Boost heart, mind & digestion this summer with seasonal wellness tips, juices, herbs & movement from The Flight Attendant Nextdoor.
Welcome to the Summer Season of Body Harmony
As we transition into the warmest months of the year, it’s time to align ourselves with summer’s natural rhythms and make the most of its energetic transformation. If you’re new here, welcome! I’m The Flight Attendant Nextdoor, and this is part two of my five-part Seasonal Body Harmony series, inspired by the principles of Asian medicine’s seasonal attunement.
Each season, the body shifts in response to the environment, impacting different organ systems. By tuning in and making intentional food, movement, and lifestyle choices, we can help our bodies function optimally. This summer, we’re focusing on bringing balance to the heart, mind, and small intestine.
Let’s dive into what summer wellness looks like, how to nourish these organ systems, and how to cultivate joy, clarity, and vitality during June, July, and August.
Understanding the Summer Season: Elements, Organs & Emotions
In traditional Asian medicine, summer is associated with:
✅ Heart (circulates blood, houses the mind)
✅ Small Intestine (absorbs nutrients, discerns what the body needs)
✅ Tongue & Speech (expression, clarity, and wisdom)
✅ Blood Vessels (healthy circulation, blood pressure regulation)
✅ Joy & Laughter (emotional expansion, warmth, and connection)
✅ Sweat (body's natural cooling system)
✅ Heat & Growth (expansion, high energy, peak of activity)
✅ Flavor: Bitter (cooling, detoxifying, heart-supportive)
✅ Color: Red (circulatory system support, vitality)
✅ Direction: South (symbolic of summer’s expansive energy)
✅ Key Foods: Corn, Amaranth, Red Fruits & Vegetables
Last year, I dipped my toes into stem cell resetting during the summer (which is good for the brain), using Brahmi, black lentils, and uncultured ghee, but I didn’t give it my full focus. This year, I’m committed to deepening this practice and seeing how my body responds when I prioritize these organ systems. I feel ready.
Signs of Imbalance in the Heart, Mind & Small Intestine
Ever feel like your body is out of sync with the season? Some physical and emotional symptoms indicate that the heart, mind, and small intestine need extra support.
Common Signs of Stagnation or Imbalance:
❤️ Heart & Mind Imbalances:
Poor circulation (cold hands/feet or high blood pressure)
Restlessness, insomnia, excessive worry
Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
Anxiety, nervousness, or lack of joy
Trouble expressing emotions or feeling disconnected
🩸 Blood Vessel Imbalances:
Frequent bruising, varicose veins
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Poor cardiovascular endurance
🦠 Small Intestine Imbalances:
Bloating, sluggish digestion, nutrient malabsorption
Food intolerances, especially to dairy, wheat, or fried foods
Abdominal pain, excessive gas, or irregular bowel movements
Mental fog or indecisiveness
If any of these symptoms resonate with you, summer is the perfect time to focus on clearing blockages, strengthening circulation, and supporting digestion.
How to Support the Heart, Mind & Small Intestine This Summer
1. Eat Seasonally & Emphasize Bitter Flavors
Bitter foods naturally cool excess heat, support circulation, and stimulate digestion. Incorporate heart-supporting and digestion-friendly foods such as:
🥗 Bitter Greens – Arugula, dandelion, kale, mustard greens
🍉 Red & Cooling Fruits – Watermelon, cherries, pomegranate, raspberries
🌽 Whole Grains & Fiber – Amaranth, corn, quinoa, oats
🫘 Legumes – Lentils (especially black lentils), chickpeas
🌰 Healthy Fats – Walnuts, flaxseeds, avocado
🫖 Cooling Teas – Hibiscus, chamomile, Brahmi (Bacopa), peppermint
2. Juice Recipes for Heart, Mind & Small Intestine Health
One of my favorite books, Juicing for Life, has been my go-to guide for creating targeted juices that support specific organ systems. Here are a few summer-friendly blends:
❤️ Heart-Nourishing Juice
1 beet (supports blood flow)
1 apple (natural sweetness + digestion support)
1 cucumber (hydration + cooling)
1-inch ginger (anti-inflammatory + circulation boost)
🩸 Small Intestine Detox Juice
½ cup dandelion greens (bitter & cleansing)
1 carrot (gut-friendly & vitamin A-rich)
1 lemon (alkalizing & digestive aid)
1 celery stalk (reduces bloating)
🌞 Summer Cooling Juice
1 cup watermelon (hydration & circulation)
½ lime (refreshing + vitamin C)
1 mint sprig (calming + digestion)
Drink these regularly to stay cool, hydrated, and balanced this season.
3. Beneficial Herbs, Vitamins & Nutrients
🌿 For Heart & Mind Health:
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) – Boosts concentration & mental clarity
Hibiscus – Lowers blood pressure, supports heart function
Magnesium – Eases anxiety, improves sleep & cardiovascular health
CoQ10 – Strengthens heart muscles & enhances energy
🦠 For Small Intestine Health:
Slippery Elm & Marshmallow Root – Soothe gut lining
Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics – Support nutrient absorption
L-Glutamine – Repairs intestinal lining & reduces bloating
Uncultured Ghee – Nourishes the gut without dairy sensitivity
4. Movement & Mindfulness for Summer Harmony
🔥 Cardio for Circulation: Brisk walking, swimming, jump rope, or cycling
🧘🏾♀️ Yoga Poses for Heart Opening: Camel Pose, Bridge Pose, Cobra Pose
💨 Breathwork: Cooling Breath (Sheetali Pranayama) to regulate heat
🛑 Pause & Laugh: Prioritize joy! Spend time with loved ones, engage in activities that spark happiness and laughter
What Happens When the Heart, Mind & Small Intestines Are in Harmony?
When your body is attuned to summer’s energy, you’ll feel:
✅ Joyful & Energetic – Clear-headed, emotionally vibrant, and positive
✅ Mentally Sharp – Better memory, increased focus, and decision-making ease
✅ Physically Strong – Healthy circulation, balanced digestion, and stable energy levels
✅ Emotionally Expressive – Comfortable in social settings, open communication
By integrating seasonal nutrition, mindful movement, and intentional self-care, you can experience a summer of true vitality and balance.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for an Aligned & Vibrant Summer
This summer, I’m fully committing to seasonal attunement, prioritizing my heart, mind, and digestive health in a way I didn’t last year. If you’re inspired to join me, start with small shifts—drink a cooling juice, incorporate more bitter greens, or try a heart-opening exercise stretch.
Are you excited to align with summer’s rhythm? Let me know what practices you’ll implement in the comments! Stay tuned for Season 2, Part 2, where I’ll dive deeper into advanced cleansing and rejuvenation practices for peak summer wellness.
Until next time, wheels up to wellness! ✈️🌞
Let’s make this summer our healthiest yet!
xoxo, The Flight Attendant Nextdoor
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