Summertime is when the fire element rules, and the heart is its corresponding organ. The enjoyment of summer is fire elements joy. Make the most of summer by living attuned to the flickering flames.

One of the broadest principles underlying all systems of philosophy is that they are a description or map of nature. They describe how things, including humans, are and how they can be observed. The philosophers of ancient China were called Taoists. Their philosophy was the Tao, which means way or path, the way of the universe or way of life. It recognises and follows the flow of nature as well as being an explanation of how humans fit into their environment.

Summer is natures season of growth and maturation. It is the time in the universe when all things are in full bloom, blossoming and expanding. It’s also the time when people are most likely to get outdoors, be active and play. Summer is active energy and since we are part of nature we too feel the need to become active, if we are in balance.

In both Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy, summer is also aligned with that aspect of the universal life force that most resembles its characteristics, known as the fire element. Fire is a great cleanser, but when it is unchallenged by water it is relentless in its destruction, as we know only too well here in Australia where bushfires often rage during summer. It’s the time of year when that aspect of fires expression most readily emerges. It is, therefore, an energy that needs to be respected. However, to be able to harness your own source of fire energy is to be in control of your life and your destiny.

Energy anatomy

Chinese medicine, one of the original forms of energy medicine, is based entirely on the harmonious flow of universal life force energy within the body. They called this energy qi. With a history of at least 5000 years of applying their theories and beliefs, the Chinese have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and information regarding the energy anatomy of the body.

To this end, there are several laws or theories that are the basis of their understanding of life, health and wellness. The one most relevant to this topic is known as the Law of the Five Elements, or Wu Xing in Chinese. [Wu means five, xing means a phase of transformation but came to mean element since each of the five aspects relate to elemental forces that are considered imperative to the survival of life.

These elements are fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Each elemental type is characterised by a season and while we think of having only four seasons, the Chinese incorporate a fifth:

• Fire is characterised by summer which is hot and dry.
• Earth is characterised by late summer which is hot and humid.
• Metal is characterised by autumn which is cool and dry.
• Water is characterised by winter which is cold and moist.
• Wood is characterised by spring and wind, which clears the old, making way for the new.