In early summer, the natural world is full of vitality, making it an ideal time to nurture the heart. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, summer corresponds to the heart, so summer health care should focus on nurturing the heart. Nurturing the heart not only promotes physical and mental health but also enhances overall physical condition.
Maintaining a joyful mood Maintaining a positive attitude is the first step in nurturing the heart. In the face of various situations in life, learn to manage emotions, stay calm and optimistic, avoid extreme emotional highs and lows, especially in hot weather, maintaining a smile and inner peace helps regulate vascular function and maintain physical and mental balance.
Balanced diet Summer diet should be light, choosing easily digestible and vitamin-rich foods such as fresh vegetables and whole grains. Not only does this replenish fiber, vitamin C, and B vitamins, but it also helps prevent arteriosclerosis. Avoid greasy and spicy foods to prevent internal heat and maintain peace of mind.
Balancing heart yin and yang The balance of heart yin and yang is crucial for heart health. High temperatures in summer can lead to excessive sweating, which may cause insufficient heart yin, manifested as symptoms like feeling hot in the chest. On the other hand, heart yang deficiency may lead to decreased heart function, causing palpitations and shortness of breath. Therefore, nurturing the heart requires nourishing both yin and yang.
External treatment in traditional Chinese medicine Using external therapies like herbal plasters is another good practice for summer heart health, especially applying acupoint plasters during the hottest days can effectively stimulate the body’s vitality, regulate bodily functions, and prevent and alleviate cardiovascular diseases.
Healthy daily routines Maintaining a regular daily routine, getting enough sleep, engaging in sports activities, and maintaining an optimistic attitude are equally important for summer heart health. Furthermore, early summer is a high incidence period for certain common illnesses like dysentery and conjunctivitis. Therefore, personal hygiene should be strengthened, food should be kept clean, and cold/raw foods should be avoided to prevent disease.
Diet and spleen-stomach health In summer, it’s advisable to consume more watery foods, soups, and porridge to cool off and nourish the body. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumber not only provide hydration but also have a cooling effect. It’s important to protect the spleen and stomach by avoiding excessive consumption of cold foods, especially for those with weaker constitutions.
In conclusion, summer heart nurturing complements daily health care. By adjusting attitudes, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising moderately, and paying attention to personal hygiene, one can effectively enhance physical health and sail through the summer with ease.
