As most of us experienced growing up, in the fall, winter and spring we would work hard at school, and then take a break in the summer. This model is one that teachers and parents alike understood to be most healthy and balanced for the development and growth of a child. Even with the modern change to year-round school, numerous breaks are incorporated throughout the year and considered vital.       

The balance of work and rest still applies to adults, except that most employers and work places have adopted a model where we work most of the year and only take off government appointed holidays and a few precious extras. This "adult model" is not a sustainable way to stay balanced with work and rest, stay balanced with the seasons, or to stay balanced within ourselves. There should always be numerous breaks in our year where we take a step back from our day-to-day lives to reconnect with family and friends, travel, digest and incorporate what we've been doing over the year.  

It is also important to expand ourselves in studies that help fill our hearts (just like summer camp when you were younger!). With this in mind, The Light Clinic will take a few summer breaks this year. The first break is the end of June through the beginning of July (June 24th-July 7th) and the end of August through the beginning of September (August 19th-September 9th). The first break Emaline will be visiting family and Joseph will be on a state-wide National Guard tour with the 202nd Army Band.  The second break Emaline and Joseph will travel to Portland to attend a week-long International Chinese Medicine conference, and stay to deepen their studies with their teachers there. 

We hope you all will take your own breaks this summer to do what will most enrich and deepen your lives. In terms of Chinese medicine, it is  healthy to take time off treatments to integrate the work that has been done. If you feel like you need treatments while we are gone, there are many options. For Chinese medicine, there are practitioners in Lexington, Georgetown and Louisville. There are also wonderful health options in Frankfort, including Craniosacral therapy, Reiki, massage, and chiropractors for energetic and physical assistance. We are happy to discuss and make recommendations on an individual basis. Please feel free voice any questions or concerns by calling, dropping by or emailing emaline@thelightclinic.org or joseph@thelightclinic.org.

Thank you for your understanding as we try to keep ourselves immersed in our studies to become better practitioners and further honor this community.

Wishing you health and happiness!
Joseph and Emaline
 
On May 6th we began the Chinese 2-week period of 立夏 Lixia, or "Summer Stands Up." This marks the turning in the seasonal wave where the energy of Summer begins to take over the energy of Spring. This wave will grow until peaking at the Summer Solstice on June 21st and then decline until Autumn takes reign August 8th. 
As the summer ramps up, it is even more important to take caution to not overextend yourself. It will be easy to do too much and to be in the heat too long. The great power of summer is that its energy is at your back, supporting you and pushing you to do more than normal. The caution should be to keep your center. Don't lose yourself completely to the joys and excesses of summer. Keep your qigong or meditation practice strong, eat light, keep your wits about you, and you will stay healthy throughout the summer season.

If you start to feel yourself slipping into common fire problems (which are the problems related to summer), please do not hesitate to stop by TLC so we can help you take care of things before they worsen. Common fire problems include: itching; burning; visible skin issues; issues with redness, like red eyes or sores; chest discomfort; headaches; mind moving too fast; poor sleep; and so on.