lesser heat, lol

the chinese solar calendar is a fun lens to track the seasonal shifts. from july 6 through july 22 we are living in “Xiao She” or lesser heat. During this time, torridity comes. What is torridity, you ask? Well, using context clues from the world around us… it is INTENSE HEAT. it is scorching. it is passionate. it is burning. it is ardent. it is enthusiastic. it is enjoyment. in joy. but it can also be…. complete torture?

there are so many ways to be hot. makes sense on a physical, mental and emotional level. makes sense on a personal and universal level.

its hot outside. we’re hot inside. sometimes too hot.

what are you hot for? what is heating you up? what is burning you up? what's lighting you up? what’s got you hot and bothered? whats scorching you? what are you enjoying? in-joying? what are you trying to cool off from? what’s making you sweat?

we can use this time of year to light a spark, fan a flame, or stoke a fire if there is a deficiency needing some fuel. we can also use it to moderate excess heat, tame the fire, build a firepit, contain the flame. eat a watermelon. drink an arnold palmer. jump in the lake. dance in the rain.

how does this metaphor apply to the human condition? anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, libido (low or high), fatigue, heart palpitations, nausea, acid reflux, low back pain, swelling/edema, UTIs, loneliness, shame, connection, compassion (and compassion-fatigue), joy, sadness, mania, excitement, over-stimulation, bitterness.

you know what i’m going to say next. any imbalances in these areas can be treated with regular acupuncture and/or chinese herbal medicine! depending on the duration and intensity of your issue, weekly acupuncture for 4-6-8-10 weeks can be powerfully effective at restoring balance in the body.

by Amanda Briody