Click on the blue text to follow us
In recent years, the concept of “sunbathing to nourish yang and lose weight” has gradually become popular on the internet, becoming a new way of health pursued by many people. However, whether this viewpoint is scientifically effective has sparked widespread discussion and controversy.
This article will analyze the principles of sunbathing for yang nourishment, the effects on weight loss, and precautions, discussing whether it is truth or fallacy.
Principles of Sunbathing for Yang Nourishment
In traditional Chinese medicine, the back is considered the “sea of yang meridians,” with two important meridians – the Governor Vessel and the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang.
The Governor Vessel runs along the back of the body, serving as the summary of the yang meridians, with the function of regulating the body’s yang qi. The Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang has two lines on the back, starting from the head to the brain, descending along the inner side of the shoulder blades, embracing the spine to the lumbar sacral region, and further to the lower limbs.
These two meridians are closely related to the body’s yang qi and play a vital role in regulating body functions.
Benefits of Sunbathing
01
Supplementing Yang Qi
Sunbathing absorbs heat and energy from sunlight through the back, directly supplementing yang qi, improving various symptoms caused by yang qi deficiency, such as feeling cold, cold hands and feet, fatigue, etc.
02
Weight Loss
Adequate yang qi helps accelerate metabolism, promote fat breakdown, aiding in weight loss. Sunbathing also warms the body, enhancing blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, assisting in eliminating excess water and dampness from the body.
03
Boosting Immunity
Ultraviolet rays in sunlight aid in synthesizing vitamin D in the body, enhancing immunity. Sunbathing the back allows absorption of ultraviolet rays and boosting the body’s immune function to prevent diseases.
04
Improving Mood
Sunbathing also helps regulate emotions, as sunlight increases serotonin production in the brain, improving mood, relieving stress, and anxiety.
Questioning the Weight Loss Principle
Although sunbathing can promote blood circulation and metabolism, it does not guarantee weight loss. While sunbathing, the body may sweat significantly, primarily consuming bodily fluids rather than fat. Therefore, the weight loss effect of sunbathing is not significant, and the temporary decrease in weight may be due to water loss. Many TCM experts point out that the primary purpose of sunbathing is to nourish yang and dispel dampness, not for weight loss.
Precautions for Sunbathing
01
Timing
The best time for sunbathing is before 10 in the morning and after 4 in the afternoon when the sunlight is mild and less likely to cause skin damage. Avoid sunbathing during the strongest midday sunlight to prevent sunburn.
02
Duration
The duration of sunbathing should be based on individual constitution and weather conditions. It is generally recommended to sunbathe the back for about half an hour daily, persisting for over a month to see the effects of yang nourishment.
03
Direct Exposure
During sunbathing, ensure direct exposure to sunlight and avoid indirect exposure through glass or other objects, which can affect the effectiveness.
04
People Who Should Avoid
Elderly or weak individuals with insufficient yang qi should pay special attention to their body condition when sunbathing to avoid excessive sunburn; People with skin diseases, sun allergies, or undergoing light therapy treatment should avoid sunbathing.
In conclusion, sunbathing can indeed have a certain yang-nourishing effect, but its role in weight loss is not significant.
The primary purpose of sunbathing is to enhance the body’s resistance to disease and the function of the viscera and blood by supplementing yang and dispelling cold dampness. Therefore, considering sunbathing as the main method for weight loss is one-sided and unscientific.
In the pursuit of health and beauty, we should choose scientifically reasonable health methods based on our own constitution and needs.
Written by Bai Cuirui
Edited by Wang Hong
First Reviewer: Jiang Liyun
Second Reviewer: Lu Bo
Third Reviewer: Peng Wenyi
