The Wellness of Balance
Spring to Summer transition 2025 News and Tips
IN THIS ISSUE:
Hello,
Hurray, longer days and sunshine is here. I feel the energetic boost and desire create more movement. Can you feel it too? The increase in light is here as we transition to a new seasonal phase. April is another Earth month in the Chinese lunisolar calendar, which is a transition month between Seasons. It is a time to prepare and be aware of what changes you’d like to make for the next seasonal months. What are you grateful for over the past Spring, and how would you like to move forward over the next season of Fire and Summer?
On May 5th, the season of Fire and Summer will begin in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. This solar node marker of the Start of Summer is an increased light and HOT temperature trend. It also is a time of expansion, energy, activity and movement. Nature heightens its pace to the apex of the Yang motivation and boost of energy at the Summer Solstice, the midpoint of this light and heat trend. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to rise earlier with the Sun, in sync with the light. Nature will peak its growth phase in the summer, as the leaves and trees expand side to side, and reach far, just like what we strive to do in the summer.
Bump up your active life, find what sparks joy to move your Qi and Blood more. It’s time to use the flow of this boost of energy that gives us new life, inspiration and growth. Notice how that feels when you synchronise your activities more to natural laws rhythms.
The next in my series of favourite travel items for health, is essential oils. I’ve mentioned this before in past newsletter and with patients. There are 2 essential oils I travel with, and one is a good one to utilise in the summer months as well → Lavender. Lavender essential oil is one I use to diffuse in the room to help calm the Shen-Spirit and mind. This helps fall asleep, and with any generalised stress or anxiety. In Biomedicine, it helps regulate the circadian rhythms, which certainly can get out of whack if we overly extend ourselves in the summer. Dab it on your wrist and on your temples for more of an effect to regulate the mond, but utilising acupuncture points. Sometimes, I’ll drop 2-3 drops on a tissue and put it by my nightstand to have some diffusion in the room when I’m travelling. That’s it! Easy-peasy.
Tips from Suzanne Williams, RAc, RTCMP
Sunscreen and Chinese Medicine Wisdom for Healthy Skin
As the vibrant energy of longer, sunnier days fills the air, let’s remember to nurture our skin’s health from the inside out! My approach to sun protection involves a multi-layered strategy:
This season, let’s embrace the combined power of effective sunscreens and the wisdom of Chinese medicine to keep our skin feeling healthy, hydrated, and protected! 😎
Tips from Dr. Kathleen Dang, RAc, ND
Adaptogenic herbs for the Summer
As summer days get longer in Vancouver, with sunrises around 6am and sunsets near 9pm, people often find themselves busier and more active all day. Although this can be fun, the nervous system isn’t always restored to baseline and can lead to higher stress levels, influenced by the hormone cortisol. Adaptogenic herbs, like Tulsi (Holy Basil), are a gentle way to support the body’s response to stress. Tulsi is widely available, thrives in heat, and is known to lower cortisol while promoting calm and emotional balance. While generally safe, individuals with low thyroid function or on blood thinners should consult a doctor before regular use. You can find this highly available herb in the tea section of your grocery store. Enjoy! 😊
Wishing you a fun start to Summer!
Yours in good health,
Dr. Sonia F. Tan, DAOM (DAOM degree), RTCMP, and the Red Tree Wellness team of Dr. Kathleen Dang, ND, RAc & Suzanne Williams, BA, MBA, RTCMP
