05/06/2024
According to Chinese lunar calendar, Summer starts on May 4, 2024.
Summer is the warmest time of the year, it gives the heat and fire energies to earth. And, it helps to increase Yang Qi in the human body. Summer heat and fire energies connect to the human heart Qi and affect heart organ in TCM theory. Heart and small intestine form a pair of the circus, so they both are fire elements in the body, and become active in summer season.
When heart has problems can affect small intestine, when small intestine has problems can affect heart. If people eat and drink too much cold stuff in summer time, it can cause many health problems, bloating, loose stools, stomach pains, ect.
Summer is the time to strengthen heart organ, heart Qi, blood and fluids. When people sweat too much will feel tired, that is because the heat pushes the Qi out.
July normally is considered as the death month, there are more deaths due to heart disease during this period of time. So people who have heart problems should pay more attention during summer time, and be aware about the health of the heart, small intestines, and their related channels.
General Therapeutic diet for summer: chicken soup with American Jinshen or Chinese white Jinshen for Qi tonic due to over sweating. Ginger tea for eating or drinking too much cold stuff.
If you experience any palpitations, anxieties, insomnia, chest pain and tightness during summer time, please seek TCM or other medical professional help.
-By Dr. Joy Wu
