In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) philosophy there are five seasons or phases. These are comprised of the four seasons we all readily know plus an in-between-seasons period (there are four of these periods) in the cyclical year. To each of the seasons corresponds one of the five elements (Wood–Spring, Fire–Summer, Earth–Between Seasons, Metal–Fall, and Water–Winter). In addition, each of the five seasons bears an array of attributes that when understood and embraced can assist us to better live in harmony with the season.
Summer’s organs are heart and small intestine. In the human body, Fire obviously manifests in the heart (called in TCM, The Utmost Source), pericardium (the protective membrane around the heart–called by TCM, The Protector), the triple heater (regulator of internal temperature) and the small intestine (called the Heavenly Window by TCM). Since the blood vessels deliver blood to the heart and the heart pumps blood through the vessels, blood flow represents joy of life. Just as the heart and small intestine are the organs of focus during Summer, the blood vessels are the tissue of focus during TCM’s Summer.
The emotion therefore of Summer is joy, but not overflowing joy: joy in balance. (Being overly joyful or gregarious indicates a person who is out of balance with the season and the element.)
It follows then that the sound of Summer and Fire is laughing.
The weather in Summer is associated with the qualities of heat and dryness.
The movement is ascending, and the direction is South.
The color of Fire is red and therefore the color of the season. The taste is bitter or burned, the sensation is taste, and the sense organ is logically the tongue.
If you find yourself in Summer which runs from May 6 to July 19 according to TCM, then now is the time to take advantage of Summer's energies and attributes so that you will be able to easily carry all Summer’s feel-good benefits into Fall. Taste the flavors of the season, enjoy the color, the warmth, the increased light, and the sound of laughter and you’ll be considered to be living in harmony with energetic Summer.
In line with Summer’s sound of laughter, have fun during Summer and laugh.
The following are 15 spectacular benefits of having fun at any time of year, but most especially during energetic Summer.
Pain can be lessened and relieved.
Brain function improves. You’ll gain clarity of mind and memory.
Now that you’re more relaxed, your innate creativity surges.
Mental, even physical youth is fostered. The brain becomes more plastic and your body alive with energy and light.
Relationships are strengthened when having fun with others. It builds connections and solidifies social bonds—one of the major focuses of energetic Summer.
Emotional wounds may be healed. With the walls around the heart crashing down, the way is paved for appreciating what you’ve learned as a result of your traumas so you can integrate them simply as part of your being and something you had to go through to be an even better person.
Sleep patterns become more regulated because serotonin in the brain increases when you’re enjoying having fun.
Your body temperature becomes more balanced again because of increased serotonin levels.
Coping skills seem to be magically more available to you.
Physical energy increases.
Overall positive feelings become the norm in your emotional body.
You become more productive in your life.
LOVE happens!
You become transformed at a cellular level.