Summer Health Preservation Should Focus on Strengthening the Spleen
In TCM, summer brings significant bodily consumption, requiring enhanced function of the spleen to continuously absorb nutrients from food. Meanwhile, excessive intake of cold drinks and fruits in summer easily damages the spleen and stomach. Many people suffer from “summer aversion,” showing symptoms like loss of appetite and fatigue. By strengthening the spleen and boosting qi, one can often achieve improved appetite, better digestion, and renewed vitality.
For awakening the spleen: Mix 10 grams of fresh garlic paste with a little sugar and vinegar, and consume before meals. This method helps awaken the spleen and strengthen digestion while preventing intestinal diseases. Alternatively, mix 20 grams of hawthorn strips with 5 grams of minced ginger and eat. This aids digestion and opens the appetite. Another option is mixing 125 grams of coriander with 50 grams of jellyfish strips, plus a little salt and vinegar, then consuming. This provides aromatic stimulation to the appetite and strengthens the spleen.
For protecting the spleen: Choose various medicinal porridges to nourish the spleen and stomach. Examples include cooking 50 grams each of lotus seeds, white hyacinth beans, and coix seed; or preparing a porridge with 20 grams of silver ear fungus, 10 grams of lily bulbs, 20 grams of mung beans, and 100 grams of glutinous rice; or boiling 50 grams of yam, 50 grams of poria, and 250 grams of roasted rice until soft.
For strengthening the spleen: Seniors should practice abdominal massage. Lie flat on the bed, place your palm over the navel, and rotate clockwise 20 times.
For warming the spleen: Consuming raw cold foods in summer easily causes cold accumulation in the spleen and stomach, impairing digestion. Use a thick gauze bag filled with 100 grams of heated salt, place it three finger-widths above the navel, which helps warm the center, dispel cold, and relieve pain.