There is no doubt that summer is upon us, and according to the Five Element or Rhythm concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are in what is called the Fire Element right now. Many integrative modalities, such as Acupuncture, Qigong, and Eden Energy Medicine (EEM), embrace the Five Element tradition to balance the energy systems of the body in order to achieve good health and wellness.

There are four meridians (energy pathways in the body) associated with the Fire Element: Heart (HT), Pericardium, Triple Warmer (TW), and Small Intestine. When we work with points associated with these meridians or perform EEM exercises that calm them, we can balance the Fire Element, and feel more inspired, playful, and joyful in what we do.

Taking Down the Flame not only helps to balance the Fire Element, but it also calms emotions, helps to create a sense of well-being, and can help to lower blood pressure if it is done regularly. Take a deep breath in and out with your hands on your thighs. On the next inhale, raise your hands on either side of your body and connect them above your head so that your fingers and thumbs meet, and on an exhale, touch your thumbs to the top of your head. Inhale and on an exhale, bring your thumbs to the middle of your forehead. Inhale and on the exhale, bring your thumbs to your heart area. Inhale and on the next exhale, bring your thumbs to your naval and flatten your hands. Inhale, and on the next exhale, bring them to their original position on your thighs. Finally, on the next exhale, move your hands down your legs, and off your toes. Then trace your hands up the inside of your legs, and finish with your hands over your heart. If you want to add even more balance to this exercise, you can exhale each time with the “Haaaa” sound.

Holding the Heart Meridian Source Point can balance the Heart Meridian (and the Fire Element) and help calm and center us. Simply hold or rub the point called Heart 7, which is located on the inside of your wrist in line with your pinky finger where your wrist and hand meet. Do this on both sides of the body for a few minutes on each side. (see diagram).

The 2nd & 4th Chakra Hook-up also helps to balance the Fire Element by working with the HT and TW Meridians. Place a flat hand over your heart area and the other hand flat across the area beneath your belly button. Do this whenever you feel disconnected with yourself and need to feel more centered.

Another way to balance the Fire of Summer is by holding the Neurovascular Reflex Points (NV) associated with this element. Hold the points above your eyebrows, called the Main NVs, along with the area on the back of your head directly behind your eyebrows. Breath into this a few times as you hold these two areas with a light touch (see diagram).            

I hope these techniques bring a little more calm to you and cool down the energetic heat that the Fire Element can often bring during this time of year.

(Originally published in Front Porch Magazine, July 2021)