This Summer, Pay Attention to your Heart

Summer has officially started -- a time for increased activity, vitality, and more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature. While you’re indulging in the unique delights that this time of year has to offer, don’t forget to take a closer look at your body’s participation in this annual cycle.

In Chinese Medicine, summer relates to the fire element—and in terms of your body, this season emphasizes your heart and circulation. As daylight increases, your energy and activities will naturally expand, reaching further away from your core—and that’s where a strong, healthy heart and circulatory system come into play. After all, they are your pump, and the vehicle you rely on to get nutrients and information to every part of your body.

So what can you do this season to make sure your heart stays strong? For starters, you can take advantage of the abundant fresh produce that’s always at your fingertips this year—not to mention the opportunities for outdoor exercise that spring up at every turn. But if nothing else, make sure that you schedule that vacation—and take plenty of time to recharge your batteries every single chance you get.

Chronic inflammation has been receiving widespread attention in mainstream medicine for several years now—and most especially where your heart health is concerned. Inflammation represents heat. We know from basic physics that heat is a manifestation of an increase in kinetic movement—and when you live a high-paced lifestyle with no time to relax, “cool,” re-hydrate, and lubricate your body, your “engine” is going to heat up.

The problem here is that heat—and the inflammation it causes—degrades your body through wear, tear, and oxidative stress. This is one of the primary mechanisms of the aging process—and of degenerative diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Slowing down and making sure that you allow your body to cool, regulate, and regenerate is a necessary preventative measure for a long and healthy life. Drink lots of fresh clean water. Take time to eat mindfully. Get adequate sleep and enjoy regular exercise (especially walking) whenever you can. And of course, meditation and relaxation can work wonders in keeping your heart (and your entire body) as strong and active as it can be.

Heart-nourishing, inflammation-fighting supplements can also make a critical difference. Cardiovascular and circulatory conditions are a big focus in my clinical practice—and for my patients, I use a Tibetan-based herbal formula that embraces the principles of both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine for a unique, natural, and very effective approach to combating heart disease and circulatory issues. Its positive effects on conditions such as peripheral artery disease to multiple sclerosis are well-documented, and are the subject of numerous published clinical trials.

The intuition and effectiveness of this ancient herbal formulation never ceases to amaze me. In my practice, I find that patients who use this formula on an ongoing basis enjoy gradual, gentle, and sustained benefits. Compared to any single agent drug or supplement (which may give rapid—but short-lived benefits, and often ridden with side effects), the advantages of this herbal treatment are truly undeniable.

There are also a number of other well-researched nutrients and supplements that can be combined to offer safe and effective daily cardiovascular support without risks or side effects. For more information on how to put these helpful compounds to work for you, I invite you to read my free report. As always, feel free to share its contents with anyone you know who would like to learn more about how an integrative combination of natural supplements and critical lifestyle changes can ensure lasting heart health through this season and beyond.