🌿 Folk Prescriptions

The ancient text *The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon* states in “Great Treatise on Regulating the Four Seasons”:
“In the three months of summer, this is the season of flourishing growth. Heaven and Earth exchange energies, all things blossom and bear fruit. Go to bed late and rise early, do not resent the long daylight, keep your mind free from anger, let your vitality flourish, allow qi to flow freely, as if your desires were directed outward. This is the response to summer’s energy and the way to nurture growth.”
The health philosophy in The Inner Canon emphasizes mental regulation, clearly evident in this passage. Aside from “going to bed late and rising early,” which discusses daily routines, the rest focuses on regulating emotions and mental state. “Do not resent the long daylight” means that long, hot days deplete body fluids and energy, making people prone to fatigue and irritability. A health-conscious person should adapt to the abundance of yang energy in summer, remain energetic, avoid feelings of boredom, allow qi to circulate freely, and prevent stagnation. “Keep your mind free from anger, let your vitality flourish” advises adjusting emotions—do not become impatient or angry due to heavy workload, as this would exacerbate yang energy and harm vital essence. “Allow qi to flow freely, as if your desires were directed outward” explains the previous two points: avoiding boredom prevents internal stagnation, enabling free flow of qi; avoiding anger ensures this flow is peaceful and joyful, like being drawn outward by one’s desires. If one can cultivate such a mindset during the hot, humid summer, coolness naturally arises from within, promoting health and longevity.
Summer’s diet and daily routine are especially important compared to other seasons. Since yang energy dominates externally while yin energy begins internally, and because food spoils easily in summer, improper care can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, summer diets should be light, avoiding fatty, sweet, and rich foods, and favoring legumes such as mung beans, red small beans, broad beans, and bean products to clear heat, remove dampness, strengthen the spleen, and benefit the kidneys. Meanwhile, young adults often indulge in cold drinks and ice, but elders should avoid imitating this behavior—excessive indulgence damages the spleen and stomach. Regarding daily routines, despite the oppressive heat, avoid sleeping directly in front of fans or air conditioners, lying on cold floors or beds, setting AC too low, or going bare-chested. These practices are unsuitable for older adults and may trigger illness.
In summary, summer is a season of abundant yang energy and vigorous life. People should align with this seasonal characteristic: avoid laziness and boredom mentally; maintain a calm, pleasant mood to avoid heat-induced agitation; balance heat prevention with protection against cold; follow a schedule of late bedtime and early rising (with optional afternoon naps based on personal needs); and pay extra attention to food hygiene. By doing so, one can avoid harmful influences, stay away from disease, and enjoy a healthy summer.