BEGINNING OF SUMMER 立夏

By Songlin TCM Healthcare
May 6, 2023

WHEN IS SUMMER? 何时为夏?

According to the 24 Solar Terms, 6 May 2023 (Sat) marks the Beginning of Summer. It is not to be mistaken with the modern astronomical Summer (20 June 2023, Wed) which is determined by the Summer Solstice.

Summer is the season for rapid growth and everything is blooming. As it is the hottest season of the year, we must take precautions to prevent heat from invading our body and cause us to fall ill.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the heart organ tends to be more susceptible to heat invasion during Summer. It is recommended that we rise early in the morning and workout in moderation to disperse the heat that may accumulate in the body.

At the same time, our body is more active during this time of the year when workload increases. Thus our energy is depleted easily. We can tonify the Heart to reduce fatigue and calm the mind for better sleep.

根据二十四节气，今年 5 月 6 日( 周六 )为立夏，意味着夏季的开始。注意这与用至点划分的现代天文季节中的夏季有所不同，后者始于夏至，今年6月20日(周三)。

夏，是一个万物生长速度十分迅速、百花齐放的季节。它也是全年中最炎热的时期，因此我们都需要做好保护措施，以防热邪侵入身体，导致不适。

中医认为心是最易受夏季之热所影响的脏器。我们推荐早些起床，保持适度的活动来发散体内积累的热气。

同时，在这个工作量逐渐增加的时期，身体处于全年中最活跃的状态，因此我们的能量易被耗尽。我们可通过养心减轻疲劳，让心静下来，获得更优质的睡眠。

HOW TO CULTIVATE A HEALTHY BODY IN SUMMER?
如何在夏季养生?

Health Tip 1: Sleeping Pattern: Sleep late, Rise Early
养生小帖士1: 夜卧早起

During Summer, daytime is relatively longer and night time shortens. Thus it is only natural to align to nature and rise early. It is the season to work and labour, therefore night sleep is relatively shorter than the other seasons. In order to maintain alertness throughout the day, we may take a short power nap (approx. 30min) during noon time (11am ~ 1pm).

夏季白昼时间较长、黑夜时间较短。因此，人体也应该顺应自然界的昼夜变化规律夜卧早起。在这辛勤劳作的季节里，睡眠时间也相较其他季节更显短暂。为了维持
一天的精神与活力，我们推荐在中午(早上11点至下午1点)睡长约30分钟的午觉。

Health Tip 2:. Cultivate the Heart with Rose Buds Tea
养生小帖士2: 玫瑰茶养心

Recipe:
Rose Buds Tea

Benefits:
Regulate blood and Heart Qi, improve blood circulation , and reduce weight.

Ingredients:
-Dried Rose Buds 3g
-Honey (add to taste, optional)

Instructions:
– Add the Rose Buds in 350ml of boiling water. – Simmer for 3min.
– [Optional] Add honey in moderation to taste.

食谱:
玫瑰茶

功效:
调理血气，促进血液循环、减肥消脂

材料:
– 干品玫瑰花 3克
– 蜂蜜(适量，选择性添加)

步骤:
– 将干品玫瑰花放入 350毫升的沸水中。
– 浸泡3分钟。
-(可根据个人喜好选择性操作)加入适量蜂蜜并搅拌均匀

Heath Tip 3: Acupoint Massage
养生小贴士3: 穴位按摩

In TCM, there is a theory to take advantage of the Summer’s Yang energy to treat Winter ailments such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, etc.

During Summer, acupuncture or moxibution over specific acupoints is used for treatments. We can also massage the acupoints regularly during summer time for similar effects.

中医里有一种概念是冬病夏治，运用夏季的阳气来根治冬日常见症状，例如:慢性支气管炎、哮喘等等。

在夏季，我们通常会通过在特定穴位上进行针灸或艾灸进行治疗保健。时常按摩相应穴位也能达到相似的效果。

1. Tiantu Point (CV22)

Location: The depression below the neck, above the sternum bone. Massage gently in a circular motion, approximately 20 times to stimulate the point.

1. 天突穴(CV22)
位置 :胸骨上窝中央，左右胸锁骨突肌之间。
轻轻打圈按揉上述穴位约20次。

2. Danzhong Point (CV17)

Location: Midpoint of two nipples on the sternum bone. Massage gently in a circular motion, approximately 20 times to stimulate the point. Perform the acupoint massage on the above acupoints as a set. Repeat as deemed comfortable. Optional: We may apply heat during the massage using ointments or essential oils. *Please consult your TCM Physician should you have doubts before massage.

2. 膻中穴(CV17)
位置:胸骨体上两乳头之正中点。
轻轻打圈按揉上述穴位约20次。
重复上述两个穴位的按摩直至感觉舒适为止。我们也可以选择性的使用油膏或精油进行温热按揉。
*若您有任何疑问，建议在进行穴位按摩前，咨询您的中医师。