With the temperature rising, it’s already the hottest time of the year, and the scorching heat makes it tough during the “fu days.”
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the fu days are the best time for health preservation because this period is when the yang energy is at its peak. By using the method of “nourishing yang and expelling cold,” one can prevent chronic diseases and maintain good health throughout the year.
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, “treat winter diseases in summer.” The fu days are when the yang energy is strongest, and utilizing this period can help open the pores gradually, facilitating the expulsion of internal cold and dampness, exerting a detoxifying effect.
During the fu days, drive out cold and dampness with heat and remember the “four precautions” to prevent three diseases and stay healthy throughout the year.
Prevent sunstroke evil, which refers to the summer heat that depletes yang energy and body fluids, leading to symptoms like dry lips, thirst, and yellow urine.
It’s essential to prevent low blood pressure, stroke, and other diseases to maintain good health.
Prevent dampness evil; during the fu days, it’s crucial to avoid invasion by dampness due to the hot and humid environment, as it may cause reduced appetite, fatigue, and listlessness.
Prevent cold evil; this mainly refers to getting sick from excessive exposure to air conditioning and cold drinks, leading to fatigue, reduced metabolism, poor sweating, cold susceptibility, and other symptoms.
Remember the “four precautions”:
– Avoid cold: spending too much time in air-conditioned rooms and consuming cold drinks may harm digestive health and lead to decreased appetite.
– Avoid dampness: in the high temperatures of the fu days, prevent invasion by dampness, as it is difficult to eliminate once it enters the body.
– Avoid spontaneous sweating: some people may experience sudden sweating during sleep due to poor circulation of qi and imbalances between yin and yang, especially in cases of yin deficiency and excessive yang; timely adjustments are recommended.
– Avoid oily foods: in hot weather, poor appetite can lead to reduced digestive function, and consuming greasy or spicy foods may strain the stomach and cause dehydration, affecting normal metabolism.
During the fu days, in pursuit of health, expel cold with heat, avoid eating three types of meals, and sleep well.
Avoid eating late-night meals: consuming late-night snacks and indulging in barbecue or seafood in summer can increase the risk of digestive diseases like stomach pain, indigestion, and impact sleep quality.
Avoid leftovers: the heat can foster bacteria and viruses in leftover foods, potentially causing acute gastrointestinal issues; therefore, it’s best to dispose of them promptly.
Avoid eating cold rice: cooling cooked food may upset the stomach, so it’s advisable to consume warm dishes; also, minimize consumption of cold dishes and discard leftovers promptly.
Avoid sleeping poorly: refrain from staying in air-conditioned rooms excessively as it can lead to joint pain; using a fan can trigger headaches, and both practices may lead to health issues like strokes.
Avoid sleeping with wet hair: going to bed with damp hair can worsen dampness in the body, leading to symptoms like dizziness and headaches; hence, ensure hair is dry before sleeping.
Avoid sleeping too late: irregular sleep schedules can disrupt the body’s natural rhythm, leading to sleep deprivation and fatigue; strive to sleep by 11 PM and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
As the fu days have arrived, it’s crucial to cultivate good lifestyle and dietary habits to safely navigate through summer and maintain year-round health.
