by Kate Barton, LAc.

How do we honor our inner Yin at the most Yang time of the year? The Summer Solstice is fast approaching on Wednesday, June 21. This day gives us the most daylight of any day of the year, as well as the day that is the most “Yang” on the calendar.

The basis of all acupuncture theory — and life — is the balance of Yin and Yang (pronounced yAHng, not yAAng). Most people are familiar with the words Yin and Yang, as they are pervasive in popular culture, music, etc. Basically, the crux of Yin/Yang theory is that some things are generally more Yin while others are more Yang. For example, Yin is winter, nighttime, female energy, and darkness, whereas Yang is summer, noontime, male energy, and light. The Summer solstice is the most Yang day of the year because it is the day with the most light.

So, how do we honor our inner Yin when things are seemingly so Yang? Taking a moment to pause, slow down, and reflect is a good place to start. Don’t forget to eat warm, nourishing foods, even when the temperature rises outside. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are also a great way to give your body what it needs — more permission to eat fresh Strawberries is always a good thing, right? Personally, I love to mark the Solstices and Equinoxes by pausing to watch either the sunrise or sunset and take a moment to appreciate the passage of time — and light.

When looking at the Yin/Yang or ‘taiji’ symbol, the area that is the most white represents the summer Solstice, but even at the apex of the circle, there is the black “eye” of yin in the center of the whiteness, reminding us that there is always a balance, and there is still some Yin within Yang. I encourage you to take some time this Summer Solstice to ponder Yin/Yang theory and what it means to find balance in times of extremes, both within ourselves and within the greater world around us.