there are 12 energetic systems, which are
mostly known by the names of the organs but
while the heart’s energetic system does
include the physical heart, it also includes the
meridians connected to the heart, as well as
the acupressure points along them that help
stimulate and nourish the heart. ‘So, while in
TCM you could have a heart energy
imbalance, there might be nothing wrong
with your actual physical heart. The functions
connected to the heart energy system are all
about connection and intimacy, feeling loved
and being loving,’ says Elaine.
‘Potential health complaints when there
is an imbalance may include anxiety,
restlessness, insomnia and poor
concentration. Some people become over
exuberant and hyper, while others become
more isolated, cold, aloof and withdrawn,’
she adds. ‘What I often see in the summer
is that many people stay up late, party tooWords: hard and then crash and burn.’
eva Gizo
Wska. photo
Graphs: shuttersto
Ck.
reCipes and piCs - instaGram.Com/jonquilWpinto/.Sign up to our newsletter at topsante.co.uk TopSanté 3510 summeR foods To beaT The heaT
Stay cool as a cucumber (literally!) with the top
TCM-recommended foods for early summer...●●CuCuMber this cooling veg
is great for chopping into slices
and adding to water, as well as
turning into ribbons for salads.
●●WaTerMelon. as the name
suggests, it’s full of water. Why
not try it in a refreshing drink?
see our recipe on p39.
●●JuiCy fruiTS Grapes,
berries, oranges and kiwis are
loaded with a type of water
that your body can more easily
absorb than tap water.
●●biTTer greenS Chicor y,
watercress, endive, rocket and
dandelion leaves all help to
disperse heat from your body.
●●green vegeTableS
asparagus, artichoke, broccoli,
green beans, cauliflower, peas,spinach and swiss chard are all
cooling foods.
●●freSh MinT steep fresh
sprigs in boiling water for 10-15
mins then sip. add a few leaves
to salads, too.
●●bananaS these cooling
fruits help replenish potassium,
needed for fluid balance, that’s
lost through sweating.
●●fennel this has diuretic
properties. add raw strips to
salads or steep crushed seeds
in hot water to make a tea.
●●CardaMon aid digestion
and ease bloating with this
super spice.
●●baSil this herb aids
digestion and is great added to
salads or in pesto.