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BALANCING THE FIRE
“The Five Elemental Energies of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water encompass all the myriad phenomena of nature. It is a
paradigm that applies equally to humans.”
The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (2nd Century B.C.)
Fire is the predominant elemental energy of Summer . When in balance with the other elements in this season we feel a
predominance of the emotion “joy". In this season the balance between work and play is important. Play releases and expands
the physical and subtle body which encourages the flow of joy by balancing the powerful influence of Fire.
The fire element is all about having the experience, sensing, feeling and being in the moment. Fire is related to the heart, which
is the seat of human emotions and the organ whose constant warmth and pulse keeps blood and energy moving.
Let’s take a closer look at this idea. The basic seasonal cycles of nature influence every living thing on earth. For now we will
just focus on the impact of Summer. Summer is the most overtly energetic phase of the cycle, when the ‘heat’ of full yang energy is
sustained. All life forms flourish in Summer thanks to the warm, stable glow of fire energy.
In balance we see our chi energy move outward and expand encouraging the flow of joy and love that should come naturally during this
time of year. If out of balance with other elements in this season Fire exhausts the chi energy and overwhelms the body. An overwhelmed
body with the element of fire is quick to anger, fatigues easily, is exhausted and looks red or rosy in the cheeks. These symptoms are
signals to re-balance the body with the other elemental energies.
During Summer, cool foods, water and colour can help balance the body to reduce the effects of the predominant Fire element.
Enjoy cool foods like salads, lime juice dressings, and yoghurts. Combine cool foods with water focused therapies, such as water massages
(try Aurora’s Vitality Massage or a Vichy/Rainshower Therapy).
The inclusion of water in Summer balances the fire energy and earths the body. Add the colour green to flower arrangements or a bowl of crystals
(aventurine is a good one) at home.
Relax and cool the body in a regular tepid bath of herbal tea. A wonderful mix of calendula, lemon grass and lemon verbena (Aurora’s Vitality Tea)
is placed in a cheesecloth covering and left in the bath to infuse. Tea baths will also assist in keeping the skin radiant and replenish drained energy.
Don’t be overwhelmed by Fire this Summer. Take these steps to ensure that you remain in balance throughout the season.
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Yours in good
health and happiness,
