Written by: RTCMP Jong-rae Roh (Director of Oriental Natural Acupuncture Clinic)

The season has passed spring and is now entering early summer. As the daytime temperature rises to around 25 degrees and the amount of sunlight increases, the body gradually begins to change into a summer rhythm.
However, during this period, it is still cool in the morning and evening, and hot in the middle of the day, so it is difficult for the body to adapt to external changes, and it is easy to damage one's health. In fact, in early summer, the number of people complaining of fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, digestive diseases, and skin troubles increases, and to prevent these, it is important to have lifestyle habits and eat food that are appropriate for the season.

 

The basic principle for early summer health management is don't overdo it, but follow the natural flow of your body'. For example, during this period, the temperature is low in the morning and evening, and it suddenly gets hot during the day, so it is important to adjust your clothing to respond flexibly to temperature changes. Rather than wearing short sleeves too early, bring a thin
outerwear, and in indoor spaces with strong air conditioning, it is good to keep your neck and stomach warm so that your body temperature does not drop rapidly.

Another thing to watch out for is the excessive use of cold food and air conditioning. If you frequently drink iced drinks in an attempt to avoid the heat, or if you eat a diet centered on cold food, your internal organs, especially your stomach, can easily become weak. In Oriental medicine, this is explained as a "weak spleen and stomach." If your spleen is weak, your digestive function
declines, and your body's blood circulation becomes less smooth. This can cause various symptoms, such as easy fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

In early summer, it is important to replenish water, but rather than simply drinking a lot of water, drinks that revitalize the body and help produce body fluids are helpful. For example, Omija tea is good for relieving thirst and preventing excessive sweating, and Goji berry tea is effective in recovering from fatigue while protecting the liver and kidneys. Barley tea and Job's tears tea are herbal teas that are especially recommended in early summer because they help expel moisture from the body and ease the stomach. However, these teas should be consumed lukewarm rather than too cold to avoid putting a strain on the organs.

It is also advisable to focus on food ingredients that replenish body fluids while consuming less energy. Seasonal fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelons, and cantaloupes are good for replenishing water, but if you eat too much, your body can easily become cold, so it is better to control the amount. In addition, sour fruits such as plums, plums, and tomatoes are

effective in helping the digestive function of the stomach and stimulating the appetite. Barley rice, Job's tears porridge, and mung bean pancakes are easy to digest and comforting and are a good match for an early summer diet.

 

In oriental medicine, this period is considered the time to 'build a body to prepare for summer.' In particular, it is the time when the energy of the heart begins to become strong, so the heart can easily become tired and the balance of the autonomic nervous system can be disrupted, so it is important to strengthen the physical strength in advance. People with low energy, who often
feel tired, or who have poor appetite and digestion can overcome the real heat much more easily by helping the circulation of energy and blood through oriental medicine that is tailored to their individual constitution and symptoms.

 

For example, for people who feel very tired and often lose energy,
**Bojungikgitang(補中益氣湯)** is used; for people with a weak stomach and frequent indigestion or diarrhea, **Sagunjatang(四君子湯)** is used. If you often have a dry mouth, a hot face, and accumulated fatigue, **Yukmijihwangtang(六味地黃湯)** is used; for people who have insomnia, palpitations, or severe hot flashes, things like Cheongsimyeonjaeum(淸心蓮子飲 ) can be helpful.

 

Before the heat really starts, this early summer period is the best time to build up your body's basic physical strength and check your lifestyle habits. If you don't overdo it, follow the flow of nature, listen to the signals your body sends, and add the wisdom of oriental medicine, you will be able to spend this summer healthy and energetically.

 

※ This column is based on general health information, and depending on individual health conditions, professional diagnosis and consultation may be required.