The Daniel Adler Clinic Newsletter: Issue 11, Abundance

In this issue:

Welcome to summer!

Ah, summer. The season of fire, contentment, the heart organ and abundance in Traditional East Asian Medicinal Theory.

As with all seasons, summer is a fleeting phase.

A quick passing moment in the greater scheme.

It is the season where the “yang” (think bright, active, expansive “sunny,” moving energies) reach a peak, after which they pivot and start to transition towards the more still, quiet (and colder) seasons.

I could write this newsletter to remind you of all the good, cooling food and drink you should eat to cool and calm your system — such as Bo He Cha aka Mint Tea, to which you could add some Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower) and Jin Yin Hua (Honesuckle) and Gou Qi Zi  (Goji Berries).

I could also suggest hydrating properly — water, watermelon juice, coconut water, even Coca Cola if you have lost a large amount of electrolytes through sweating and need a quick replenish and you have no other options. I am a pragmatist and a purist!

I could go further and say Dad Things like “Wear a Hat and Sunscreen!” and “Stay inside during the heat of the day!”

And I could even suggest certain herbal formulas like Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Combination), Huang Liang Jie Du Tang (Coptis and Scute Combination), or Yin Qiao San (Lonicera and Forsythia Formula) when you find yourself having been overexposed to the elements and heat.***

But… I won’t.

You’re either likely doing many of these things anyway, or you are likely too busy to read much as you are making the most of this most precious time!

Saying that… there is one aspect of the “Fire-Phase” Season that I would like to dwell upon: Abundance.

Learn More About Kampo

– Buddhist teaching

These days (there’s the Dad again), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by messages about how much is changing and how uncertain the world has become.

Often, our natural response is to tighten up, keep our “elbows up”, and focus on what’s missing.

But what if there’s another way?

What if leaning into abundance – whether it’s in our mindset, our care for ourselves, or our connections with others – could open new possibilities for healing and growth?

There’s something about the human condition that tends to shift toward a “poverty mindset” when stress arises.

I often see this when people are injured.

Instead of getting the care they need, they say things like “I’m too busy” or “it’s too expensive”.

Ignoring a problem might seem okay in the short term. But over time, it often leads to bigger challenges.

And yes, quality treatment can come with a price. Yet many practitioners offer sliding scale fees, and there are excellent student clinics that provide accessible, affordable care.

Personally, I have always said – and still believe – that if finances are standing in the way of your treatment, let’s have a conversation.

There is always a way forward.

Our generosity of spirit and our ability to connect across our differences are some of the most powerful healing balms we have.

We are communal beings, deeply interconnected.

The heart’s nature is to be open, gently expanding its loving kindness in all directions along these connections.

This is how the energy of the Heart grows – much like the energy of summer radiates and expands.

We don’t have to agree on everything. But we don’t need to close our hearts either.

This is just something for you to consider during this abundant time of year.

Book a Treatment Online

– Huangdi Neijing

Over the next few months, Beatrice will be completing her post-school internship with me at Dupont Naturopathic Family Centre until she takes her formal Board exams.

She is a competent and talented practitioner, and I am thrilled to have her on board.

Book a Treatment with Beatrice

In moments when scarcity and fear seem loudest, choosing abundance is an act of courage and kindness – not just for ourselves but for those around us.

I encourage you to notice where scarcity thinking might be holding you back and to consider one small step toward caring for yourself or opening your heart.

It might be making an appointment you’ve been putting off, reaching out for support, or simply allowing yourself to connect more deeply with others despite differences.

When we lean into connection rather than fear, abundance grows.

Let’s move forward together, with open hearts.