夏至 Xià Zhì

Have you noticed the temperature rising? It’s sticky and humid outside, and about to get worse. We are heading into the hottest days of summer, and that can mean discomfort in more ways than one.  Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 11:32 PM ET (Monday June 21, 2021 at 3:32 AM UTC) marked Xià Zhì, the Ancient Chinese summer solstice. It is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the year, and according to Chinese Medicine it is also considered the culmination of Yang energy.

Just like all things in the Universe, this is balanced with the rebirth and transition into Yin energy.

Even before the Qing Dynasty, the summer solstice was celebrated with friends and family in China as a national holiday. It bears fruit and marks the interaction of heaven and Earth.

 

“The three months of summer, they denote opulence and blossoming. The qi of heaven and earth interact and the myriad beings bloom and bear fruit.“

–黃帝內經 Haungdi Neijing Su Wen

 

夏至 Xià Zhì (Summer) Indications

It is common to see skin problems arise during this time as well as irritability, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and exhaustion. Stay hydrated by drinking 50-70% of your body’s weight in ounces. Go outside during the SAFE times for your body to absorb sunlight and oxygen. Over-exhaustion and energy depletion can occur with too much sweating and prolonged exposure to heat.

 

“Let the mind have no anger, and things will blossom beautifully.”

–黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

Harmonize with the summer season so that you do not suffer dis-ease during the fall and winter. As we discussed in our previous blog Ancient Chinese Summer is Here, the heart organ connects to the tongue and therefore speech. Be aware of the words you choose to speak to invigorate the Heart. Avoid mental hyperactivity and overthinking.

 

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – Ancient Chinese Summer

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to eat hydrating foods during the Summer months. Try refreshing foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pear, and mung bean soup.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

 

• Lemons
• Mangoes
• Coconuts
• Bananas
• Longan
• Pears
• Mandarins
• Cherries

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

 

• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Cucumber
• Mung Beans
• Blueberries
• Tomatoes
• String Beans
• Tofu (Soy Beans, Edamame)

 

A Note From Jiao Shi

As we transition into the hottest and most humid days of Summer, remember to hydrate and get your daily sunlight during the safe hours.  It is also vital that you breathe fresh oxygen and take time to play.

Be creative, joyful, and inspired during this time.

May you enjoy the remaining days of Summer and stay cool!

Jiao Shi

 

 

 

 

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