Summer - Fire Element

In the five-element theory, the FIRE element is associated with the summertime. This is a time of year when the energy has the fastest growth and is the warmest.

The fire element symbolizes the peak of Yang energy, young adulthood, the time of flourishing. Fire represents youthful energy, active and extraverted. Fire phase corresponds to the South, the warmest and brightest direction (in the Northern hemisphere), and noontime when the sun is the highest in the sky and the light is the brightest, to summer, when we are most active and spend the most time outside. The life phase of the Fire is the time that we shine most brightly, when we are at the top of our game, full of energy coupled with knowledge and skill.

The Fire element expresses itself positively as joy, love, laughter, inspiration, and enthusiasm. During summer, this expansive warmth of Fire encourages us to give and receive love and warmth: connecting and relating to the world like a flower opening to full bloom.

When the Fire element is balanced, it nourishes the blood vessels, and vascular system and provides the digestive fire for assimilation. The organ systems associated with the Fire element are the heart, pericardium, small intestine, and triple warmer.

However, if the FIRE element is deficient in the Fire element, one might experience several symptoms like chills and numbness, poor circulation in the extremities, impaired circulation, sluggish digestion, abdominal pain, and difficulty in processing and assimilating digestive nourishment. If the Fire is excessive, one might experience several symptoms like excessive heat, painful inflammation of the joints, chronic infections, hot flashes, dryness of the lungs, and inflamed throat. Excess heat can also dry out the stool and cause constipation. This type of imbalance can also lead to a disturbed Heart Shen (our consciousness, mental functions, mental health, vitality, and our "presence"). This can often be expressed by excessive rush, impatience, arrogance, anxiety, mood swings, and restlessness.

Some FIRE essential oils and hydrosols to cool heat and promote calming. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)- calming and soothing for the nerves and uplifts the spirit. Emotional affirmation: Nourished reassurance. Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)- clears heat, calming, and frees the spirit. Emotional affirmation: Calming replenishment. Rose (Rosa damascena)- clears heat and inflammation, restores, and calms the heart. Emotional affirmation: Loving and radiant embrace. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) - clears heat, relaxes the mind, and calms the nerves. Emotional affirmation: Euphoric and mindful kindness.

Enjoy one of our favorite FIRE element essential oil blends, used for a facial or room spray: In a 2oz. amber glass bottle with a spray top add:

• 1-TBSP. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

Mix in the essential oils:

• 8 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• 6 drops Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)

• 4 drops Rose (Rosa damascena)

• 4 drops Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Then add:

• 1 oz. Organic Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Hydrosol

• 1oz. Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis virginiana) for a facial spray.

• OR, 1oz. Purified Water for a room spray.

Precautions: A lower 1% dilution of this blend is safe for children over ten and pregnant women only when used in moderation. Do not use it internally. This product will have an enhanced cooling action if refrigerated or stored in a cool location.

"The first method of healing is to cure the spirit; the second is to give knowledge of how to restore the body. "Nei Ching

ENJOY a Happy and Healthy Summertime!