Southport, England Updated 29 August 2008 05:50 Mostly Cloudy 18°C High: 22°C Low: 18°C Wind: 5 kph Humidity: 77% MSN Weather Data provided by Foreca

                                                                                                        SOUTHPORT SUNSET 2007

THE SUMMER SOLTICE 21ST JUNE.

As we enter Summer time, are are experiencing high volumes of extreme weather throughout the world, it is as if Planet Earth is fighting back to regain balance and equilibrium and its voice is loud.

Summer should be a time when we have more energy and often find it easier to play or go out and walk or take up exercise,spending more time in the garden and taking longer walks. Summer is an essential time for building and protecting our energy resources for the remainder of the year. If our energy resources are low during summer we will feel more fatigued and more prone to illness in the autumn and winter months to follow. If we feel fatigued during the Summer, this is an indication that during the previous winter you did not rest enough and replenish your Kidney energy. You can however build on this again during summer by looking after yourself as much as possible watching you dont 'burn out' and watching your diet.

FIRE

FIRE is the element which represents Summer. Along with the organ related to that element which is the HEART. All our organs have a corresponding organ and that of the Heart is the SMALL INTESTINE. Both are up for service at this time of year.

In Oriental Medicine, all of our organs hold emotion. Depending on the strength of the energy within the organ will show within a persons personality and in their behaviour. We use terminology in our daily language which is relative to the emotions of our organs.

for example:-

If a person is very excitable, we refer to them as being 'all fired up'.

If someone is passionate we might say about them,that 

'they have a big heart'.

if someone is looking very negatively at the world around them we could say they are being 'very down hearted'

Fire is the element of enthusiasm, drive, desire, and passion. If you are a person who is full of fire you will be lively, dynamic, outgoing and enthusiastic. When that fire is deficient, you'll feel "burned out."

Within the physical body the Heart colour is RED. We can see this in someone who's heart is overwhelmed in that they can have a ruddy complexion or their palour could even be Purple, which if presented is one of concern as the heart is really struggling.

Our sense organ is that of the tongue. If our taste changes it can be down to changes in our emotional, or physical state:

for example cravings in pregnancy.

Our body will tell us what it is in need of by our craving's for certain foods.

Seasonal Foods.

Depending on your heart energy will depend on what foods are good or bad for you.

Our taste for this time of year is 'bitter'. The body will request this taste in order to help keep the heart cool and from becoming overheated, as well as cleansing the heart and circulatory system or deposits that have built up over the year. However:

if someone is weak or very fatigued then bitter flavours should be consumed in moderation.

Foods that enhance the fire element often have the colours and qualities that represent thr season. This includes the colours of Red or colours of the Sun.

ie:-

corn, sunflower seeds, apricots, peaches, plums, red lentils, strwberries, raspberies.

We should always eat the fuits of the season and more importantly those that are grown and produced locally.

Dietry tips:-

Bitter endive, chichory and dandelion can stimulate the heart.

Asparagus - is a supreme summer food as it has such cleansing properties.

Longan fruit increases the production of blood and helps with insomnia.

Foods rich in chlorophyll ( the green substance found in green leafy green vegetables) can help the quality of our blood especially when combined with grains.

Beetroot is also a great summer vegetable with its high content of iron.

Apricots, aduki beans, nettles, parsley, watercress,figs and sardines, all good summer foods.

Be wary of the nightshade foods:-

(peppers, aubergines, tobacco, tomatoes, and potatoes) as they are believed to weaken the energy of the heart especially when eaten in damp climates (which we are prone to in the UK) This is because of the high levels of toxic calcium they produce(which results in circulatory problems).

Herbs and Spices:-

Chamomile and mint teas can help clear excess heat and have a soothing effect on the body.

Dill and Basil also have a calming effect. Basil is renowned for its ability to enhance memory and promotes clear concentration.

Garlic and small amounts of cayenne pepper (not togather of course) have super qualities for the circulatory system.

Mung Bean can help reduce blood pressure. Pour hot water over 2 tablespoons of washed mung beans and drink first thing in the morning. Keep the beans and pour more hot water over them at drink at bedtime. they can also be added to soups and salads.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER...................................