When is summer?
Unlike the western concept, in China, summer refers to the period from the Beginning of Summer to the day just before the first day of Autumn.
In Chinese medicine, summer includes multiple solar periods and started May 5, 2021. All of the dates below are also for 2021.
- Lesser fullness of grain (Started May 21st; Organ = Heart)
- Grain in the Beard (Started June 5th; Organ = Heart)
- Summer Solstice (June 21st; Organ = Heart)
- Slight Heat (Starts June 7th; Organ = Heart and then Spleen)
- Great Heat (Starts July 22nd; Organ = Spleen)
The nature of summer
In summer, the sun shines everywhere and warms the world. As yang qi grows, it gradually supersedes yin qi. This climatic environment is very beneficial for the growth and development of all living things. All things grow luxuriantly, and many plants grow and bear fruit and seeds. This is the season of the greatest beauty of the year.
The main feature of this season is “growing.” The functions of the human body also change correspondingly due to the influence of the increased heat and integration of yang qi and yin qi. The yang qi inside the body tends to release outwards. Therefore, you should focus on producing yang qi to match the feature of “growing” during the summer.
To unify with summer, a yang season, the Inner Classic suggests you express the yang principles of growth, expansion, lightness, outward activity, brightness, and creativity.
Citations
Yanfu, Z. (2002). Life Cultivation & Rehabilitation of Traditional Chinese Medicine