Summer Solstice and Shen: Time to Take Action

Can you believe the summer solstice arrives on June 20? We’ve been waiting for the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. It’s the apex of light in the Northern Hemisphere and a natural point of expansion. The summer solstice gives us space to pause and look clearly at where we are, and what we’re ready to do next.
 
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is ruled by the Fire element. It governs the Heart and Small Intestine, organs that do more than their physiological roles. In TCM, the Heart houses the “Shen,” or spirit. When the Fire element is balanced, we feel connected and inspired. When it’s not, we may feel scattered, restless, or emotionally overheated.
 
Consider this a turning point to at long last, initiate those healthy habits and make big changes, the ones that felt impossible during the winter months.