Adhering to the four seasons is the primary principle of health preservation, so we should follow the changes of solar terms and pay attention to nourishing the heart. It is important to focus on health preservation during the beginning of summer and transition into the summer season.
Living and Health Preservation: During the beginning of summer, although the summer season has arrived and the weather is gradually becoming hot with a noticeable increase in temperature, mornings and evenings are still relatively cool, and there is still a large temperature difference between day and night. Therefore, it is necessary to add appropriate clothing in the morning and evening. In addition, after entering the beginning of summer, the length of the day becomes longer and the night becomes shorter. At this time, in accordance with the changes of the natural world where yang energy is strong and yin energy is weak, it is advisable to sleep relatively "late" and wake up relatively "early" in order to receive the clear energy of nature. However, it is still important to have a good "midday nap" to ensure a full mental state and sufficient physical energy.
Diet and Health Preservation: During the beginning of summer, it is the time of the Qian hexagram. The changes in the natural world are that yang energy gradually increases and yin energy gradually weakens. In terms of the human body's organs, liver energy weakens while heart energy strengthens. The dietary principle at this time is to increase acidity and reduce bitterness, nourish the kidneys and assist the liver, and regulate stomach energy. The diet should be light, with a focus on low-fat, easy-to-digest, and fiber-rich foods. It is recommended to eat more vegetables, fruits, coarse grains, and foods such as fish, chicken, lean meat, beans, sesame, onions, millet, corn, hawthorn, loquat, bayberry, melon, peach, papaya, and tomatoes; eat less animal organs, fatty meat, and salty foods such as salted fish and pickles.
Mental Health Preservation: Another important aspect of health preservation during the beginning of summer is to pay attention to "peaceful rest". People tend to feel restless after the beginning of summer, so it is necessary to "avoid anger and restlessness" and avoid extreme emotions. It is important to maintain a calm spirit, an open mind, a cheerful mood, and a relaxed and happy state. Engaging in quiet literary and artistic activities such as painting, fishing, calligraphy, chess, and gardening can be beneficial.
Exercise and Health Preservation: After the beginning of summer, as the temperature rises, people tend to sweat more. "Sweat" is the fluid of the heart. Therefore, it is important to avoid excessive sweating during the beginning of summer. After exercising, it is necessary to drink warm water appropriately to replenish body fluids. During the beginning of summer, it is advisable to choose relatively moderate exercises such as Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword, walking, and jogging.
