During the months of December through February (in the southern hemisphere), we respond to our environment with keen adaptability and reflexiveness. During Summer (Fire Element), we love, expand, stretch, move, express, connect. The natural expansion of this phase brings warmth and increased social/physical activities. Fire element is all about heart energy: connection, family, belonging, community. It is easy to say yes and over commit when we are influenced by this expansive Fire energy. Small Intestine (S.I.), Triple Heater (T.H.) and Heart Protector (H.P.) meridians all get involved in the Fire Element picture.
S.I. deals with the aspects of separating and sorting our ingested energy from the waste products- this metaphorically can translate into how we use discernment in our day to day life. S.I. is the supportive, less vital ‘hollow’ organ to the vital ‘precious’ Heart. When there is S.I. dysfunction, it can overload the Heart, so it is important to free up this energy.
S.I. meridian is located predominately along the arms and throughout the scapula (shoulder blades), as well as abdomen and legs. These areas will feel tight, sore or weak if out of balance.
T.H. deals with the fluids at the three levels in the body:
Upper- Heart, Heart Protector and Lungs;
Middle- Stomach, Liver, Gall Bladder and Spleen;
Lower- Kidney, Bladder, Small Intestine, large Intestine.
T.H. is responsible for fluid, temperature, chemical and hormone regulation and distribution. Heart Protector does what it suggests. It takes the blows directed at the Heart. This can be being a carer, teaching, giver, parent or leader. When Heart Protector works hard, the pathways in the arms, legs and upper back tighten, Heart is exposed and we can start to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, insomnia, restlessness, bitter feelings, overheating, palpitations, scattered and sluggish energy, dizziness, anxiety and even mania.
If you feel your energy is showing signs that your Fire Elemental organs are out of balance, it may be time to find some, cooling and balancing techniques to get you back to an even keel.
Lilly’s self care techniques include:
-meditation
-practice saying no
-swimming
-ingesting more red/ bitter foods (cherries, capsicum, rhubarb, strawberries, tomato, goji berry, apple, brown sugar, sweet potato, carrots, red coloured foods)
-slow, low resistance exercise (dancing, Qi Gong, bowls, walking)
-put yourself on a technology diet for a few hours/days/weeks
-connect with safe, trustworthy people
-LAUGH
-watch comedies
-share a playful, fun activity with one person (not a group)
-Float Therapy
-Shiatsu Therapy
-Acupuncture
-Counselling/Life Coaching
-Hypnosis
At Body Stillness, we have a huge choice of therapies that will support you in finding your balance. Send Lilly or any of the team an email today to find out more about what you might need for YOU.
Happy Summering.
Take care. Lilly.
www.hobartshiatsu.com.au
