As the warm rays of the sun envelop us and nature flourishes in vibrant hues, we find ourselves in the midst of summer—a season that holds profound significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this edition of our newsletter, we will explore the intricate relationship between the Heart and Shen, and how we can support our health, relationships, and overall well-being during these blissful months.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Heart represents the emperor of our internal kingdom, governing the harmonious flow of energy and emotions. Its partner, the Shen, embodies our spirit, consciousness, and radiant presence. Together, they play an integral role in maintaining our vitality and nurturing our connections with others.
During the summertime, the fire element takes center stage, infusing our lives with warmth and joy. It is the ideal time to focus on cultivating and nourishing our Heart and Shen. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a wealth of wisdom in the form of herbs, essential oils, and foods that can support this endeavor.
TCM offers valuable insights into the herbs, essential oils, and foods that can support our heart during this time.To promote heart health, TCM recommends incorporating cooling and nourishing foods into our diet. Some beneficial options include watermelon, cucumber, mint, and leafy greens. Additionally, herbs like hawthorn berry, lavender, and chamomile can provide gentle support for the heart.
Essential oils such as rose, neroli, and ylang-ylang can be used in aromatherapy to uplift the spirit and promote emotional well-being.
In TCM, the small intestine is closely connected to the heart and plays a vital role in digestion and assimilation. By nourishing the small intestine, we support the overall health of our heart. Foods that promote small intestine health include whole grains, fermented foods, and bitter greens such as dandelion and arugula.
Now, let’s explore the concept of Shen and its significance in our well-being. Shen represents the spiritual and conscious aspects of our being. It encompasses our mental and emotional states, as well as our spiritual connection. During the summer months, when the fire element is predominant, we have a unique opportunity to nurture our Shen and experience a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment.
To support our Shen, it’s essential to manage our emotions effectively. Excessive joy, excitement, or overstimulation ( i.e.: even EMF devices ) can disturb the heart and Shen. On the other hand, it’s important to avoid excessive worry, anxiety, or sadness, as these emotions can also impact our heart health. Finding a balance between exuberance and tranquility is key.
In addition to dietary and emotional considerations, nurturing Shen involves caring for our mind and body. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindful breathing can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and strengthen our connection to the present moment. Engaging in activities that bring us joy, such as spending time in nature, pursuing creative hobbies, or cultivating meaningful relationships, can also nourish our Shen.
To further support your journey of nurturing Shen this summer, we’d like to share two delightful recipes that promote heart health and harmonize the fire element:
- Watermelon and Mint Salad:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of diced watermelon
- Fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
- Combine the diced watermelon and chopped mint leaves in a bowl.
- Toss gently to mix well.
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light and cooling summer treat.
- Chamomile and Lavender Iced Tea:
- Ingredients:
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
- Honey or agave syrup (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Instructions:
- Steep the chamomile tea bags and dried lavender flowers in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and strain out the lavender flowers.
- Add honey or agave syrup for sweetness, if desired.
- Allow the tea to cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices for a soothing and aromatic summer beverage.
By incorporating these recipes into your summer routine, you can savor the flavors of the season while supporting the health of your heart and Shen.
Remember, nurturing Shen is an ongoing process that requires our attention and care. As we strengthen our spirit and consciousness, we create a solid foundation for overall well-being and a deeper connection to ourselves and others.
To gain more practical suggestions on utilizing foods, herbs, and tools to balance your inner fire and embrace the elemental wisdom of summer, I invite you to join us in our Virtual Interactive Summer Cooking Class! Recipes for Health & Longevity. These classes will be held on Wednesday nights throughout July. This illuminating experience will provide you with a taste of our Food as Medicine approach to healing, offering valuable insights into harmonizing with the season and nurturing your well-being throughout the summer.
Additionally, we will shed light on our premium certification programs and other course offerings. At the Traditional Chinese Healing Arts Academy, we provide professional training programs in Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine, Oriental Dietetics, as well as Tai Chi, Qigong, and Taoist meditations.
So if this something you’ve been thinking about doing … something you’ve been procrastinating on…. Join us this fall!
Enrollment for our Traditional Chinese Healing Arts Academy programs, commencing this fall September 2023, is now open to inspiring students, practitioners and graduates of professional programs.
Should you have any questions or seek further information, our team is readily available to assist you.
Simply book a call at your convenience and let’s get cooking with your dream career.
Live Your Summer…Of harmonious Relationships…. See you in the fall.
The Academy…