Both seasons are named to indicate the degree of the heat. Since last season "summer solstice", the earth has gathered the max amount energy from the sun, and from now on it will start to "release" it. The name "light" and "severe" are comparative. "Light heat" is only "light" compares to "Severe heat", but don't get it wrong as even the "light heat" can get really hot for human. But wait till "severe heat" arrives, that will be the "peak" of the heat. Both seasons share some common characters and affect human body similarly. Here I put them together to talk about.
The first and most obvious thing during this time is that we sweat more. And this is the important function our body has to maintain a normal body temperature. Research shows that human skin temperature is lower than actual body temperature, about 32 ℃. When the air temperature exceed 32 ℃ it will start to "heat up" our body, so our body will then sweat to release the heat. When our body cannot release the extra heat in time, there will be symptoms like dizziness, nauseous and even fainting, which is known as heatstroke. The first step to prevent is to make sure we are well hydrated. There are many sources for body fluid. Water always comes first, and then we can have fruits and vegetables. If you sweat more than usual, put a little bit salt in the water you drink. The basic summer diet rule still applies, eat things that are lite, fragrant, and low in grease or fat. Lite foods are easy to digest and fragrant foods increase appetite. Soupy foods are the best choice.
When the temperature gets too high, people tends to get lazy, weak, irritated and frustrated easy. Back to the season-organ theory, the heart is the organ of the season and it is connected with the emotion of happiness. So keep or create a good mood is the key to maintain a healthy heart in the hot days. Listening to the right music is a simple and effective way to adjust our body physically and mentally. Even the ancient Chinese had noted on these seasons that "Use music to remove the worry, is better than taking medications".
Living in a technological world, sometimes we have forgot about how much the nature offers us. In hot days our first reaction is to run into a room with air conditioner in it. Well, air conditioner is indeed one of the greatest human invention but just like medication and drugs, it is made to make our life easier. If we simply abuse them, they will backfire at us. AC-ed room is not the only place to seek peace and coolness. Many places like parks with trees and ponds, lakeside, beach and mountains are all great places we can be. Even just sit in the shadow at your little backyard can provide the cool in the heart and mind. However, again, don't take any saying to extreme. Under many circumstances we do need to avoid the heat by all means, Especially around early afternoon (around 2pm). Also make sure to adjust the temperature in your car while driving.
This is also one the best time of year for those who suffers from cold related symptoms, such as arthritis, excessive body fluid and digestive issues. For these people I suggest the treatment of "heat over heat". Using the external heat from the nature and take some heat internally. The simplest remedy is hot water or hot tea. These extra heat will balance and remove the cold that hides in the deepest area of our body where is extremely hard to reach in. Do not be afraid of the heat and sun. And also don't be "greedy" on cold drinks. I'm saying as part of the treatment, so if you are willing to receive it, you follow.
To make things simpler, here are the "6 stages" to pass during these hot seasons.
Stage 1: Nourishing the Yang energy. Yang energy is considered as the force of our physical body. Yang energy deficit is the root of most heath issues. As we talked about that since last small season "summer solstice", Yang energy had reached its peak and started to decrease. Therefore make sure this process is natural and smooth so we will have good level of Yang energy to face the winter.
Solution: Maintain good balance between body temperature and room temperature. 27℃ seems to be high but it is recommended. Keep the room dry and well ventilated. Also do not over eat or drink cold food and drink.
Stage 2: Emotions. Human emotions are wavier during hot days, and this affects the blood pressure heavily, which can cause many heart and digestion related issues such as angina, myocardial infarction, hear failure and stroke.
Solution: Consciously and actively adjust the emotions, especially for those who have had heart issue or blood pressure issue.
Stage 3: High Humidity. This is also the most humid time of the year. High humidity can cause headache, depression, drowsiness, chest pain and bad appetite. For those who are already high in excessive body fluid this may be a greater challenge.
Solution: Eat lite food for easy digestion. Eat food that reduces heat and fluid, such as green bean, red bean, and pearl barley. Also be cautious about room humidity, make sure the room ventilation is good.
Stage 4: Sleeping. Summer nights are short and hot. Many people cannot sleep too well because of that. Low quality sleep in summer breaks the Yin-Yang balance of the body which can also cause heart and blood related issue.
Solution: Eat small and lite dinner, avoid emotional impact at night.
Stage 5: Diet. Summer time our digestive system is weaker than usual. And the appetite can be up and down.
Solution: Eat less than you want. 70% full is ideal. Keep good nutrient and taste balance. Eat less red meat, more fresh water fish and vegetables. Also some hot teas. The root of lotus has the functions of strengthening the spleen, reducing harmful heat and helping with sleep, calming the mind and removing the excessive body fluid. Use your cooking talent to make some lotus root soup or dessert, that's both healthy and tasty. Also if you are able and willing to get some eel, right now is the best time to use them not just as food, but also as remedy. Eel is warm in nature and it nourishes the liver and spleen. It also strengthens the tendon and helps to reduce the pain from arthritis.
Stage 6: Workout. Summer workout is necessary, it will help the body to detox and maintain good energy level. But over-sweat can cause high blood viscosity.
Solution: Make sure to hydrate the body in time and do not do heavy workout at noon or when it is extremely hot. One hour after meal is the ideal time to work out.
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