By Dr. Adam Okerblom
Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are now approaching the warmest and driest time of year. Tibetan Medicine teaches that these hot, dry, and “sharp” conditions lead to the arising of the fire-element nature within our bodies, known as the Tripa Nyepa མཁྲིས་པ་ཉེས་པ།. The Tripa Nyepa is the fire-element function within our body and mind—our physiological systems, as well as our psychology. During the late summer and autumn, our Tripa arises, and can easily become imbalanced.
Symptoms of Imbalance
Imbalance of the fire-element, Tripa Nyepa causes symptoms such as indigestion, headache, upper body pains, poor sleep, or irritability. It is also linked with skin conditions, eye irritation, or inflammation. These symptoms are aggravated by hot and sharp diet and behaviors such as eating greasy or spicy foods, drinking alcohol, excessive physical exertion, or intense, angry emotions. Tripa is also aggravated by toxins and pollution, such as smoke in the air, vaping, or airborne chemicals.
Balancing the Tripa Nyepa མནཀྲིས་པ་ཉེས་པ།
How does Tibetan Medicine treat imbalance of the Tripa Nyepa, and help harmonize our fiery functions? We need to harmonize the hot, dry, and sharp qualities of our internal and external environments with cool, moist, and smooth diet and behaviors.
So, we choose foods and herbs that are naturally sweet, hydrating, and cooling. For example, seasonal fresh fruits are a great choice, also dark bitter greens, as well as fresh dairy products, coconut milk, or rock sugar. Herbs like fresh mint or licorice are commonly recommended.
We should do gentle, refreshing exercise such as walks or bike rides through the woods and gardens. Gentle exercise is key because it helps our channels to open and energy to circulate freely. This avoids stagnation and accumulation of heat, while also not overtaxing or stressing our system.
It is recommended to relax beside running water, under the shade of trees and fragrant plants. Now is the time to soothe our minds with lighthearted chats with dear friends and reflections on the simple joys of life. It is excellent to spend some time offline, unplug from the headlines, and enjoy connecting with nature, children, music, and laughter.
As far as clinical treatments are concerned, we use gentle, restorative treatments that clear heat, open the channels, and nourish the earth and water elements of our physiology. We guide the energy to support the heart, liver, blood systems, and, as always, the digestion.
In Conclusion
Tibetan Medicine theory develops individualized analysis and treatment strategies for each patient’s unique condition. It also tailors protocols according to the season, weather, and other factors.
However, Tibetan Medicine’s advice for balancing our fire element, Tripa Nyepa is universal for all of us: We should take a break from stress and aggravation, and enjoy a rest or refreshing walk in a cool place. With this advice, we can remain relaxed and refreshed throughout the heat of the summer!
Adam Okerblom, DAOM, LAc
Adam Okerblom, DAOM, LAc, is a doctor of Chinese Medicine with over 12 years of clinical experience and longstanding training in Tibetan Medicine. His work bridges these traditional medical systems through clinical practice, teaching in doctoral programs at Chinese medicine schools, and guest lectures at universities including San Francisco State University. He also contributes to translation and writing projects focused on classical Tibetan medical literature.
Learn more about Dr. Adam Okerblom and schedule acupuncture with him or join one of his classes.