So here it is early August and I’m just writing about Summer Qigong! Please keep reading and you will understand why I decided that we need to take the increasing heat on our planet into account when we practice Qigong! Cause….even though it’s August, it’s not over! And it is Summer (hot) somewhere most of the time!
Did you know that in 2021, approximately 1,400 people in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alberta died because of the heat wave. Heat waves across the United States (and other countries) has doubled or tripled. No region in the country is exempt according to Vivek Shandas (AARP, June/July 2026), a scientist who has been studying heat for over a dozen years.
A Duke University 2020 study suggests that even though statistics state that 2,300 people died of heat related deaths in 2023 (JAMA), numbers are understated. Researchers feel that the heat-related death toll is probably closer to 12,000 annually. Many documented causes of death (such as heart attacks, strokes, etc.) are triggered by excessive heat, although not listed on the death certificate.
Everyone is somewht familiar with the Five Elements. Fire (火) is Yang and dominates in Summer. Of all elements, Fire is also the most dynamic, expansive, and transforming, while Qi moves upward and outward. Fire can be quite volatile and is Yang energy. While Fire is life, an excess of Fire can quickly turn into rage. Its upward, expansive nature makes it the most difficult element to sustain Balance.
The Heart is associated with Fire. But did you know that it also governs our blood vessels, and Shen (神)? As one of the three treasures, Shen is responsible for consciousness, clarity, presence, joy, emotion, and focused awareness. Interestingly, Chinese medicine considers Shen as an essential part of the human body. Without Shen, there is no harmony.
It stands to reason that when the Heart is healthy, Shen is connected and in harmony with the Dao. However, when heat is excessive, or internal emotions, diet and spirit or practices are excessive, the Shen is disturbed. Medical practitioners believe disorders of the spirit and mind cause illness inside the body, and vice versa. This is why they address all aspects of a disease: physical, mental and spiritual.
Let’s talk about Fire and the Heart
The Fire element manifests in our body through the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and the triple heater (which regulates internal body temperature). Excessive heat can cause inflammation. Therefore, we need to balance the Fire and Water Elements in our Bodies, Hearts and Minds.
The pericardium provides the heart with physical protection, and protects the heart from damage and disruption from excessive emotional energies generated by the other organs. For example, anger from the liver, fear from the kidneys, and grief from the lungs.
Summer is the time when our Qigong should become more expressive and expansive. But how does one balance the volatility of Fire with its transforming, joyful and expansive nature? How do we allow Qi to flow without over- exerting ourselves or becoming distracted?
Summer and Fire
Summer has a way of provoking the fires of the heart to lead us in the direction of new emotional experiences. When fire and heart energy are directed in a healthy way, we feel joy and happiness circulating throughout our body. Because humans usually seek and value connection with others, summer can be a great time to share experiences with those we care about. Fire brings warmth and happiness and increases our “Happiness Factor”.
Of course, like everthing in life: there is a flip side. When heart energy is directed in a way that isn’t healthy, we can feel negativity towards others or ourselves. In extreme cases, this can even manifest as hatred or self-loathing. We may isolate which can be detrimental to us and our relationships. So how do we transforrm the harmful to postive and cultivate the positive?
This is where Qi Gong (and Tai Chi) helps us to become aware of what is and isn’t serving us well. When we are excessively busy, rushing, stressful, and absorbing someone elses’s negativity, we harm our heart. Western medicine today recognizes that stress and anxiety lead to elevated blood pressure, which can damage the heart. So pay attention to your environment and evaluate how much you are taking on.
Qigong and/or Tai Chi are effective ways to balance elemental energies, especially Fire and Water, which represent the balance between Yang and Yin. Simply put, when you move, Qi and Shen must move in unison.It makes sense that Summer Qigong should focus on regulating our emotional energy. Make your “adventures” positive, but allow enough time to rest. Keep in mind that intense emotions can bring grief, sadness, and suffering. Be sure not to ignore negative or intense feelings. Summer Qigong helps us learn to use the energy we experience in a positive and transformative way.
How do we go about balancing our emotions and actions during the season of Fire?
You could practice meditations (expecially loving, compassionate, and acceptance ones), visualizations, or just being still, or focusing on being content and relaxed.
Some people use the Six Healing Sounds. For Summer, that sound would be “Haaa” while exhaling softly. This healing sound is said to cool internal Fire. This is especially useful during the heat of the day when Heart Yang Fire is the most active.
You could even try putting your hands over your heart. While breathing naturally, rotate your hands in each direction for up to 20+ times. Then, move your hands to the lower Dantian to settle the energy.
What about practicing silent time without devices (being unplugged), no talking, reading, watching or reading media? Being more aware but not “attached” to your emotions or environment.
What about what you eat and/or drink during the Summer?
Even though we aim to cool our body, we want to be sure we don’t extinguish Spleen Yang (digestive Fire).
• Liquids should be cool but not overly cold.
• Iced drinks, food that is spicy, alcohol, and excess caffeine disturb Shen. It also weakens and interferes with digestion.
Bottom Line: Even though the calendar may say it is not Summer, the Earth may say otherwise. Be wise and protect your heart (and Shen)!
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