It’s Fourth of July and it looks like Portland is finally getting some warm summer like weather!! In Oriental Medicine, Summer is the time of
the Fire Element. All the Elements have an Chinese Organ that is associated with it and for the Fire Element it’s the Heart. In the tradition of
Oriental Medicine, the Heart is not only the physical organ but also our mental/emotional center, reflected by the saying ” Have a Heart” or
“He had his Heart broken”. Dean Ornish MD a Heart specialist has developed from his experience a similar awareness ” I think the mind is
where heart disease begins for many people”. So according to Oriental Medicine the Heart not only pumps blood but also controls our spirit,
sleep, memory and houses the mind.
General symptoms of a Heart-Mind Imbalance include: scattered & confused mind, excess or no laughter (joy is the emotion of the fire element),
depression, loss of memory, poor circulation, weak spirit. We know Hear disease is one of the largest health problems in America.How do we
calm the Mind? with meditation, tai qi, going against the grain of our go, go
society and just be!!
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine red herbs like Salvia are said to go to the heart (as the color of the Fire Element is red) and in fact a
new herbal product Dan Shen Dripping Pills is under FDA testing for use and we can get this formula at East-West Acupuncture. Some ideas for foods to
include during the summer: eat more fruit, raw foods are most applicable now,
seeds like chia seed & jujube seeds, dill & basil and whole grains (brown rice,
oats). Try to avoid stimulants and junk foods like: refined sugar, coffee, alcohol, very spicy or rich foods. Of course, get out and enjoy nature!!
