Nurturing Yang Energy in Summer: Traditional Chinese Wisdom for the Season of Growth

In traditional Chinese culture, summer, the fourth, fifth, and sixth months of the lunar calendar is regarded as a season of lush growth and vibrant beauty. It is when Yang energy reaches its peak. During this time, heavenly Qi (energy) descends, and earthly Qi rises. Their harmonious interaction encourages all living things to blossom and bear fruit.

Both spring and summer are ideal for nurturing Yang energy. To align with the season, it is advised to:

• Stay up a little later and rise early

• Embrace the longer, warmer days without resentment

• Maintain inner peace and calmness

• Allow the body’s Yang energy to flow outward freely
  

This seasonal practice helps regulate vitality, dissipate summer heat, and support the “Qi of growth.” Ignoring these principles may weaken the heart Qi, impair the body’s ability to recover in autumn, and lead to recurring illnesses in winter. What to Avoid in Summer

According to Chinese medicine, excessive outdoor exercise that leads to heavy sweating is not recommended during summer. Overexertion under the hot sun can cause:

• Excessive sweating and irritability

• Rapid breathing or talkativeness

• High body heat that only subsides after sweating
  

If dampness and heat aren’t properly released, it may result in:

• Stiffness or weakness in tendons and muscles

• Swelling and edema due to Qi deficiency

• Extreme fatigue leading to exhaustion of Yin fluids

Prolonged imbalance could eventually result in symptoms like blurred vision, hearing loss, and a sudden collapse of health—much like a dam breaking. Dietary Advice for Summer

Bitter foods are believed to benefit the heart in summer. However, moderation is key. Overconsumption may harm the spleen and lead to poor digestion or bloating.

Examples of bitter foods:

• Bitter melon, dandelion greens, dark leafy greens

If you overindulge in bitter flavors, balance them with salty foods such as:

• Amaranth, millet, barley, seaweed, kelp, salt, miso

• Pork, pork kidney, pig’s blood, duck meat

• Sea cucumber, crab, clam, mussel, abalone

• Purple laver, jellyfish, quail egg, etc.
  

  

Using Essential Oils to Support Summer Wellness

Essential oils can help promote circulation, enhance emotional balance, strengthen the sense of love and joy, and stabilize Yang energy.

Recommended oils for summer:

• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

• Rose (Rosa damascena)

• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus [syn. Rosmarinus officinalis])

• Lemon (Citrus limon)

• Bergamot (Citrus × bergamia)

• Yuzu (Citrus junos)

• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

• Ammi Visnaga (Ammi visnaga)

• Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides [syn. Vetiveria zizanoides])

• Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac, depending on the oil)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

• Carrot Seed (Daucus carota subsp. sativus)

• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi)
  

Summer Bliss Essential Oil Blend

Promotes circulation, opens the heart to love, and calms the mind.

Ingredients:

• 10 ml carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, or almond)

• 3 drops Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

• 3 drops Yuzu (Citrus junos)

• 2 drops Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• 1 drop Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

• 1 drop Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)
  

Directions:Mix all oils together and apply gently to the chest, wrists, or temples. Use during meditation, quiet moments, or after a long day to reconnect with yourself and the season.

Embrace the summer with mindfulness, balance, and a peaceful heart. Let nature’s rhythm guide you toward health and harmony. Xiaoya Gao, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist

www.soularoma.net