MAKING A SPLASH: Keeping cool in summer is a lot of fun (ZHANG GUOJUN)

(QIU RUQUAN)

Solar Term 11: Slight Heat (Xiao Shu)

Gregorian date: July 7 or 8

Lunar date: Early in the 6th month

Xiao shu kicks off summer's dog days. Farmers are busily looking after summer and autumn crops, and in southern parts of China xiao shu is marked by the final grow period for early rice. At this time, farmers deal with a variety of insect pests, spreading fertilizer and hoeing up weeds in the fields.

In summer, plants grow fast and people are energetic. The body's qi (vital energy) and blood is more invigorated than at other times of the year. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) asserts that these physiological changes can make the heart over-function. Obviously, with increased heat, blood circulation and joy (an emotion of the heart), people generally feel more optimistic. Yet, they can easily overheat due to too much exposure to the sun, warm environments and hot foods.

Many people perspire a lot in the summer. According to TCM theory, sweat comes from the heart. Excessive sweating scatters the qi of the heart, upsetting the natural course of body fluids, blocking vital energy and weakening the mind. This is manifested in having little appetite, sleeping less, being low spirits, feeling restless or becoming short-tempered and easily offended. It's best to drink more water, especially after sweating profusely.

Consuming proper amounts of fruits, cold drinks or snacks can supplement the water, salt and vitamins lost through sweating. But never take too much, because this can lead to a distended abdomen and indigestion.

Due to summer's long days, it's advisable that people go to bed late and rise early in accordance with the weather change. A short nap after lunch is of great benefit to health.

Solar Term 12: Great Heat (Da Shu)

Gregorian date: July 23 or 24

Lunar date: Middle of the 6th month

Late July marks the midway point through the dog days. It's the hottest time of year in many parts of China, and warm-weather crops grow fastest during this stretch. Da shu is a farming period in which every passing minute is critical.

In rural areas like those found in Zhejiang Province, it's said, "If you get your hybrid rice planted within two days of da shu, you will have a bountiful harvest; if planted within eight days of da shu, an OK harvest; if you don't plant the rice until sometime thereafter, you will have a poor harvest."  

As TCM reminds us, one should cultivate yang energy in spring and summer – now is a good time to do so through exercise. It's advisable to exercise in early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, since prolonged exercise in the sun may cause sunstroke. Exercises such as jogging, walking, taijiquan (a form of traditional Chinese shadow boxing), taijijian (a kind of traditional Chinese sword-play), and especially swimming are optimal for health.

The season is commonly called "weak summer," as people usually have a poor appetite in sweltering heat and indigestion can easily occur. Lighter, less-greasy and easier-to-digest foods are strongly recommended. Stick with fruits, salads, grains and legumes.

To prevent heatstroke, consuming cold snacks like watermelon, bitter gourds and sweet-sour plum juice is a good idea. Sweet watermelon can clear away summer heat, quench thirst and promote diuresis. Bitter gourd can also relieve summer heat, clearing the liver and improving eyesight.

In summertime, insects and mosquitoes are active, making people susceptible to intestinal diseases. People traditionally include green Chinese onions and garlic in their summer diet to prevent developing such ailments.

Umbrellas, fans, summer hats, summer bed-mats and bamboo pillows are great for beating the summer heat. Try not to spend too much time in an air-conditioned room, as excessive cold may affect normal physiological reactions, causing the body to tire easily and skeletal pain. This is referred to as "air-conditioner disease." If air conditioning is a must, best to keep it at a higher temperature more closely matched to what's outside, and wear a sweater.