This Saturday, June 20th, is the summer solstice. It is the official change from spring to summer. In Chinese Medicine Theory, summer is associated with the heart and small intestine—otherwise known as the fire element. Thus, we will feel our best when we optimize these organs.

Symptoms of Imbalance: feeling manic, anxious, burned out, overwhelmed, forgetful, nervous or excitable. Having muscle tension and cramps, acne, skin rashes, restless sleep or insomnia, vivid dreams, waking frequently, circulatory problems or palpitations.

Tools to Balance: balance the sociable nature of summer with some alone time each day, write in a journal or meditate to help decrease anxiety and nervousness, plan ahead and prioritize to avoid becoming scattered or forgetful, make sure you have time for fun and play, give of yourself to others, move your body every day, avoid foods that are too spicy and over-heating, include bitter and cooling foods in your diet, limit exposure to extremely hot temperatures (hot yoga, saunas, etc.).

Foods to Balance: all dark bitter greens (chard, collards, kale), dandelion greens, lentils and legumes, corn, oats, basil, black pepper, brown rice, chamomile, chia seeds, dill, fruit, fresh ginger, lemon, mint, mulberry, mushrooms, quality dairy products, cucumbers, pears, red bell peppers and whole wheat.

PC: @zeewipark