Diet Tips for Staying Balanced in the ‘Great Yang’ Season

The Great Yang season is upon us.
Yang energy is bright, fiery and
hot like the midday sun. Yang is the counterbalance to Yin. Yin is
expressed in the cooling, calming energies of life. Together, Yin & Yang,
like night & day, represent the dynamic balance between the opposing,
but complementary forces that make up all of existence. These forces
are ceaselessly intermingling in a sacred dance of life’s cycles. The cycle
of the seasons is a perfect demonstration of this balance in motion, and
as we turn the corner into summer, we reach a pinnacle in the cycle, the
summer solstice. Summer is known as the “Great Yang” season because
of this peak in the yang energy: the sun (ultimate yang energy) is closest
to the earth and the day (yang time) is the longest at this time of year.
We, as humans, are part of nature, so these forces exist in us just as in
our environment. With each changing season, Chinese Medicine offers
lifestyle guidance to tune our own energy cycles to the world around us
so that we can live in health and harmony.
One of the branches of this ancient medicine and health philosophy
is dietetics. There are a number of simple things to consider when
adjusting your diet to the energy of the Great Yang season.

In Season Fruits/Veggies/Herbs:
Time to hit the farmer’s market! It’s vital to interact with your natural
environment through the food it offers. Summer is full of fresh fruits,
vegetables and herbs that help to keep you hydrated, and to disperse
your Qi to match the light, ascending energy of yang. Nature knows
best so pay attention to what is growing well in your area as it may be
exactly what your body needs to be more aligned with the energy of
the season.

Heart and Small Intestine Considerations:
The heart and small intestine are the paired yin and yang organs
associated with summertime and the element of fire. The heart houses
the mind and it’s job is to perfuse the body with blood while the
small intestine’s job is to sort and process the food received from the
stomach. Blood tonifying foods like dark leafy greens and lean meat are
important to ensure a blood-rich safe haven for the mind to rest, as
well as enough blood to carry that energy of consciousness throughout
the body. Red foods like cherries, strawberries, goji berries and
tomatoes support the fire element and it’s no coincidence that these
foods are rich in antioxidants credited with cardiovascular benefits.
Also, have a heart when considering the important sorting job of the
small intestine. We can alleviate stress on this organ by not
overloading it with nutrient-deficient, over-processed food.
Keep it fresh!

Timing is Everything:
11am-1pm is heart time according to the 24-hour cycle of energies in
our bodies. Lunch time, the time when the energy is strongest in the
heart meridian is also a time when our digestive fire is strong, so enjoy
a mid-day meal! 1pm-3pm is small intestine time, this is the time to sort
and absorb food, rest, and allow your body to process the nutrients.

Presentation of Food:
Be mindful of aesthetics when serving yourself or others food in all
seasons, but especially summer, as beauty pleases the heart. What
feeling does your food stimulate before you even eat it? Consider
garnishing your dishes with a little extra love like a sprinkle of sesame
seeds or a fresh edible flower.