The Fire Element and Summer
At the core of Chinese Medicine is the principle that all of nature is governed by Yin/Yang and the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
Each season is associated with a different element, and with the energy system of different organs of the body.
We are all made up of the Five elements and have one Guardian element that we resonate with the most; where we go when we are out of balance, but also when we have the capacity to reach our potential.
Summer is governed by Fire
This season is characterised by the dynamic and passionate Fire Element. It represents energy, vitality, and transformation. During this time, our emotions are ignited, and our spirit is enlivened by the warm glow of the sun. Whereas Wood, the element of Spring is there to give us hope and a clear vision in life, the energy of Fire is about activating those plans and realising that vision.
When outside you will see and feel that nature is growing and expanding… There is an abundance of flowers, trees, vegetables and shrubbery. This promotes a feeling of expansiveness and growth.
Summer provides the energy to promote activity, excitement, communication, intuition, connection, warmth and love. Imagine the warmth of the sun shining through the trees, the flame from a candle, a cosy fire. At the same time, a forest fire raging out of control causing chaos. These all illustrate different manifestations of the Fire Element.
Summer and our bodily Organs
The Fire element is linked to the organs of the Heart, Small Intestine and Heart Protector or Pericardium, and the function of the Triple Heater which acts as an inner thermostat by regulating our physical and emotional temperature and warmth.
The Fire Element governs the blood vessels and the Heart and constantly pumps Blood around the body providing us with this dynamic life force.
The Small Intestine energy gives us the ability to sort through ideas, thoughts or emotions. It also sorts out the waste from the much needed nutrients of the body. The Heart Protector or the Pericardium enables us to be open appropriately, to have boundaries and flexibility rather than leaving the Heart vulnerable and exposed or cold and closed. It protects the Heart by shielding it from the blows and traumas of life, and can be weakened by shock and hurt.
Summer and Emotion
The emotion associated with the Fire element is joy. When the Fire element is out of balance, a person may feel a deep sadness, a lack of emotional warmth and connection to others. A person may laugh inappropriately when talking about a loss, or experience no joy when talking about a previous passion. On the other hand, a person may feel too much joy in a manic or over the top way.
When our Fire element is in balance, we can experience joy and passion, our sense of self and confidence feels intact, and we can express and receive warmth and love. Indeed our Hearts have potentially unlimited stores of love to offer, and it’s this that can make us vulnerable. If we are prepared to open our hearts to love, we must be prepared to be rebuffed and hurt, the ultimate risk.. Fire’s greatest learning therefore may be detachment for some.
A typical Fire element is Billy Connolly. Yes he’s a comedian so you automatically want to laugh and he wants to bring joy, but not in the same way as Jimmy Carr or Victoria Wood for instance. You feel warm and included by his routines In later life, he exudes a vulnerability perhaps due to his Parkinson's disease, but he still wants to entertain and give generously from his heart.
Billy Connolly
https://youtu.be/4Rva-H3EWEA?si=1Mq6UFwRXgluSD09
Another great example of a Fire Element is Phoebe Waller Bridge although she embodies the naughty and slightly inappropriate side of Fire (think Hot Priest or Barak Obama!). It’s almost impossible not to laugh, or at the very least giggle, when watching or listening to her.
Phoebe Waller Bridge
https://youtu.be/B31s0pLCGdc?si=oMzx7n8QQ4NLH8Hk
https://youtu.be/PU0zC6evkZA?si=sQslQ8CGNi2oovJC
When our Fire Element is out of balance it often centres around relationships ;and learning how to give and receive love; plus of course, setting boundaries...
Anxiety, depression and panic attacks can occur when the heart is out of balance. On a physical level, heartburn, bad circulation, headaches, poor memory, insomnia and hot flushes are common; it’s the Fire element that takes a hit during menopause.
If you feel your Fire element needs some help, ask yourself - what brings you joy, passion and enjoyment in life?
Activities which support your connection with yourself and others will support your Fire; as will connecting with the animals and nature around us. Meditation and yoga can help calm the body and mind, as can a lovely walk in nature.
One of my favourite parts of acupuncture as a strong poetic system of medicine, is the point names. On the Heart Protector meridian, ‘Inner Frontier Gate’ is located on the inside of the wrist between the tendons; and on the Triple Heater meridian ‘Outer Frontier Gate’ is located on the top of the forearm directly opposite. These 2 points used together help to heal the body, mind and soul as it shields us from hurt and protects the heart from injury.
In the Five Element tradition, the heart is the emperor of the body’s kingdom and if it’s unstable or under threat there is a feeling of anxiety and panic, the kingdom is out of control. The Heart is healthy when processing emotion and listening to our heart’s calling; at the end of the Small Intestine channel, our ‘Listening Palace’ is used to help that key function.
How can treatment help
Acupuncture is wonderful to help bring about balance and alleviating any symptoms on a physical and/or emotional level arising from a depleted or excessive fire within you. Anyone can benefit from these treatments as we all have each element within us. Acupuncture is a dynamic form of medicine which harmonises and supports your overall energy.
Treatment Options
I currently treat on Fridays at The Cooperage and will be working from the Stables in Dumbreck on Tuesdays from September.
So to celebrate Summer and the Fire Element and as a Musical Theatre lover, here’s Without Love from Hairspray