Embracing summer

​In this month’s edition:
~Supporting the Heart in Summer
~Scheduling Notes


This is the first in a series that will explore how we view seasonal changes in traditional Chinese medicine, and how to make the most of the changes for your health and happiness.

Summer is here!
Slow as it may have been to arrive, we have finally left behind the the cool of the spring and landed into the deep warmth of summer. The sun’s long foray through the sky warms all of us in the end, beaming golden light through the thick grey of fog to heat us deep into our bones.

All that poetic language is just right for the season of creativity, open-heartedness and companionship. Summer is ruled by the heart, which thrives when we laugh, celebrate, sing, and talk with people with love. We can also nourish the heart through all the creative arts and taking an artistic approach to daily living.
​
Summer heat and long days can be challenging to our systems. One of the theories of Chinese medicine includes the division of the natural world into five elements, to which various aspects of our health and bodies align. Fire is one of those elements, and its natural exuberance can be a little intense during this season of heat (fingers crossed that it’s not so literal this year!). In our bodies, we associate Fire with our Hearts.  And so when we go out of balance, we may notice traditional Heart-related symptoms such as palpitations, trouble sleeping, excessive sweating, and feeling tongue-tied. Come in for a tune-up, and check out the graphic below for some home remedies as well:

Seasonal notes
The summer solstice was our peak “yang” moment of the year- the most brightness, the longest days- and in accordance with the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, it is also the very beginning of the move toward winter. The extreme of the longest day signals the beginning of the decline in day length.
​
Understanding that the beginning of winter resides in the peak of summer also reflects the truths of life that can be more difficult. The more that we love people, for example, the more we have to lose when the ones we love pass from our lives. What we value becomes all the more precious when it is gone. Flowers are so beautiful in part because they are ephemeral.

Accepting this dual nature of life is part of how we develop wisdom: learning to cherish each moment as it arises, and letting it go once it is complete. So be sure to stop and smell the roses while they are blooming!

Scheduling notes:

We are still transitioning to our new scheduling software, so give the clinic a call to set up your appointments at 707-242-6812. Our wonderful receptionist, Maria, will be happy to get you booked!

Thank you for reading! As always, we gladly welcome your feedback; tell us what is working for you, and please let us know what we can do better!

Take good care,
Demetra

Demetra Markis, L.Ac., Community Room Director
Cotati Community Acupuncture

Want to share with a friend? Please feel free to forward this email, or the next time you’re in, pick up a card for a friend to give them a discounted First Visit to the Community Room. ​