The Arrival of Mangzhong: Seasonal Health Precautions
The 24 solar terms mark significant changes in nature, and the arrival of **Mangzhong** signifies increased rainfall and a continuous pattern of warm and humid weather. This shift in climate encourages mosquito breeding and the potential spread of diseases. To stay ahead, it is crucial to understand the prevalent ailments during this season and adopt preventive measures. If you are already experiencing any health issues, it's essential to pay attention to your diet and take appropriate medications.
1. Preventing Heart Disease
During Mangzhong, high temperatures and humidity can worsen the burden on the heart, leading to complications for individuals with heart disease or coronary artery disease. It is important for these individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding late nights and reducing work-related stress. Incorporating heart-supportive foods and herbs into your diet can be beneficial. For instance, consider consuming 5 grams of Ophiopogon and 5 grams of longan meat to help maintain heart health.
2. Preventing Oral Ulcers
Traditional Chinese medicine views the heart and small intestine as closely related. With the onset of Mangzhong, excess humidity and heat can lead to symptoms like yellow urine, red tongue, and constipation, indicating a buildup of internal heat. To counteract this, it's advisable to avoid spicy foods like alcohol and lamb and instead focus on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Drinking a concoction of 3 grams of bamboo leaves, 5 grams of Ophiopogon, and 3 grams of honeysuckle can help alleviate heat symptoms, and increasing 2 grams of yellow soybean can assist with constipation. If experiencing frequent urination or pain, consulting a doctor is recommended.
3. Preventing Summer Colds
Summer colds, often referred to in traditional medicine as 'heat wind,' can present symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or fever. These symptoms may also include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. To prevent these ailments, consider drinking mung bean soup, honeysuckle dew, chrysanthemum tea, or reed flower tea to clear heat and relieve summer discomfort. Avoid greasy, sticky, sour, or spicy foods, along with supplements that may exacerbate symptoms. During a fever, it’s best to avoid warming supplements like ginseng or deer antlers.
4. Preventing Gynecological Issues
Women may experience increased vaginal discharge during Mangzhong, particularly if it appears yellow. To mitigate this, it is important to limit spicy food intake and consume more cooling and dampness-relieving items like mung beans. Incorporating digestive health foods such as coix seeds, yam, and white lentils into your routine can also promote overall well-being.
5. Preventing Fungal Infections
Maintaining a balanced schedule of sleep and exposure to sunlight (while avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours) is vital for blood circulation and energy levels during Mangzhong. With the heat in the afternoon, remember to change clothes frequently to stay comfortable and dry. Regular bathing will help keep your skin fresh and prevent overheating, allowing your body to release excess 'yang heat' efficiently.
Conclusion
As we embrace the season of Mangzhong, staying vigilant about health and adopting preventive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with the weather's challenges. By making informed dietary choices and practicing self-care, we can navigate this humid season effectively.