In summer, with increased rainfall and rising temperatures, the environment becomes both humid and hot, posing a challenge to human health. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, dampness is considered a Yin pathogen that easily harms the spleen because the spleen prefers dryness over dampness. Another characteristic of summer is the vigorous Yang energy, leading to increased sweating and the dispersion of Yang energy inside the body, potentially causing internal coldness. During this time, people tend to consume cold drinks and cool-natured foods to cope with the heat, making the spleen and stomach more susceptible to issues. Therefore, the focus of summer health maintenance lies in regulating the spleen and stomach to prevent dampness and heat invasion.
The summer heat not only depletes the body’s vitality but can also result in a series of discomforts such as fatigue, irritability, dry mouth, shortness of breath, and lack of speech, collectively referred to as “heat necessarily injures Qi” in Chinese medicine. When combating the heat, measures should be taken to clear heat and nourish Qi, either through diet therapy or moderate supplementation to strengthen one’s vitality and prevent diseases. Particularly in treating colds in elderly individuals, caution must be taken to avoid excessive sweating that may deplete vitality. It is essential to follow the principle of “supporting the healthy energy against the pathogenic factors” and choose appropriate treatment methods.
The combination of dampness and heat in summer, with a prevalence of dampness pathogens, easily affects the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, diarrhea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and light-headedness, commonly known as “summer dampness” and often observed in individuals with weak constitutions or poor spleen and stomach functions. Therefore, during summer health maintenance, it is important to focus on nourishing Qi and dispelling dampness, following the principle of adapting to the season by choosing methods that clear and supplement rather than simply supplement to align with the seasonal characteristics.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang is a classic Chinese medicine prescription used for summer health maintenance, with different versions aiming to address the health challenges brought by summer dampness and heat through a combination of herbs that clear heat, dispel summer heat, tonify the spleen, and nourish Qi. For instance, Li Dongyuan’s Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang focuses on clearing heat, removing dampness, and enhancing spleen and stomach function; while Wang Mengying’s version emphasizes clearing summer heat while nourishing Yin and promoting body fluids, suitable for cases of both Qi and Yin deficiency.
For those with weak spleen and stomach, various dietary adjustment methods can be adopted, such as the combination of green beans and white beans in a drink that both relieves heat and invigorates the spleen; millet porridge paired with milk to prepare a “butter” soup, beneficial for calming the spirit and restoring energy; Poria and old duck soup helps to dispel dampness and promote weight loss; light soups like winter melon and seaweed soup aid in appetizing and nourishing Qi. Adjusting the dietary structure by reducing acidic foods and increasing bitter foods can help regulate the spleen and stomach, enhancing digestion. Additionally, Hericium erinaceus, as a traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient, is recommended for stomach nourishment and promoting gastrointestinal health.
In conclusion, summer is a critical period for maintaining body health, especially focusing on the spleen, stomach, and dampness. Through proper diet and appropriate herbal support, one can effectively enhance the body’s ability to adapt to the summer humid and hot environment, ensuring a healthy summer.
