In the Five Phases or Elements cycle the Fire phase is the energy of summer; it gives life, warmth, and maturity.  

It allows us to give and receive warmth and the have capacity to love and be loved.  The nature of Fire is expansive, light and warm. It can guide us and protect us, or burn and consume. 

Maintaining a vibrant Fire Element is key to health in body, mind and spirit.  The energy of Fire fosters connection that nourishes body and soul.

MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH 

When the Fire element is balanced, the mind is calm and sleep is sound. One way that we can nourish the Fire Element is by building healthy relationships. Friendship, family and community are governed by the power of the Fire Element and our capacity to express love.  And if you’re feeling low and in need of some joy try wearing something red!

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Maintaining a vibrant Fire Element is key to health in body, mind and spirit.

One way we can nourish the Fire Element is by getting outside and engaging all our senses , take time to listen to the sounds of nature that surround you and enjoy the fragrances of the flowers. These things are also grounding and have a calming effect on the mind and body.

FOOD & DIET

You are what you eat!

The Fire Element is related to things that are BITTER, vegetables that branch outwards, and foods with a warming thermal nature.  Recommended foods for Fire types include bitter foods, grains, vegetables, dark leafy greens, beans and seeds. These foods tend to keep the Fire at bay, avoiding an overabundance. Foods to avoid include chocolate, salt, meats, stimulants and hot spices.

Food energetics is an enormous topic, and if you’re interested in this aspect of health there are some great resources online, including Recipes for Self-Healing by Daverick Leggett.

Keep an eye out for next weeks post where we’ll be posting some recommendations for looking after your inner Fire.

How is your Fire? Is there joy and laughter in your life? 

• Have fun on a regular basis, make it a priority.  Consider fun as important to your wellbeing as work or anything else you do.
• Take time to listen to your family and friends.
• Have a hobby you love and live your passion, whether its cycling, preserving the environment, writing.
• Get physical and get your circulation going.  Exercise, dance, play.
• Meditation and deep breathing are easy to do, plus, they require no expensive equipment to perform and can be done anywhere.
• Go outside and engage all of your senses.
• Tend living things, whether plants or animals, build healthy relationship outside the human sphere.
• Shiatsu! Touch brings us in to experience of the present moment and releases ‘feel good’ hormones.