By Master David Clawson, Pakua Orange
As you work to beat the heat this summer, consider that maintaining a cool inner body is just as important as a cool outer body. In the study of the Chinese Five Elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood), it is the Fire element that represents the season of summer.
At Pakua Plaza Martial Arts, Yoga and Acrobatics, we honor the various seasons as they arrive and acknowledge their effect on our lives. For instance, the Fire Element is represented by the color red and during this season at Pakua, we strive to take it easy on the organs most affected at this time of year, which are the heart and small intestine.
Help ensure that you stay healthy and active this summer by maintaining an internal and external balance. Here’s how to do that:
Avoid extreme heat. Like actual fire, heat can be good when controlled and in small doses, but high temperatures overheat your body and mind. Stay out of the sun and indoors during particularly hot times of day.
Choose your exercise wisely. Avoid performing extreme exercise at this time of year; especially during the hottest times of the day—from noon to 2 pm. Focus on lighter breathing exercises that produce minimal tension in the joints and muscles. Tai Chi is a good, gentle exercise for this time of year. If you do yoga, take morning or night classes.
Cover your head. Hats do a good job of protecting you from the sun’s fiery rays.
Avoid hot, spicy food, as well as sugar and excess salt. These foods rev up your metabolic response, which will only serve to overheat you.
Eat vegetables and fruits. Considered cool foods, fresh produce items soothe your insides, and they’re packed with nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Drink lots of water. Water tempers fire, leaving you refreshed inside and out. Drink cool, not icy cold water, throughout the day to quench your thirst and cool your mind and body.
Spend as much time as you can at the beach or pool. Hanging out near water during the Season of Fire provides an excellent means of balancing your body.
Take advantage of cool mornings and evenings. Go outside as soon as you wake up and soak in the sun’s gentle rays at this time of day. Also enjoy the outdoors in the evening when the heat has burned off and the cool, night air envelopes and refreshes you.
Relax and re-energize. Take advantage of summer time off and long, lazy days by relaxing and renewing.
Wear bright colors. Vivid hues give off energy, which offers you and whoever you encounter a chance to soak up as much energy as possible.
For more information about Pakua Orange, visit www.pakuaorange.com, www.pakua.com, or call (714) 288-2853.
Enjoy yoga and tai chi at the studio at these times:
Monday/Wednesday
9 a.m. yoga
6 p.m. yoga
9 p.m. yoga
Tuesday/Thursday
9 a.m. yoga
6 p.m. yoga
7 p.m. yoga
Friday
6 p.m. yoga
Saturday
7 a.m. tai chi
8 a.m. yoga
Sunday
9 a.m. yoga