"The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" states: In the third month of summer, one should sleep early and wake up early, not be tired of the sun, keep a calm spirit, and let the qi flow freely as if one's loved ones are outside. Summer is the season of growth and abundance, and the focus of health preservation should be on nurturing the heart. The key to summer health preservation lies in "clearness". So, how can we achieve this state of "clearness"? Here are a few points to keep in mind.
(1) Keep a calm mind
During the scorching heat of summer, people tend to feel restless, hot, and tired. Therefore, the first step is to calm the mind and maintain a peaceful state of being. Avoid getting angry easily and jumping around when faced with problems, as this can generate internal heat. Maintaining a light-hearted attitude leads to peace and tranquility, preventing anxiety, tension, and other negative emotions from affecting normal life and triggering various diseases.
(2) Eat lightly
Summer diet should focus on light, soft, easily digestible food and avoid high-fat, spicy, and heat-inducing foods. A light diet can help clear heat, prevent heatstroke, stop excessive sweating, and replenish fluids. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables not only meets nutritional needs but also prevents heatstroke. As for staple foods, it is best to choose thin porridge made from mung beans, lotus seeds, or lotus leaves. It is also suitable to consume some refreshing drinks, such as sour plum soup and chrysanthemum tea. However, cold drinks should be consumed in moderation and one should not develop a preference for excessively cold items, as this can harm the body. Additionally, drinking vinegar can stimulate saliva production, stimulate the appetite, and inhibit the growth of bacteria, preventing gastrointestinal diseases.
(3) Seek tranquility in leisure activities
During the hot summer, it is best to avoid long-distance travel and seek tranquility nearby. In the early morning, when the first light of dawn shines and the air is fresh, one can take a walk in a lush garden for exercise. In the evening, strolling by the river or lakeside with a cool breeze can calm the mind, bringing a sense of tranquility and relieving the heat and stuffiness.
(4) Keep the living environment cool
In the early morning and evening, when the indoor temperature is lower, open the doors and windows for ventilation. At noon, when the outdoor temperature is higher than indoors, it is advisable to keep doors and windows closed and draw the curtains. A cool environment can bring peace and tranquility to the mind.
Preventing heatstroke in summer
In the hot summer, the external temperature often exceeds the body temperature. If one works under such conditions without a well-functioning heat dissipation system, the body may not be able to tolerate the excessive heat, leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, stuffiness, fever, and temporary loss of vision, followed by collapse. These symptoms indicate heatstroke.
Heatstroke can be a severe illness. Generally, it is necessary to immediately send the patient to the hospital for medical treatment. However, before the doctor arrives, first aid should be administered promptly. When a person is found to have heatstroke, they should be immediately moved to a shady place, their clothes should be loosened, and their skin can be wiped with cool water or diluted alcohol. If they are still able to drink, give them a cup of diluted saltwater. If the patient's breathing stops, immediate artificial respiration should be given.
The methods of preventing heatstroke are simple. For example, in the living area, efforts should be made to lower the temperature and maintain air circulation. If working or exercising outdoors, it is best to choose early morning or evening hours and take breaks in the shade after a period of activity. When working or walking under intense sunlight, wearing a hat can shield against excessive ultraviolet radiation. In a high-temperature environment, it is important to drink saltwater, cool herbal tea, sour plum soup, etc., to replenish the body's fluids. Additionally, consuming foods, fruits, and beverages with heat-clearing and heat-relieving properties, such as watermelon, fruit juice, porridge, and honeysuckle dew, or having some medications like Rendan, Shidi Shui, and Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid, can prevent heatstroke.
In conclusion, for the sake of one's health, one should be vigilant about changes in weather and the temperature difference between morning and evening, in order to prevent damage to one's health and even more serious accidents. It is important to maintain a regular daily routine, avoid direct exposure to sunlight as much as possible, and ensure smooth airflow at all times. In doing so, not only can heatstroke be prevented, but also good physical and mental health can be maintained.
