July 7th, and July 22nd, 2012. "Light Heat" and "Severe Heat", the 5th and 6th small Summer season arrives

    In 2012, the season of "Light Heat" arrives on July 7th. Celestial longitude: 105 degree. The season of "Severe Heat" arrives on July 22nd. Celestial longitude: 120 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

    Here are some additional information:  


    Speaking of drinking water, we do it every day and it seems to be too simple and even hasty. Good thing is that there have been more and more researches and discussion done on this topic. TCM always has opinions about how to and what to drink. Here are some tips for these couple hottest seasons:

1. Drink boiled cool or warm water. TCM advocates boiled warm water since ancient times and modern research results had also shown that boiled water has better structure (physical and chemical) for human body cells to absorb compares “raw” water. 
2. Plain water is the best drink in general. Everyone can drink plain water. Most people can also drink tea to take advantages of its health benefit. But different tea affects the body differently, so finding the right type of tea for you is as important. Juices also provide good amount of water for the body, but commercial juice products sometimes contains additives that are harmful. 
3. Temperature. If you have read enough of my writing then you know I’m all about warmer water. I do share this theory with people around me as well, but sometimes people just wondering what the actual temperature of warm water is. It is a tricky question because, again, everyone’s body condition is different so there is no fixed answer for it. Scientifically, or theoretically, for normal body condition the good temperature range is between 10-30 ℃. 
4. Salty water. When sweating too much, it is helpful to drink some light salty water. Commercial sports are usually salty is for the same reason, but again, additives can bring negative effects in a long run, it is always safer just drink you “homemade” salty water. 
5. Varieties. If you go to the water or drink sections of a supermarket, you always wonder, “What are the differences?” Well, I do the same so I’m not able to tell you exactly. But what I do recommend is drink various types of water or drink. Just like food, water from different source provides different energy force to the body, and we are working on creating a balance in our system.