Seasonal Wellness Tips for Da Shu - Greater Heat

Da Shu is the 12th of 24 two-week solar terms that make up the ancient Chinese agricultural calendar. It begins between July 22nd and July 24th each year.

As its name implies, Da Shu (Greater Heat) is usually the hottest period of the year. Temperatures can regularly exceed 30°C and, depending on the area, this can result in either scorching heat or stifling humidity. 

We must strive to stay cool and hydrated during Da Shu to avoid the ill effects of extremely hot weather, and sometimes, simply avoiding the sun is not enough. Here are my top wellness tips for Da Shu.

Seek the Shade

Da Shu falls within a period known as the San Fu, three 10-day periods that are said to be the hottest of the year. In Chinese, san means "three" and fu means "to hide" or "to lay low." This name conjures the image of seeking a shady spot to rest and find respite from the heat.

During extremely hot weather, it is often recommended that we stay indoors with the curtains drawn and windows shut to keep the warm air out and cool air in. Certainly, it is wise to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, so try to complete any outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening.

That said, very cold indoor environments, such as those created by air conditioning, can also be harmful to our health. Not only does air conditioning increase the risk of respiratory symptoms, dry eyes, and dry skin, but it also reduces our ability to tolerate the heat when we go back outside.

Therefore, it is best to avoid staying in air-conditioned buildings for long periods and seek naturally shaded and breezy spots instead whenever possible.

Balance Electrolytes

In the heat of Da Shu, even light physical activity can result in us dripping with sweat. Excessive sweating is associated with electrolyte loss and has a negative impact on health.

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that circulate in our blood and have a range of crucial physiological functions. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium are just a few examples.

Sweating is particularly associated with sodium and potassium loss. Sodium loss can result in headaches, confusion, and nausea, while potassium loss can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Therefore, as well as staying hydrated, it is important to replace these electrolytes if we have been sweating a lot. Drinking plenty of water and eating regularly are key. Include some salty snacks and high potassium foods, such as beans, baked potatoes, dried apricots, and bananas.

Eat Watermelon

In China, street vendors selling watermelon slices and watermelon juice are a common sight during the hottest days of summer.

Although this delicious fruit is by no means native to Europe, it can still be considered one of the most beneficial foods for Da Shu due to its significant cooling effects on the body.

In Chinese medicine terms, watermelon is cold in nature and sweet in flavour, acting on the Heart, Stomach, and Bladder channels. It is said to clear heat and resolve summer heat, relieve vexation, quench thirst, and promote urination.

From a nutritional perspective, watermelon contains some interesting bioactive compounds that could contribute to its cooling effect.

The most significant of these is L-citrulline, an amino acid that the body converts to another amino acid, L-arginine. The conversion process releases nitric oxide (NO), a chemical that relaxes the blood vessels, resulting in vasodilation.

Dilating the blood vessels moves them closer to the skin's surface, which is an effective way of releasing excess heat. It is one of the reasons why our skin can become flushed in hot weather.

Watermelon also contains lycopene, carotenoids, and vitamin C, which collectively provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health, and overall wellbeing.

With these fantastic benefits and its sweet, refreshing flavour, watermelon makes an excellent healthy alternative to ice cream to cool off on a hot summer's day.

For more personalised seasonal wellbeing advice, you can book a holistic health coaching session via the contact page.

References

• 买雯婷 (2011) 第一养生药膳 - Tangmark Publishing and Distribution, Beijing

• Leggett, D. (2005) Helping Ourselves (second edition) - Meridian Press, Totnes