Of the four seasons, summer is the season of yang, a time when the body undergoes vigorous metabolic processes. Several thousand years ago, The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor put forth the principle that one should cultivate the yang energy in spring and summer, while protecting the yin energy in autumn and winter. According to TCM theory, yang energy is the power for viscera, integral to the function of various internal organs. And in China's long history, the principle of "cultivating yang energy in spring and summer, while protecting yin energy in autumn and winter," has proven of great value for good health and longevity of life. How can one follow this principle?

Psychological Health

TCM teaches us that summer belongs to fire, one of the five elements. In human anatomy, the heart is fire. Thus, top priority should be given to the heart for staying healthy in summer. When referred to in TCM, 'heart' means much more than the organ itself. It also includes the cranial nerve system.

Cultivating the heart means mental cultivation and physical health. In summer, due to the hot weather, people tend to become unsettled and short-tempered - obviously not good for health. Therefore, maintaining a tranquil mood is of great importance for staying healthy in summer. And people are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities.

Daily Life

Summer is a hot season with long days. Accordingly, people should go to bed late and rise early. Outdoor walking or jogging after getting up is strongly recommended. Usually, in summer, due to the hot weather, even those who are robust and strong may have little appetite, sleep less, be in low spirits and tend to be easily offended. Therefore, a one-hour nap after lunch is of great benefit to people's health. Moreover, since people are easily affected by bacteria in summer, do not turn electric fans to too high a setting, and do not sleep in the open air at night. Remember to put a blanket on your stomach when sleeping. Do not stay long under the eaves or in corridors, for you may catch cold. You can relax under the shade of trees or on the terraces, providing you do not remain there too long. Remember to bring along an umbrella or wear a hat when going out, and always avoid exposing yourself to powerful sunlight. In summer, people should not do too much physical labor; however, this doesn't mean you should avoid perspiring. If people spend too much time in an air-conditioned and cool environment, they may develop such symptoms as tiring easily, with pain of the bones, commonly called "air-conditioner disease." This results from excessive cold affecting normal physiological reactions.

With such direction ancient Chinese people handed down to later generations prescriptions for an orderly-arranged daily life.

Diet

In summer, indigestion can easily occur, so a light and less greasy diet is strongly recommended. People can perspire a lot in summer and, according to TCM theory, too much perspiration can upset the natural course of body fluid, which can block the smooth flow of vital energy. Drinking more water, especially after sweating profusely, is important. You can pound the fruit of Chinese magnolia vine to extract the juice and boil it to serve as a beverage. Taking a proper amount of cold drinks or snacks, such as watermelon and mung bean soup, can supplement water, salt, and vitamins lost in hot weather. However, never take too much cold food or fruit, for it can result in abdominal distension and indigestion.

Exercise

Sports are good for health and summer is an especially good season to cultivate and protect yang energy through exercise. In hot weather, because long-time exercise in the sun can bring on sunstroke, it is advised to exercise in the cool early morning or evening. Sports such as taiji shadow boxing, taiji sword, jogging, walking, and especially swimming, are good for one's health.

Curing Disease

Usually in summer people are easily affected by febrile diseases, so herbs of a cold and cool nature can be chosen as treatment. A person lacking yang energy can take ginseng, cinnamon and the root of membranous milk vetch to cultivate vital energy. Also, summer is a good season to cure diseases that often occur in autumn and winter. Effective results can be achieved by applying herbs to acupuncture points, or using moxibustion on diseases resulting from a lack of yang energy, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

For your consideration, below we offer two easy-to-make teas useful for clearing excessive internal heat:

1． Prepare 12 grams of selfheal, 10 grams of folium mori, 10 grams of chrysanthemum. Let selfheal and folium mori soak for 30 minutes in cold water, then boil for 30 minutes. Then add the chrysanthemum and continue to boil them for another 3 minutes and serve. Crystal sugar and honey can be added for sweetness.

2． Put 15 grams of honeysuckle and 15 grams of oriental wormwood in cold water and soak for 30 minutes. Boil them for 30 minutes and serve. Honey or brown sugar can be added for sweetness.

(Source: China Pictorial)