Relieve Pain with Hand Acupressure
Greetings! In Oriental medicine, summer is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest yang, which means that it is a time of heat, outgoingness, and moving outward in nature and in our lives. This is the season to nourish and pacify our spirits while maximizing our potential as we find joy in the hot summer days and warm summer nights.
Summer is ruled by the fire element. The fire element corresponds to the heart and small intestine, the southerly direction, the climatic condition of heat, the color red, the emotion of happiness or joy, the sound of laughter, the taste of bitterness and the odor of burning. Fire controls the blood vessels and is reflected in the face and complexion.
Signs that the fire element is in balance include a strong and healthy heart, a calm mind and the ability to sleep soundly.
When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element also include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia. Learn More Here
Summer Essential Oils
Take a minute to enjoy this most Yang time of energy and production! These essential oils are great for your first aid kit, as insect repellent, for soothing sunburn, freshening and cleaning! Enjoy these soothing scents for relaxing and letting go.
Tea Tree: Antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antibiotic, antifungal, expectorant, insecticide, cicatrisant (wound healer) Infections, ringworm, athlete’s foot, sunburn, shaving and other cuts, warts, pimples, etc.
Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, diuretic, analgesic, nervine, immune stimulant, sedative. antiviral, carminative, decongestant, fungicide Burns and blisters, wounds (cell regenerator, minimizes swelling and scarring), insect bites, stings, heat exhaustion
Peppermint: Digestive, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, febrifuge, nervine, analgesic, astringent, decongestant. expectorant, stomachic, vermifuge Indigestion, flatulence, halitosis, skin irritations, flu, colds, coughs, fever, headaches, migraines, fatigue, toothache, flea and ant repellent
Mango Salsa
Recipe
An easy and healthy peach and mango salsa recipe. The delicate flavors of mangoes and peaches combine with onions and garlic in this sweet-and-savory salsa recipe. Try it with chips for a light snack on a hot summer night, or add to a vegetable burrito for an unusual twist.
INGREDIENTS: 2 mangoes, peeled and chopped 2 fresh peaches, peeled and chopped 1 sweet onion, diced 1 medium tomato, diced (optional) 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice dash salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. If you have a food processor, you can process all the ingredients in chunks, rather than dicing and chopping.
Chill for at least one hour, to allow flavors to combine, and stir well before serving.
Serve chilled and enjoy!