Chinese medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements--Wood, Earth, Metal, Water, and Fire--represent different, though interrelated, phases in the life cycle.

The summer season corresponds to the Fire Element. It represents a stage of peak power, the maximum energy output in any activity (like flowers in full bloom). Fire types typically attract others through their magnetism, brilliance, and warmth. Forceful, dynamic, decisive, and confident, those who are ruled by the Fire element are often born leaders.

If people have a deficiency in the Fire element, they can experience this as cold, weakness, lack of vitality, palpitations, insomnia, and an inability to follow through with projects to completion because of feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and/or stressed.

If people suffer from an excess of Fire, they might display aggressiveness, impulsiveness, impatience, restlessness, overexcitement, overheating, a flushed face, a dislike of being alone, hyperactivity, and anxiety. Both Fire types and other types may experience an excess of Fire periodically or as a pervasive pattern.

When the Fire element is balanced, relationships will have a smooth flow, and Fire types and others with a good Fire balance will experience enthusiasm and joy in daily life. The life experiences of those whose Fire is in proper balance will be characterized by peak performance, such as crossing the finish line in a marathon. Fire types and those whose Fire is in balance are often eloquent, passionate, positive, and able to keep their emotions steady, stable, and in check. Preferring the company of others, they are often described as "the life of the party."

Ideal foods for balancing the Fire element involve a varied assortment of lighter choices, especially foods with a cooling nature, such as cucumbers, salad greens, watermelon, sprouts, brightly colored vegetables, and lemons, all of which can be helpful during the summer months. (Note: very cold or frozen foods are discouraged in Chinese medicine because of their negative effect on the digestive system.)

Your Acupressure-to-go Point: Inner Gate (PC6) is located on the underside of the wrist crease, in line with the little finger. Pressing this calming, balancing point can help to relieve anxiety, nausea (it's the "sea-band" point), cold sweats, and insomnia due to overexcitement.