JUNE MUSINGS FOR THE SUMMER SOLSTICE
The longest day of the year – Summer Solstice – a vibrant energy, a time of reflection during a transformative + energizing period. Just as the spring blooms fade into the lush green landscapes, we find ourselves amidst the fullness of summer, where the sun shines its brightest and nature thrives in its fullest glory.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer is the season of Yang energy; it represents warmth, activity, and outward expansion. Yang energy is dynamic, stimulating, and associated with qualities like brightness, growth, and movement. It corresponds to the element of Fire and is linked to organs such as the heart and small intestine. In contrast, Yin energy, prevalent in Winter, is cooling, inward, and restorative. It embodies qualities of stillness, receptivity, and introspection, corresponding to the element of Water and organs like the kidneys and bladder. Together, these complementary forces maintain balance and harmony within the body.
ORGAN: Heart
ELEMENT: Fire
EMOTION: Joy
DIRECTION: South
COLOR: Bright orange
TASTE: Refreshing
TO PRACTICE
MINDFUL BREATHING: Mindful breathing involves bringing awareness to each breath, using it as a tool to calm the mind and connect with the present moment. When we consciously breathe into the heart space, we can alleviate anxiety by activating the body's relaxation response. We’re taking the energy away from any buzzing thoughts in our minds and channeling it back down into our physical beings, down into our chest and therefore out of our heads. This practice also fosters emotional balance, enhances focus, and cultivates a deeper sense of self-awareness.
YOGA HEART OPENERS: Focus on heart-openers in your yoga practice this season: expand and energize the chest and upper body to foster a sense of openness and emotional release. These poses, such as backbends like Cobra, Bridge, or Camel pose, not only stretch the front body but also stimulate the heart chakra, which is associated with love, compassion, and connection. By practicing heart-opening yoga, you can release tension held in the chest, improve posture, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and others.
QIGONG: Qigong practice during the summer focuses on harmonizing with the abundant yang energy of the season, promoting vitality, balance, and emotional well-being. Emphasizing gentle movements, deep breathing, and mindfulness, summer qigong routines help to regulate body temperature, enhance circulation, and cultivate inner calm amidst the heat. By aligning with the natural rhythms of summer, qigong offers a holistic approach to staying grounded, energized, and resilient throughout the warmer months. Book a Sunday morning QiGong class with Kate Patterson here at Pointe Acupuncture.
TO consume
Eating seasonally (and locally!) comes with so many benefits: the produce that comes to fruition upon its respective harvest-time is almost always relalvent in how it can serve us during each season.
COOLING FRUITS, VEG, HERBS: Think watermelon, cucumber, and mint, for example – all containing high water contents to bring extra hydration and cooling from within.
SUMMER SALADS: Enjoy crisp salads bursting with seasonal vegetables, like asparagus, beets, peas, radishes, and top with light dressings to complement those bright flavors.
SMOOTHIE SEASON: Blend refreshing fruits like mango, pineapple, and citrus with coconut water or kombucha for a hydrating and invigorating beverage.
JUNE APOTHECARY PICKS
SUNSCREEN - UTU This mineral sunscreen is crafted without toxic ingredients, providing effective protection without compromising on health. Ideal for sensitive skin and daily use, it shields against harmful UV rays while nourishing with natural, skin-loving ingredients. We carry two sizes of this for those looking to have an SPF staple in their medicine cabinets + those looking to throw a tube into their makeup bag when you hit the road.
Aloe Vera Juice - Lily of the Desert: Renowned for its cooling and hydrating properties, aloe juice is a summer essential. In the same way aloe is perfect for soothing sun-exposed skin, it also cools the body from within + supports digestive health, making it a refreshing addition to your summer wellness routine.
Northern Michigan Travel Guide by Wildsam This little (almost pocket-sized) field guide to northern Michigan is one of my go-to items for all of my trips up north. Well curated picks on where to eat, where to adventure, where to shop, etc. and tidbits of history of the northern region of our Great Lakes state.
As we embrace the energy of the Summer Solstice and the abundance of June, may this season be a time of joy, connection, and personal growth. Let's celebrate the warmth and vitality that summer brings, nurturing our bodies and spirits as we embark on this journey of renewal and exploration.
xx Dr. Sam