Summer is one of the most yang times of the year in Chinese Medicine. We consider it to be a time of expansiveness and growth. It is associated with the fire element and growing from the upwelling of energy from the wooden spring season.  

In acupuncture, we think of the heart and small intestine meridian. When the heart energy is strong and balanced blood full of oxygen is moving through the body allowing for greater mental acuity,  When the mind is calm, we sleep deeply and are more mentally rested. When the mind and the heart are imbalanced, we noticed dream disturbed sleep, insomnia and restlessness. 

Essential Raw Foods That Replenish The Body

Summer is a great time to incorporate raw foods which are very cool and hydrating to the body and immune boosting.  Here is a list of foods to keep in mind during your next trip to the farmers market:

• apricot

• cantaloupe

• watermelon

• strawberries

• tomatoes

• lemon

• peach

• cucumber

• orange

• asparagus

• sprouts

• bamboo

• bok choy

• broccoli

Remember to consider the energetics of food and its relationship to the season you are presently enjoying.  Vegetables are light and cooler than the warm heaviness associated with meat. Eating a lot of meat in the summer will make you feel tired, lethargic and inflamed. 

For more tips on what foods to eat throughout the year to compliment the energetics of the season and properly nourish your body, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.