The Dog Days of Summer and TCM Health Preservation

As the scorching summer arrives, so do the dog days, the hottest and most humid period of the year. Despite the extreme heat, this period is considered a golden time for health preservation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The profound wisdom and unique charm of TCM are particularly evident during this special time.

What is the Dog Days of Summer?

The dog days of summer, a seasonal climate concept in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, typically occur between July and August each year, marking the hottest period. The formation of the dog days is influenced by the Earth’s position in the solar system, solar radiation, and the Earth’s rotation and revolution. During this time, the sun’s rays hit the Earth at a steep angle, resulting in higher temperatures.

From a TCM perspective, the dog days are when yang energy is at its peak in nature, and the body’s yang energy is also most abundant. TCM emphasizes the harmony between humans and nature, believing that human life activities should follow natural changes. During the dog days, yang energy disperses, and blood circulation is vigorous, but the high temperature and humidity cause sweating, leading to qi deficiency, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Therefore, TCM considers this period an ideal time for health preservation, leveraging the peak yang energy for proper health maintenance.

Who Can Benefit During the Dog Days?

People with Dysmenorrhea: Those experiencing periodic lower abdominal pain, severe pain, or syncope.

People with Uterine Cold and Infertility: Those with irregular menstruation, lower abdominal pain, abnormal leucorrhea, weak waist and knees, and cold hands and feet.

People with Postpartum Disorders: Those experiencing dizziness, persistent lochia, abnormal urination, and back pain.

People with Rheumatism: Those experiencing fever, lymph node swelling, joint pain, and muscle pain.

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Those with swollen, tender, and stiff joints, especially in the hands.

People with Cold Constitution: Those experiencing aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, and frequent urination.

People with Yang Deficiency: Those experiencing aversion to cold, cold limbs, inactivity, and swollen tongue with teeth marks.

People with Bronchial Asthma: Those experiencing recurrent wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or coughing.

People with Chronic Bronchitis: Those experiencing coughing and phlegm, especially in the morning, with white mucus.

Health Preservation Methods During the Dog Days

Sunbathing the Back

Preparation:

Expose your back and buttocks, but cover your head to prevent dizziness.

Find a windless, sunny place for sunbathing.

If worried about sunburn, you can sunbathe through clothes; your body will still absorb heat.

Timing:

It is recommended to sunbathe between 9-11 am when the sun is fully up but the temperature is still comfortable.

Beginners can start with 10 minutes and gradually increase to 30 minutes to an hour, progressing slowly and avoiding prolonged exposure.

Areas to Sunbathe:

The Dazhui point on the neck, the Du meridian in the middle of the back, and the lower back.

Women can also sunbathe the Baliao points, especially those with menstrual pain or uterine cold.

Posture:

Spread your body as much as possible, especially the areas usually in the shade. The best positions are lying face down or on your back, followed by sitting. Make sure to cover your head and ensure even heat distribution, especially on the buttocks for women.

Precautions:

Do not sunbathe on an empty stomach; wait at least half an hour after meals.

Protect your face with sunscreen, wear a breathable hat, and sunglasses, and have a towel ready to wipe sweat.

Sunbathing with sunscreen or through clothes is less effective. After sunbathing, walking on warm ground can help more than foot soaking.

Drink warm water after sunbathing to prevent damage to yin energy. Eating red foods or rice soup can also help.

Take a nap between 11 am and 1 pm to replenish qi and blood.

Contraindications:

Women on their periods, pregnant women, and those with high blood pressure should avoid sunbathing.

Avoid intense sun exposure at noon, which can harm yin energy.

Do not sunbathe to the point of heavy sweating, as it’s detrimental to health.

Avoid sunbathing in windy areas; find a sheltered spot.

Those with weak constitutions should gradually increase their sunbathing time.

Herbal Plasters (Sanfu Tie)

Contraindications:

Those with wounds, ulcers, or infections at the application site.

Those allergic to the plaster materials.

Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and infants under one year old.

Those with yin deficiency and excess fire (red tongue, little coating, irritability).

Application Timing:

The best time to apply is the first day of each “fu” period before 11 am.

Precautions:

Adults can wear the plaster for 3-6 hours, and children for half to 3 hours. Avoid prolonged use to prevent pigmentation. It’s not recommended for children under 3. Avoid cold and spicy foods, and refrain from bathing in cold water for 4-6 hours after application.

Slight redness and itching are normal.

If there is severe itching, pain, or burning, remove the plaster immediately and clean the skin.

During menstruation with heavy flow, avoid application; it’s better to start the day after.

In summary, the dog days are not just the hottest period of the year but also a prime time for health preservation in TCM. By appropriately utilizing the abundant yang energy through traditional methods like sunbathing the back and applying herbal plasters, you can effectively regulate your body, prevent diseases, and enhance overall health. However, these methods should be tailored to individual needs and performed under professional guidance to avoid improper use. We hope everyone can maintain their health scientifically during the dog days,beware of heat stroke and enjoy a comfortable summer.