An umbrella for shading, a mat, a flat ground, and you’re ready to start. Recently, there’s been a trend on the internet claiming a cost-free way to stay healthy — back sunbathing, which many people are following.
A woman in Foshan, Guangdong, sunbathes her back on the rooftop. She claimed to have lost 4 kilograms in 10 days. After sunbathing, she felt her eyes became clearer. She sunbathes for about half an hour every day, even though she got a tan, she feels it’s worth it.
On Weibo, #Woman claims to have lost 4 kilograms in 10 days of back sunbathing# is trending.
Searching “back sunbathing” on social media, you can find many netizens sharing their experiences. Many have noticed feeling more energetic after back sunbathing for a period, less likely to have cold hands and feet. The key aspect is that this is an almost zero-cost “healthcare” method.
Annie, a netizen who suffered from dysmenorrhea, heard that back sunbathing can relieve period pain. Therefore, she regularly wears sun protective clothing on Saturday and Sunday mornings, holds a kettle, armed herself, sits on a small stool, facing the sun to receive the summer “roasting.” She said, “This is much cheaper than going for acupuncture or other treatments.”
Tiantian, another netizen, apart from rainy days, whenever the sun is out, she finds an empty grassland, wears sports underwear, lies on her picnic mat, sunbathing on her back. “Sunbathing makes me feel happy. After sunbathing for about half a month, my skin visibly became lighter.” Not only that, she found that her weight actually decreased, and her complexion became rosier. “The effect is even better than cosmetic procedures.”
Aside from supporters of back sunbathing for health, some people express concerns that improper back sunbathing can lead to heatstroke or sunburn, not suitable for everyone’s constitution.
Is back sunbathing really that magical?
Weight loss, dispelling cold and dampness, easing menstrual pain, bringing joy… Is back sunbathing truly as miraculous as portrayed online?
Xiao Zhi, Deputy Director and Chief Physician of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Department at the Third Hospital of Changsha City, also noticed the trending back sunbathing behavior online. Initially, she affirmed the health benefits of back sunbathing from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective. Sunbathing in summer can help nourish yang qi, thus nurturing vitality.
Regarding the mentioned benefits of back sunbathing online, from a physical standpoint, Xiao Zhi believes that for individuals exhibiting symptoms of aversion to cold, fear of cold, pale complexion, loose and watery stools, facial edema, and limb swelling due to an underlying deficiency of yang and excess cold and dampness, back sunbathing can help enhance health. Also, adequate back sun exposure can supplement vitamin D for the bones.
In terms of weight management that concerns many women, back sunbathing can boost metabolism in women by replenishing yang qi, aiding in fat consumption. From a psychological perspective, relieving liver qi stagnation, eliminating phlegm dampness, or resolving depression due to accumulated dampness in the body through back sunbathing can have a certain alleviating effect.
Regarding the frequency of back sunbathing, Xiao Zhi suggests sunbathing once every five days from a traditional Chinese health perspective, adjusting as per individual requirements.
Furthermore, Xiao Zhi reminds the public that all healthcare and treatments should be conducted without harming oneself. The main premise of back sunbathing in summer is to ensure no sunburn or heatstroke.
How to sunbathe correctly?
Doctors from the Shenzhen Luohu District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital indicate that some individuals with cold dampness constitution and yang deficiency can appropriately sunbathe. However, the prerequisite is adequate sun protection, such as wearing a sunhat and applying sunscreen.
They mention that three groups of people are suitable for back sunbathing during the three solar terms: 1) Deficient individuals, e.g., those who feel particularly cold during their periods; 2) Individuals with liver qi stagnation; 3) Elderly people.
They suggest that early morning from 6 to 9 and late afternoon from 4 to 6 are optimal times for back sunbathing. Initially, around 20 minutes for the first time is suitable, gradually increasing, with the exposure generally not exceeding 30 minutes for most constitutions. Avoid sunbathing under the harsh midday or afternoon sun to prevent sunburn.
Reminder: Based on your constitution, proceed with caution and do not blindly follow the trend of back sunbathing!
