The Midsummer is a special concept in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, usually referring to the period from the fourth Geng day after the summer solstice to before the start of autumn. It falls approximately between mid-July and early August on the Gregorian calendar, marking the hottest period of the year and the second phase of the “Three Dog Days.” In Chinese culture, the “Three Dog Days” consist of the early dog days, mid dog days, and late dog days, with the mid dog days being particularly focused on due to the highest temperatures.
The concept of the Midsummer originates from ancient Chinese Yin Yang and Five Elements theory. Ancient Chinese believed that summer is when the Yang energy is at its peak, and the dog days mark the period when the body is vulnerable to external heat and humidity. In ancient agricultural society, people arranged farming activities based on natural climate changes and developed a set of corresponding customs and health methods. The Midsummer, as the hottest period of the year, became a time highly valued by the ancient people.
During the Midsummer, due to high temperatures and humidity, people may feel fatigued and loss of appetite. As a result, ancient people developed a series of health practices aimed at nurturing the body, cooling off, and maintaining health.
Dietary adjustments: It is advisable to consume light and easily digestible foods such as mung beans, watermelon, winter melon, etc., known for their cooling and detoxifying properties. Additionally, consuming bitter foods like bitter melon in moderation can enhance heart function and aid digestion.
Adjusting habits: Avoid prolonged outdoor activities in intense sunlight and opt for cooler mornings and evenings. Maintain ventilation indoors by using natural breeze or fans to reduce dependence on air conditioning, as excessive temperature differences between indoors and outdoors can impact health.
Emotional adjustment: High temperatures can lead to irritability, and managing emotions through activities like listening to music or reading can help maintain a calm mindset.
Hydration and heatstroke prevention: Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Besides water, consuming diluted saltwater or electrolyte-rich beverages can replenish lost minerals.
Midsummer health practices are not just about physical well-being but also reflect a cultural heritage that embodies the wisdom of adapting to nature and balancing body and mind. In modern society, despite the assistance of modern technologies like air conditioning, adhering to ancient health principles can still help us better navigate the hot summer, fostering a healthy and harmonious life. According to the ancestors, remember after entering the Midsummer: 1. Stay indoors, 2. Limit bathing, 3. Discard old items, 4. Cherry-pick foods to lay the groundwork for autumn!
“Stay indoors”
Avoid going outdoors. In the sweltering days of Midsummer, it is wise to follow the ancient wisdom and choose to stay at home to escape the heat. An old saying goes, “The scorching summer heat is like fire, staying indoors is most blissful.” It is not just about physically avoiding the heat but also a form of mental cultivation and adjustment. At home, various natural or artificial methods can be used to create a cool and comfortable environment, such as opening windows for cross-ventilation or using fans and air conditioning to lower indoor temperatures. By doing so, one can effectively avoid the heat and find a rare tranquility amidst a busy life, improving the quality of life and nourishing both body and mind.
“Limit bathing”
Avoid frequent bathing. In Midsummer, although the weather is hot and people sweat easily, frequent bathing may not be beneficial for health. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, during summer, especially in Midsummer, the body’s pores are open, and excessive bathing can introduce cold air, leading to discomfort such as joint pain and muscle soreness. Moreover, excessive bathing can disrupt the skin’s natural oil balance, causing dryness and even skin ailments.
Avoid cold showers. While a cold shower may provide instant relief, it can abruptly constrict blood vessels on the skin surface, hindering proper heat dissipation and imposing unnecessary strain on the body, potentially leading to colds or other health issues.
Therefore, during Midsummer, it is recommended to maintain body cleanliness and comfort in a more gentle manner. Opt for warm water showers, avoid extreme cold or hot water to reduce stimulation on the skin and internal organs. Additionally, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, staying hydrated, and supplementing salt appropriately can help the body adapt better to high temperatures.
“Discard old items”
Eliminate greasy foods. In hot weather, the body’s metabolism accelerates, while digestive function weakens. Consuming oily and greasy foods excessively can burden the digestive system and lead to indigestion and loss of appetite. Hence, reduce intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods like fried chicken or braised pork, and opt for steaming, boiling, or stewing cooking methods, increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains for a balanced and light diet.
Discard leftover food. In hot environments, food is prone to spoilage, and improper storage of leftovers can breed bacteria, causing stomach discomfort or even food poisoning. To ensure food safety and health, it is advisable to avoid eating overnight leftovers, preparing fresh meals for each meal to maintain freshness and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Discard spicy foods. While spicy foods stimulate the appetite, during the dog days, excessive consumption can increase body heat production, leading to more sweating and added strain on the body. Moreover, spicy foods may irritate the digestive tract, causing symptoms like dry mouth, sore throat, etc. Hence, during summer, reduce the use of spicy condiments like chili and Sichuan pepper, opting for milder seasonings such as vinegar, lemon juice, to enhance taste without burdening the body.
“Select foods”
Watermelon. Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits in summer, with a high water content of up to 92%, making it a natural hydrating choice. The lycopene and vitamin C in watermelon have antioxidant properties, helping to eliminate free radicals in the body and protect cells from damage. Additionally, the potassium in watermelon helps regulate electrolyte balance and prevent heatstroke. Enjoying a piece of chilled watermelon not only quenches thirst quickly but also provides a refreshing sensation, an indispensable delicacy in summer.
Bitter melon. Despite its unique taste, bitter melon boasts significant nutritional value. It is rich in various vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, which is twice that of an orange. When preparing bitter melon, methods like cold tossing, stir-frying, or making soup can help retain its nutrients and reduce bitterness for a more palatable experience.
Mung beans. Mung beans are an ideal ingredient for cooling off in summer and are often used to make mung bean soup. Rich in protein, dietary fiber, and B vitamins, mung beans can provide energy and help detoxify the body. Mung bean soup not only cools and hydrates but also effectively relieves discomfort caused by summer heat and humidity. When cooking mung bean soup, adding a small amount of sugar or rock sugar can turn it into a healthy and delicious beverage.
Job’s tears. Job’s tears is a low-fat, high-protein grain packed with dietary fiber and various trace elements. During the dog days, Job’s tears can help the body eliminate excess dampness. Job’s tears porridge or Job’s tears tea is a good choice, not only for cooling and removing dampness but also for beauty and skin health benefits.
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