The hallmark of entering summer—Start of Summer—symbolizes a marked rise in temperature, an increasing frequency of thunderstorms, and the most vigorous growth period for crops.
At this time, with the gradual warming of the climate and the flourishing growth of living beings, our human physiological state also changes accordingly. Since the summer season is closely connected with the energy of the heart, we must pay special attention to adapting to the seasonal changes in nature to nurture the “heart” during Start of Summer.
Living arrangements after Start of Summer: One should ensure ample rest and maintain sufficient sleep. In the ancient medical text “Suwen · The Great Treatise on Regulating the Spirit with the Four Seasons,” it is mentioned: “In the three months of summer, it is called prosperous and flourishing…sleep late at night and rise early, to walk widely in the courtyard.” This means that after Start of Summer, as days are long and nights are short, we should go to sleep later to adapt to the changes in weather; in the morning, we should rise early to align with the increase in nature’s yang energy. At the same time, it is beneficial to take a half-hour to one-hour rest after lunch, even if one does not sleep, closing one’s eyes to recuperate can greatly benefit physical and mental health.
Diet during Start of Summer: One should decrease the intake of bitter foods and increase the intake of pungent foods, to nourish the lung energy. Sun Simiao once said in his work “Qian Jin Yao Fang”: “During the seventy-two days of summer, reduce bitterness and increase pungency to nourish lung energy.” According to the theory of the Five Elements in traditional Chinese medicine, the heart fire is exuberant in summer, and excessive intake of bitter foods may suppress the lung energy, making them unsuitable for summer consumption. Pungent foods, such as ginger, are very suitable for eating in summer. Additionally, it is important to avoid eating cold foods too early or in excess, as this may damage the yang energy. It is advisable to choose warm-natured foods to protect the spleen yang and aid in the transformation function of the spleen energy.
Clothing advice for Start of Summer: As the temperature rises, we may be tempted to wear less to stay cool, but the temperature remains low in the morning and evening, so we should appropriately add clothing to prevent catching a cold. Jackets are necessary during the cool mornings and evenings, and during sleep, a thin blanket should be used and doors and windows should be kept closed. With the rise in daytime temperatures, avoid overuse of air conditioning or fans to prevent discomfort from temperature regulation. For most people, especially those with joint diseases, one should avoid excessively seeking coolness, moderately use air conditioning and fans, and prepare long-sleeved garments for environmental changes.
Exercise recommendations for Start of Summer: With the hot climate, it is advised to reduce exercise to prevent weak heart energy. Suitable activities include walking, jogging, playing Tai Chi, and other slow-paced aerobic exercises, while ensuring timely hydration after exercising. The intensity and duration of the activities should not be too long to avoid excessive fatigue and to lessen the load on the heart.
Emotional adjustment during Start of Summer: Due to the rise of temperature, people may feel palpitations, restlessness, and even emotional instability and poor sleep, which are symptoms of excessive heart fire. During the period of Start of Summer, one should pay special attention to emotional adjustment, maintain a tolerant and peaceful attitude, and try to avoid haste and anger. Take more walks outdoors, appreciate natural beauty, smell the flowers, watch the birds, or engage in reading, painting, playing chess, and other activities to keep the mind at peace and help the body and mind relax.
