Summer – for many people, this is the opportunity to enjoy warm sunny days, rest, and relax. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s also an appropriate time of the year to focus on the health of the Heart.
According to the 5 Phase Theory of TCM, each season of the year corresponds to a specific organ of the body and Summer is the season that governs the Heart.
Just like how the sun gives warmth and light for all of life, the Heart represents the Fire element and provides warmth and circulation of blood and life energy throughout the rest of the body.
Healthy balance is a key concept in TCM – too little Fire and the Heart cools down, producing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. On the other hand, too much Fire can have the opposite effect, similar to a forest fire burning out of control, and may cause a wide variety of symptoms including heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, insomnia, and even anxiety or easily irritable moods.
Dietary and lifestyle choices can be an important part of improving the health of our hearts and right now during the summer is an excellent time to incorporate some positive changes to our daily lives.
- Don’t Sweat It (Too Much) – A few sessions of vigorous cardio exercise per week can be a valuable part of a person’s overall fitness routine. However, if a decent amount is good, more isn’t necessarily better. According to TCM theory, too much intense exercise and excessive sweating can be unhealthy, especially for the Heart. Body fluids, including sweat, are viewed as cooling for the body, and losing too much can result in the Heart suffering from too much Heat, similar to a car engine losing its engine coolant fluids and then overheating. Staying hydrated, and avoiding overexertion during the middle of the day when the Heart is the most active can be a helpful approach to keeping a healthy balance.
- Eat Red – As a continuation of the 5 Phase Theory, the Heart is closely associated with the colour red, and in Eastern Medicine red coloured foods were traditionally recommended to help support the health of the Heart. Red lentils and beets are just a few of the red superfoods that can be added to our everyday eating habits. The regular consumption of hibiscus tea may also be beneficial, especially for those suffering from hypertension and excess body fat.
- Fermented Soy – A wide variety of fermented soybean products are frequently used in kitchens throughout Asia, from Indonesian tempeh to Japanese miso paste to Chinese douchi black bean sauce. However, the one with the most direct benefit to heart health is called Natto, a traditional food commonly eaten in Japan but lesser known here in North America. Natto is high in a number of heart-friendly nutrients and also contains an active ingredient called nattokinase which has been shown to have several positive actions on cardiovascular health including lowering blood pressure and reducing the buildup of plaque in the arteries which can help to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Although generally safe, it’s best to first consult with a natural healthcare practitioner before using nattokinase to help prevent any potential contraindications, especially if currently taking blood thinners or other prescription medications for the heart.
As more people continue to speak up about the adverse reactions and injuries that they experienced after being subjected to the Covid-19 experimental injections, whether it’s seeking help at the acupuncture clinic for their health problems or in public settings such as the upcoming Allison Inquiry, a non-partisan parliamentary hearing that will be heard in Ottawa this September, preliminary research on the benefits of nattokinase has appeared promising in helping the body to heal itself of the damage although further research and longer term studies are still needed.
This summer, be sure to take time for walking on the beach, paddling or swimming in the lake, and other enjoyable activities, but don’t forget to also give some extra attention and care for your Heart.
