For many of us, Summer is our favourite season. Long, lazy days filled with sunshine, swimming, ice cream and that feeling of freedom. Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere is always the week before Christmas which for many is a busy time. However the longer days, sunset swims and social attitude that Summer brings more than makes up for this.

Summer is a yang season; we fit more into our day with the longer sun light filled hours. Yang qualities are all about energy, joy, sunshine and ‘doing’. There’s a reason so many songs and books are written with a summer theme; often it’s associated with holidays and possibility, exploration and relaxation. Most festivals are in summer (not only for the good weather but the good vibes that this season brings.)

We peel off our layers of winter clothing and embrace the feeling of summer skin, floaty dresses and sensuality of baring our skin.

Summer is associated with freedom and expansion.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view the key element is fire which symbolises joy, vitality, energy and expansion. The two key organs that symbolise Summer are the Heart and Small Intestine.

The Heart needs nurturing to provide optimal health so doing things that bring you joy in Summer is part of your self care. The Heart organ regulates the blood and connects us to our mind and emotions. The Small intestine organ seperates the pure and impure foods and drinks aiding digestion and helps with emotional clarity. Together they help balance the fire element within the body.