Everything in our universe has Yin and Yang qualities.
They are the extremes; they each have both positive and negative attributes that are needed to create balance and harmony.
Yin- Winter, feminine, introspective, focused, cool, dark and quiet.
Yang- Summer, masculine, social, energetic, hot, bright.
The summer is the time of Yang and the organs related to that in Traditional Chinese Medicine are the heart and small intestine. The heart is the queen of our body, enlivening and feeding all other organs and functions through the circulating of our blood, keeping us going mentally, and helping us physically grow through this time of go go go.
In addition, Fire is the element associated in this season. This is represented with strong digestive “fire” in the belly, as well as joy, expansion, love and light in the heart. It is the manifestation of all we have sowed in the Spring.
Opposite to this is the very Yin counterpart winter and its related organ, the kidneys. This is a time for rest, reflection, going inward and meditation. Much like when animals hibernate, our emotions and sometimes our physical self must retreat from too much socializing to conserve energy, restore and replenish our inner beings.
Taking that all in to account, as we celebrate this season of plentiful energy, longer lighter days, and an excess of socializing, be sure to take a moment to check in and notice if you are getting energetically as well as physically overheated.
Exhausted bodies mixed with too many imbalances, a large emphasis on Yang and very little attention or energy left to nurture your Yin, results in a stressed heart. This can manifest itself in a lack of sleep, restlessness, anxiety and anger, which can all result in a slowing of the blood throughout the body, causing fogginess in the mind, scattered emotions and some major burnt out symptoms.
This is why we must support our Yin in the summer to maintain a balance of our internal harmony both emotionally and physically. We are naturally Yang at this time, so we must eat foods that feed our Yin organs and support our body to help it come down from the crazy high of the heart-centered summer.
Here are some ideas for fun ways to incorporate more Yin activities:
- Sitali Pranayama – a yogic breathing technique that is cooling – If you can roll your tongue, do. If not,make an open pout with your lips like you are sipping through a straw, and inhale through your lips or rolled tongue. Close your mouth around your tongue and exhale gently out your nose. Repeat as needed.
The air passing over your tongue is cooling, and it slows the breath, which is perfect for calming your heat both physically and emotionally. This can be a very helpful tool for anyone on the go, especially during times of anxiety and for those who have a tenancy to overheat, are menstruating, pregnant or in menopause. - Take a slower paced summer vacay. This is a wonderful time weather wise to just lay by the lake in reflection or go camping and take a hike through the cool forest for some quiet contemplation.
- Photography is another great hobby in the summer in which we can capture the ripe beauty of this Yang season while balancing it with some introspective gratitude and celebration of all it has to offer.
- Hot yoga is popular these days and while I do enjoy it (when I don’t mind dedicating the extra time to re-straighten my hair after), going into that heat during this time of year would likely make me frazzled and aggravated. To dial it down through the warmer months, try a restorative, slower Yin yoga class.
If you are unsure about trying something new, or can’t make it to a class, try out some Yin on my favourite FREE yoga website with a multitude of different types, teachers and lengths…filmed outdoors, right here on beautiful Vancouver Island. http://www.doyogawithme.com - Eat fresh, juicy yin foods, such as cilantro, watercress, asparagus, zucchini, salads, cucumbers, and fruits. Melons are replenishing, and antioxidant rich blueberries are cooling. Dates are also a supportive yin food, as they nurture the heart, while roasted sesame seeds or sesame oil, can nourish the blood.
This is a list of Yin foods to balance you this season & a special Yin Restoring Smoothie recipe from my heart to yours!
Coconut Water
Chard
Kiwi
Tomatoes
Barley
Mango
Amaranth
Celery
Blue-green Algae
Chlorella
Broccoli
Apple
Bok Choy
Avocado
Mulberries
Peppermint
Citrus Fruits
Restorative Yin Smoothie
1 cup spinach
1 cup coconut mylk
¼ avocado
½ cup pineapple
½ frozen banana
Juice ½ of a lime
Mint leaves
Optional – 1 tsp Matcha (green tea) powder
