How to nourish and calm the mind in summer

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer Corresponds to Fire, Which Relates to the Heart

In the five elements theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is associated with fire, and fire corresponds to the heart. The heart governs the blood vessels, and it plays a crucial role in the circulation of qi (energy) and blood. The heart is also the ruler of the mind, encompassing the intangible aspects of spirit and soul, which are closely related to the circulation of qi and blood.

TCM emphasizes the concept of "the correspondence between humans and nature." During summer, when the sun's heat reaches its peak, the yang energy of the heart should align with this natural phenomenon. If the heart's yang energy is insufficient, especially if there are pre-existing heart issues, symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or even sudden heart-related incidents may occur. Even healthy individuals may experience discomfort during the summer solstice, when yang energy is at its peak, manifesting as a red tongue tip, poor sleep, irritability, and other symptoms.

In such cases, it's beneficial to regulate emotions. Happiness can improve heart health, so consciously thinking of joyful things can help alleviate irritability.

The five flavors correspond to the five organs in TCM: sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty. The bitter flavor is linked to the heart, and summer is the time to consume bitter foods. Adjusting your diet accordingly can be helpful. For instance, you can eat some bitter melon. The heart of the lotus seed also has a slight bitterness and can be brewed into tea.

On the day of the summer solstice, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., it's important to nurture the mind. If the mind is not well-nourished, it can lead to internal heat. Therefore, calming the mind and relaxing is essential. Taking a short nap of 10 to 20 minutes, no longer than half an hour, can be beneficial. If you're at work and can't lie down, simply closing your eyes for a while can also help rejuvenate the mind. In fact, effective mental rejuvenation doesn't require much time; with the right method, you can quickly restore mental energy. If a nap exceeds half an hour, you might wake up feeling groggy and unrefreshed. This is because extended rest relaxes the entire body, making it difficult to regain alertness quickly. Therefore, it's crucial to keep naps short.

Additionally, massaging specific acupuncture points can help calm the mind, reduce internal heat, and promote heart health.

The first key point is Shenmen (神门穴), which is an important point for nourishing the heart. It is located on the wrist and can be massaged for 10 to 20 minutes daily, at any time of day. The main functions of the Shenmen point are to calm the mind and spirit, and massaging it in the afternoon or evening can improve sleep.

Another useful point is Shaofu (少府穴), located on the palm, making it very convenient to massage. The term "fu" refers to a residence, and in this context, it suggests a place where heat and humidity can accumulate, particularly during the summer. Pressing this point helps to expel dampness and reduce internal heat. You can alternate between massaging the Shaofu point on your left and right hands, doing so for 3 to 5 minutes each time. Combining this with mental relaxation can enhance health and wellness.