Fire: The Source of Your Inner Sparkle

In Chinese Medicine we have a system called the Five Elements.  Each element has a personality and its place in nature.  They each have their own beauty and work together to create balance and harmony.  It is said that we have a microcosm of these elements within ourselves and that keeping them in balance is the secret to a long and happy life. We are currently in the peak of summer, which is related to the Fire element.  This is the time when all the seeds we've planted have come to maturity.  It's time to enjoy the fruits of our labor!WHY WE NEED FIREThere needs to be a balance of fire in nature and within our own bodies.  Imagine the damage of a drought or the discomfort of icy cold conditions; these are two extremes of fire.  Now imagine those situations in your body.  If there is too much heat, it creates dryness.  This can manifest as constipation, painful inflammation, chronic infections.  It is also the cause of anxiety, restlnessness and hypersexuality.On the other hand, if there isn't enough heat some of the symptoms you might experience are cold limbs, circulatory problems, sluggish digestion or low libido. Spiritually, fire is about the ability to connect with others and have fun.  It's about maturity and being self-sufficient.

IS YOUR FIRE HEALTHY?Do you feel like you are able to love, laugh and have fun?  Are you able to participate in life fully and connect with others?  Are you shy, anxious, overly-guarded?    Or are you always telling jokes and talking too much, never allowing for real conversations?Fire gives us our spark and the ability to be comfortable in our own skin.  It gives us the energy to pursure our passions.  Do you feel like you are living a fully-expressed life and following your dreams?ACHIEVING BALANCESome of the ways you can help balance your own fire are to allow yourself to have fun, spend time with family and friends.  Allow for real connections. Get your cirulation going.  Get in your body!  Dance, play, get in touch with your sensuality.  Learn to express yourself physically.Wear the color red.  Red is the color that corresponds with the fire element.  In color therapy, red is said to promote vitality, strength and sexuality.Get Classical Five Elements Acupuncture.  This is a specialized form of acupuncture that balances the elements within your body.  There are hundreds of points on the body that can give you that oomph you've been missing.Do you have a passion?  Live it!  Are you an artist? Do you dream of competing in a triathalon?  Whatever your passion is, do it.  Even if it's not how you make your living, make it a priority.   And if you don't know what your passion is, take time to discover it. Try new things and in the meantime just relish every moment and allow your inner sparkle to come through!