Seasonal mindfulness: Summer is the season of Paula Hines' joy

For many of us, the brightness of the summer months always seems to promote a welcome feeling of optimism and happiness.

Although the meteorological summer in the northern hemisphere on 1 st June, in the Chinese moon calendar, is the beginning of summer (Lixia) in early May. It is the yang time of the year and also the season of the fire element, which makes sense, since the lighter days and the longer, lighter evenings of the summer are usually accompanied by more energy and a greater desire to get out and 'do', be active and greet the sun rays when they appear. In this context, it does not seem to be a coincidence that joy is the emotion associated with summer.

In Chinese medicine, the organs associated with summer are the heart (Yin organ) and the small intestine (Yang organ). This is associated with the pericardous (a small sack that surrounds the heart) and the triple warmer (who describes three subsystems that play an important role in our general vitality). The heart is known as the "highest monarch" and in some Chinese philosophies it is assumed that the "shen" (our spiritual essence) is in the heart. At an energetic level, it is the heart to regulate our ability to love and be loved and play a central role in our mental health. Meanwhile, the small intestine is energetically associated with our ability to make clear judgment.

The meridian heart and small intestine

The Herzmeridian has three branches, each of which rises in the heart. A branch wanders over the chest and then continues down the inner arm, which ends at the top of the little finger. A second branch moves down through the diaphragm to the small intestine, while a third branch moves up through the throat and the tongue to the eye.

The small intestine meridian begins on the outside of the arm and runs from the little finger to the shoulder, where it divides into two branches. One of these branches runs down to heart, diaphragm, stomach and small intestine, while the other branch moves up into the face and over the corner of the eye.

The associated pericardous and triple hater lines are also in the upper body, including the inner and outer arms, which is why yin postures are particularly aligned with the stimulation of all these meridians.

Not only helps us to feel better, give us better, love and receive without being afraid of rejection, but also helps us to feel more open, energetic, more enthusiastic and trusting. If cardiac and small intestine Qi gets out of balance, this can occur, among other things: heartburn, energy, sadness and joy, depression, intolerance, digestive problems and poor blood circulation.

The Yang energy is now highest. This is an ideal time to reflect expansion and growth that we observe in nature. Ask yourself how to use this energy to bring about positive changes in your life. If you have delayed something that you know that you want to do, it is now time to act. This is also the time when you witness the maturation of ideas or seeds that you planted for your life in autumn and winter.

Acupressure to support the heart Qi

Shenmen or Heart 7 (also known as "ghost gate") is the seventh dot along the Herzmeridian. It is one of the main points on this meridian and it is said that the stimulation of this point can help to cool the inner fire and to nourish the blood, which makes it advantageous for heart problems, including (but not limited to) stress, fear, depression, panic, insomnia, feeling tight and palpation.

Heart 7 is located on the inner wrist fold. To find it, drive with a finger along the inside of your hand to your wrist fold. Move your finger on your wrist fold slightly inwards until you find a deepening.

practice fifteen to thirty seconds. Switch between the left and right wrist fold for up to three times a day for between three and five minutes.

Yin Yoga for the heart-melting heart (Anahatasana)

Start in a table position on your mat. If you want, you can use a folded ceiling here to upholstery.

Try to keep your coccyx in the air and your hips and knees in line as you move your hands forward on your mat. Put the palms flat and let the middle of your chest and forehead move towards your mat.

If you want to add some support:

• You can choose whether you want to let your forehead rest on a (link removed) or another option is to support your forearms on a upholstery or block.

• Alternatively, you are welcome to place a place (link removed) under your chest.

Stay between one and five minutes in your position of the melting heart and allow your breath to stay calm. To get out, carefully lead yourself to your knees or come to the children's position for several breaths.