At the beginning of summer, the handle of the Big Dipper points to the southeast, and all things enter
a period of lush growth. The ancient Chinese medicine book "Su Wen" emphasizes the health preserv
ation principle of "spring birth and summer growth". At this time, the body's yang qi floats out, the po
res open and release, and it is easy to be invaded by the evil of heat and dampness. In response to the
common lifestyle habits of modern people, such as dependence on air conditioning, excessive consum
ption of cold drinks, and lack of exercise, traditional Chinese medicine health preservation should focu
s on "nourishing the heart, protecting the yang, strengthening the spleen, and dispelling dampness". T
hrough the coordinated regulation of tea, massage, exercise, and diet, it can help you safely pass the s
ummer.
1、Tea Drink for Clearing and Nourishing: Using Tea as a Substitute for Medicine to Adjust Yin and Yang
Traditional medicinal tea has unique advantages in summer health preservation, as it can not only repl
enish moisture but also regulate physical fitness. People with damp heat constitution can choose lotus
leaf and bamboo leaf tea (5g fresh lotus leaves, 3g light bamboo leaves, 2g dried tangerine peel), whi
ch has a significant effect on clearing heat and dampness; People with qi and yin deficiency should dri
nk Panax ginseng and Ophiopogon japonicus drink (3g of Panax ginseng tablets, 5g of Ophiopogon ja
ponicus, 2g of Schisandra chinensis), which can replenish qi and promote diuresis; Ordinary people can
keep a regular serving of Ume Rock Sugar Drink (10 Ume, 15g Rock Sugar, 1g Osmanthus), which is so
ur and sweet, appetizing and refreshing.
Modern pharmacological studies have shown that alkaloids in lotus leaves can significantly reduce seru
m total cholesterol, and bamboo leaf polysaccharides have clear antioxidant effects. When making tea
drinks, it is important to note that medicinal herbs need to be brewed with hot water at 85 ℃, covered
and simmered for 10 minutes, and refilled with water 3-4 times a day to avoid astringency caused by
prolonged soaking.
2、Tuina guidance: meridian regulation to ensure health
Summer massage should focus on the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
Every morning, you can follow the Heart Meridian and tap at least the Jiquan acupoint along the merid
ian, combined with pressing the Neiguan acupoint (2 inches above the wrist crease) for 3 minutes, whi
ch can effectively improve symptoms of palpitations and insomnia. Spleen meridian massage can be p
erformed at the San Yin Jiao (3 inches above the tip of the medial malleolus) and Yin Ling Quan (depre
ssion at the lower edge of the medial tibial condyle) acupoints. Use your thumb to knead and press the
m clockwise 100 times each, and combine with moxibustion for better results.
For common "air conditioning diseases", the "four on" method is recommended: simultaneously press
the Hegu (between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones on the back of the hand) and Taichong (between
the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones on the back of the foot) acupoints, press each acupoint for 1 minute
, repeat 3 times, which can unblock the whole body's air circulation. Office workers can often do "comb
ing": using their fingertips to comb from the front hairline to the back hairline, 100 times a day, can no
t only relieve headaches but also promote blood circulation in the head.
3、Exercise and Health Preservation: Seeking Tranquility while Moving to Nourish the Mind and Spirit
Summer sports should follow the principle of "cooling off from the heat", and it is recommended to ex
ercise from 5-7 am in the morning or 17-19 pm in the evening. The technique of "shaking the head and
tail to dispel heart fire" in the traditional guidance technique of Eight Section Brocade can effectively r
egulate sympathetic nervous system excitability through the rotation, flexion, and extension of the spin
e. Simplified exercise method: Spread your feet shoulder width apart, hold your knees with both hands
, and rotate your waist clockwise and counterclockwise 10 times each.
Swimming is a good summer exercise, and the body's heat dissipation efficiency is best when the wate
r temperature is 26-28 ℃. It is advisable to control each run at 800-1000 meters. Do not take a shower
immediately after exercise. Instead, use a dry towel to wipe away sweat. After the heart rate returns to
normal, drink diluted salt water. For sedentary individuals, it is recommended to use the "tiptoe techni
que": keep both feet together, repeatedly tiptoe for 3 seconds, and practice 200 times a day to prevent
varicose veins in the lower limbs.
4、Dietary regulation: harmonizing the five flavors to nourish the spleen and stomach
Summer diet should follow the principle of "increasing acidity and reducing bitterness". Eating sour fo
ods such as tomatoes, bayberries, hawthorns, etc. in moderation can help to reduce sweating, produce
fluids, and quench thirst. Recommended "Five color Congee" at the beginning of summer: mung bean
(green), job's tears (white), red jujube (red), yam (yellow), black rice (black) 20g each, simmer for 2 hou
rs, and eat with rock sugar, which can strengthen the spleen, remove dampness, and nourish the five in
ternal organs.
Cold mixed bitter chrysanthemum (200g bitter chrysanthemum, 30g walnut kernels, 5ml olive oil) is an
ideal side dish, as bitter substances can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes. It should be note
d that the food taken out of the refrigerator should be reheated to above 15 ℃ before consumption to
avoid damaging the spleen yang. People with weak and cold constitution can consume ginger jujube
tea in moderation (3 slices of ginger and 6 red dates), preferably in the morning.
The key to health preservation during the beginning of summer lies in "conforming to the weather". Th
rough the synergy of tea drinks, massage guidance, moderate exercise, and dietary adjustments, the b
ody's adaptability can be effectively improved. It is recommended to record indicators such as tongue
coating, sleep quality, and bowel movements for 21 consecutive days starting from May 5th, and dyna
mically adjust the health plan. At this time of vigorous yang energy, reasonable health preservation can
not only help to endure the bitter summer, but also lay a solid foundation for autumn and winter healt
h.
