What does a fire element look like?

FIRE

The next element of focus in VIDA Wellness’ coverage of the 5 elements if FIRE.

• "The supernatural forces of summer create heat in the heavens and fire on earth; they

create the heart and the pulse within the body. They create the red color, the tongue,

and the ability to express laughter. They create the bitter flavor, and the emotions of

happiness and joy" - The Inner Classics

The representative organs for the fire element are the heart and small intestines. The

heart is seen as the all powerful emperor in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Often

in TCM the heart is not treated directly. Since the heart receives its nourishment from

other organs it is imperative to keep other organ systems healthy. The small intestines

are the hearts assistant in sorting out information, not only on a nutritional level but an

emotional level as well. The emotion of this element is joy, and when someone's heart

element is in harmony they are genuinely friendly and more able to experience love and

enjoyment with life.

Sadly heart disease is the leading cause of death in our modern society. Approximately

50% of us will die from a heart related condition. Calcium is a key mineral that is used in

almost every cellular function of the body and science is now showing that calcium

metabolism directly correlates with heart disease. Coffee, alcohol, tobacco, refined salt,

sugar, flour, aluminum, pesticides and a high protein diet all interfere with calcium

absorption and metabolism.

Summer is the representative season of the fire element and when the heart and small

intestines are strongest. It is the time of year to feel most at harmony with nature and

the weather. This is the time to allow the bountiful harvests, plentiful sunshine and

flourishing gardens to enliven us. During the summer months we should focus on eating

brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Every meal should be a piece of mother natures

art work. It is best to consume more raw foods during this time of year or cook your food

lightly, relying more on steaming and stir frying. Remember to use less salt and more

water. To avoid getting to much heat be sure to occasionally drink warm liquids and take

warm showers allowing the surface of the body to open and let the heat out.

Foods to Consume: fruit, flowers, cucumber, bitter greens, watermelon, lemons, limes,

spicy red and green chili, fresh ginger, horseradish and black pepper.

Foods to Avoid: heavy/rich meals, excess nuts, seeds and grains and excessively cold

or sweet foods or drinks.

• "Eating less and lightly on hot, bright days is natural, healthful practice; one that is

often forgotten." - Paul Pitchford.

Daily time of the fire element is 11am to 3pm. It is the hottest and most yang time of the

day. During this time it is important to get some form of heart healthy exercise, eat a

light meal and also get some rest and relaxation.

The fire type is susceptible to the effects of heat and the foundational cause of many

diseases that affect these organs are related to an excess of heat or "fire" in the body.

This fire can disturb the mind and cause mental disorders ranging from mild depression

to mania.

• "The mind is where heart disease begins for many people." - Dean Ornish, MD

A typical fire element person will have a reddish complexion, possibly red hair, curly hair

or not much hair, a pointed head or chin, intense eyes, and proportionally small hands.

They are quick, energetic and active people who walk fast. This person may stand out

in a crowd as being loud, boisterous and at times having a laughing voice. Fire types

are often unconcerned with wealth and fond of beauty. Their strength is in their blood

vessels and blood.

Common Imbalances: scattered and confused mind, manic behavior, excessive or no

laughter, a reddish complexion or very pale face, speech problems, depression, mental

illness, loss of memory, poor circulation, weak spirit, aversions to heat and hyper or

hypotension.

The information in this posting is derived from a lecture given by Dr. Randi. A general

overview of the 5 Elements can be found at http://www.acupuncturetoday.com . You

may also review the holistic rehab treatment services VIDA Wellness offers for full body

organic detox/overhaul and addiction recovery in Playa Negra, Costa Rica. Feel free to

contact Dr. Randi directly via the VIDA website with questions or comments. Pura Vida!