with two seasons: summer (Fire) and late summer in August (Earth).
By early July we are in the time of “slight heat” hot days have begun but the hottest are still to come. By August the days are shortening, this is the turning point of Fire into Earth.
When embracing the summer’s energy consider how much capacity you have. The temptation is to burn brightly and devour all that is on offer but it’s important to check in with our centre/earth and only take what you need to nourish you. Late summer offers an opportunity to follow nature, to slow down and gather the first harvest of the year.
Fire: oils that calm the heart: lavender*, neroli, melissa. Oils to uplift and bring joy to the heart: jasmine, rose, geranium
Earth: oils to calm earth element’s tendency to overthink and worry: frankincense and lemon, an over-giving/over-extended earth type: marjoram and vertiver.
Our Fire element within us enables the ability to be with others and enjoy gatherings, shared ideas and community, which we naturally want to do in summertime.
The Earth element brings balance and stability, it allows us to tap into our reciprocal nature. Giving and taking in equal measures.
Here are some acupressure points that may help you this season:
Heart 7: Shen Men, Spirit Gate
Good for: insomnia, anxiety, feeling unsettled or jumpy, connects to our spirit and self.
This point is on the wrist crease. Run your thumb along the little finger side of your opposite hand to the wrist crease, find a small square bone at the corner of your wrist (pisiform) and jump over it to a small notch in the bone where you can press with your thumb. Apply gentle continuous pressure to the point whilst breathing deeply; in through the nose and out through the nose or mouth. Make your exhale slightly longer than your inhale for 6-10 breaths on both sides. Each time you inhale visualise you are breathing in revitalising energy or Qi through your nose and taking your breath down to your belly.
This is a great calming point, holding your beloved’s hand in yours gently feel for the notch at the wrist crease and rub the point with your thumb for 1-2 minutes.
Yintang: Spirit Hall calms the mind, centres the spirit, regulates the pineal gland and supports hormones. Use a light pressure to connect with this point on your forehead. Deep breaths in and out (as above), see if you can visualise a light or energy coming into the point down to your toes.
Stomach 36: Leg Three Miles: This point is great to soothe digestion and restore energy. Good way to connect with the earth element, grounding and nourishing.
The point lies on the outside of the shin, run your fingers up to the flare of the bone. It is also four fingers width below your knee cap. Feel for a soft squashy point and feel for an ache. This is your Qi! Connect with the breath as above. *Lavender is safe to use on the skin after 12 weeks of pregnancy