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'FOR THE HEALTH OF IT' COLUMN

Seasonal Adjustments – Spring to Summer

by Brenda Molloy

Welcome to ‘For the Health of It’ column in which we will explore lifestyle, health & healing alternatives.  It is my intention to offer Seasonal Adjustments five times per year as we move from one season to another.  In this issue we will discover how to facilitate an easy and graceful shift from spring to summer.

Classical Asian Medicine teaches us that we are microcosms which reflect our world.  Like our planet Earth we too are a combination of elements which are affected by the seasons.  When we choose to live in harmony with the seasons we are able to harness the energy that each season provides us with to make adjustments in our lives.  Tension happens when we resist the flow of the seasons from one to another, and illness can occur when we resist.  To be in harmony with the summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the Sun for nourishment during this period of luxurious growth.

The nature of summer is expansion, growth, creativity, outward activity and transformation.  This is a time when the flowers & fruits all around us are growing tall as they reach for the vibrant sunshine.  With spring coming to an end, which is the time of new beginnings, vision and action, the summer offers us the warmth required for transformation.  Summer is the time for blossoming into our fullest potential. 

With the influence of summer our dietary choices will move towards eating cooling & lighter foods.  Create beautiful meals with dazzling colors and adorn your dining table with creative floral arrangements.  Eat outside whenever possible while enjoying nature’s symphony performed by the birds and bees.  This is the time for enjoying sweet corn, summer squashes, leafy greens, locally grown fruits, red lentils, tofu, dulse, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, ginger and hot green & red peppers.  Cook lightly and regularly add a little spicy, pungent & even fiery flavour.  When sautéing and stir-frying use high heat for a very short time, and steam or simmer foods as quickly as possible.  Use little salt and more water.  Heavy foods on hot days cause sluggishness, choose to eat light.  Not combining too many foods together at one time will help to improve digestion and assimilation, and less gas will be produced by your system.

In the heat of summer it is essential that water is consumed to cool the heat and counteract dehydration.  Eight glasses of water per day is recommended.  Adding a touch of lemon or lime can turn an unappealing glass of water into a tasty treat.  Sour flavours have a cooling quality.  Avoid ice in drinks as it cools digestive fire making digestion difficult.

Regular exercise is important during every season.  In the summer we are drawn outdoors by the inviting warm sun.  Walking, hiking, running, swimming, and cycling are just some examples of summertime activities that cost nothing yet affect our health in a positive way.  Exercise will alleviate tiredness & lack of energy as well as reduce the excess weight gained over the long cold winter months.  Whatever activities you decide to do make sure that you enjoy them.  It is joy that feeds our cells with the happy messages of health, optimism and vitality which enhance our body’s natural curative abilities.  Balance the active exercises with gentle stretching activities like yoga, tai chi and qi gong which aid flexibility and coordination, as well as promote strength and mental relaxation.

Affirmations that are in harmony with summer include ‘I trust that I am blossoming in my own time’, ‘I easily and gracefully reach for the light of who I truly am’, “I invite the warmth & vitality of the Sun into my body, mind & soul’, and ‘I joyfully trust my creativity as I express who I am’.   Working with affirmations assists in the reprogramming of our cells which hold the blueprint for each individual’s optimum health.

Summer surrounds us with flowers.  Flowers are Nature’s reflection that reminds us of the care and patience required to unfold & blossom in our own time.  No one can rush a flower to blossom & open.  Each flower will open in its own time.  Choose to harness this upward movement of energy as you reach towards the Sun.  Relax into the process of becoming who you are while enjoying the summer and the warmth, inspiration & vitality that it has to offer.

BIO:
Brenda Molloy is a trainer and facilitator of Shiatsu, Acupressure, Yoga, Meditation, Sound Healing, Feng Shui & positive living choices.  She is the founder of Studio Chi, a school dedicated to the exploration of the movement of chi (energy).  Brenda loves to share her joy and passion for life while gently encouraging clients & students to relax and open to their highest potential.  Brenda is from Kelowna, BC. Website is www.studiochi.net 250-769-6898 E-mail Check out Brenda's upcoming workshops on the Kelowna workshop page.

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