The Summer Solstice (Xiazhi) is the solar term that was first determined by ancient people using a soil gnomon to measure the shadow of the sun. “Observing the heavens and the earth, referencing the sun and moon, and maintaining a routine through the seasons,” how should one maintain health during the Summer Solstice? Let’s hear what the experts have to say.
A Poem for a Solar Term
The last two lines of this poem, “The sun rises in the east, and rain falls in the west; it seems there is no sunshine, yet there is sunshine”, are a timeless masterpiece. On the surface, it speaks of “sunshine” and “no sunshine,” but it actually refers to “having feelings” and “not having feelings,” cleverly depicting the psychological changes of a young girl from confusion and contradiction to clarity.
The last two lines of the poem also describe the climatic characteristics of the Summer Solstice: thunderstorms and strong convective weather are common. One moment it may be clear skies, and the next moment it could be overcast with thunder and lightning; while it is pouring rain in one area, it may still be sunny nearby.
When the weather is hot, the pores of the skin are open, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is referred to as “cǎo lǐ kāi xiè” (腠理开泄). If one gets caught in the rain, the pores close, leading to a situation where the body is hot inside and cool outside, which is termed “hán bāo huǒ” (寒包火), making it easy for one to catch a cold or develop a fever. Therefore, remember to carry rain gear and avoid getting wet.
The Marvelous Celestial Phenomena of the Summer Solstice
The Big Dipper’s handle rotates clockwise once a year, with each 15° representing a solar term, totaling 24 solar terms in a year. When the handle of the Big Dipper reaches 90° on the solar ecliptic, it marks the arrival of the Summer Solstice. On this day, the sun directly shines on the Tropic of Cancer, making the day the longest in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Marvelous Earthly Phenomena of the Summer Solstice
First Phenomenon: The Antlers of Deer Shed. The antlers of the sika deer grow forward and are considered yang. On the Summer Solstice, the antlers of the sika deer begin to shed.
Second Phenomenon: The Cicadas Begin to Sing. The male cicadas emit calls to attract female cicadas for mating and reproduction.
Third Phenomenon: The Half Summer Herb Grows. This refers to the fact that by the Summer Solstice, summer is already halfway through; it also indicates that the herb Banxia (半夏) begins to grow and flower.
Health Maintenance Tips for the Summer Solstice
According to TCM, the period between the Summer Solstice and the beginning of autumn is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall, leading to a mix of heat and humidity in nature, with the evil of damp heat prevailing.
Dampness can easily obstruct the spleen, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, sticky stools, and diarrhea. Meanwhile, heat can harm the yin fluids of the heart. Therefore, health maintenance during the Summer Solstice should focus on strengthening the spleen and stomach, and clearing heart fire.
Seasonal Foods for Health Maintenance During the Summer Solstice: Zongzi
Glutinous Rice has the effects of strengthening the spleen and benefiting qi, as well as promoting dampness elimination. Additionally, Zongzi Leaves can generate fluids, promote urination, and clear the heart of irritability. Not only can Zongzi be eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, but consuming it during the Summer Solstice can also strengthen the spleen and stomach and clear heart fire.
In the recipe shown above, red dates strengthen the spleen and benefit qi, adzuki beans can strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, and honey can strengthen the spleen and stomach and benefit lung qi, making it suitable for health maintenance during the Summer Solstice.
Summer Solstice Herbal Tea: Reed Root and Bamboo Leaf Drink
Reed Root can protect the spleen and stomach, generate fluids, quench thirst, and promote urination to relieve irritability, while Bamboo Leaves have the effect of clearing heat from the heart. Use 5 grams of reed root and 5 pieces of bamboo leaves, steep them in water as a tea substitute to strengthen the spleen and stomach and clear heart fire.
Taking a Good Nap During the Summer Solstice
On the Summer Solstice, the yang energy is at its peak, and the first yin begins to emerge. Taking a nap can protect the body’s yang energy;
From 11 AM to 1 PM is the noon period, when the heart is in season. Napping during this time helps the qi and blood return to the heart, which can nourish heart yang, consolidate heart qi, and relieve heart irritability;
After lunch, a little activity followed by a short nap is also beneficial for protecting the spleen and stomach.
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Health Road Program Broadcast Time
“Understanding the Seasons, Skillfully Passing Summer” (Part 1)
△ First Broadcast: July 21, 18:05
△ Rebroadcast: The next day at 08:28
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Article edited by: Bo Ran Edited by: Bai Xia
