Summer Lovin.....The summer time is the season of the Heart and Small Intestine, of fire and joy!
 
The Chinese would say our shen, our spirit is housed in the heart. The shen maintains our emotional health, clarity of our thoughts and sees to it that we have restful sleep. The physical function of the heart in Chinese Medicine is much the same as Western function: circulating the blood. As the 9th Chapter of Plain Questions says: "The glory of the heart is manifested on the face, since the blood fills up the vessels." Your acupuncturist might comment on your bright shen when you complexion is smooth and your cheeks rosy.

Summer is finally on its way. If you live in the midwest, this is the gift we've been waiting for throughout the cold, cloudy, winter months. According to Chinese Medicine the Summer is the season of optimal yang energy. This means that the most abundant energy is availabe during the summer months. Yang is classically light and bright. While this may seem like a no brainer to some, our daily, habitual routines might have allowed the wisdom of our bodies to take the back seat for most. If your body and mind are still feeling slow and sluggish from this long winter and spring we've seem to had this year (or is it just me waiting for sunshine) read below for simple ways to culivate and access the abundant energy now available to you. 

1. Spend time outside! Take this time to breathe fresh air and enjoy natural beauty. When outside be mindful of the sun and protect your skin accordingly as well as making sure to drink plenty of water. 

2. The summer is a great time to get involved in creative projects. All those ideas you had in the winter during cabin fever put to action now. Grow a garden, take an art class, get involved with a yoga class, whatever you are feeling called to do. 

3. Take advantage of the farmer's markets. With all the buzz about going green more and more communities are supporting local farmer's markets. There are plenty delicious fresh fruits and vegatables available in the summer months. Eating locally grown foods supports local business and has another advantage: the foods you eat have adapted to the same environment that you are living in. This is optimal nutrition.

4. You've already heard it, the summer is the time of increased energy and supports especially the heart. Your workout routine in the summer should also reflect this. Move your body in whatever ways give you joy! Make sure your movement builds up a sweat and is over a longer period of time to build the cardiovascular system. Dancing, hiking, yoga, and swimming are all great summer activites. Late morning exercise is optimal for the summer months. Most important is to just do it!

5. Don't forget about your seasonal acupuncture tune up! As the seasons shift it is always a great idea to receive acupuncture so that your body is at its strongest to move with these shifts. 

Whole Health Acupuncture will be offering Summer Sangha, a community acupuncture session.
June 20th from 2:00-4:00p at 3000 Dundee Rd St202 in Northbrook IL. In addition to receiving acupuncture you will leave with tools to strengthen the energies of the heart and small intestine to maintain your wellness throughout the summer months. For more information you can visit: www.wholehealthprograms.com Register by June 10th. Space is limited. If you can't join us for Summer Sangha come to the office for your Summer Tune-Up at the discounted price. Call 847 357-3929 to schedule your appointment.

Whole Health Acupuncture
60 Turner Ave 2nd Floor
Elk Grove Village IL 60007
call to schedule your appointment: 847 357-3929
visit us on the web: www.wholehealthprograms.com