Summer Health Care Should Focus on Strengthening the Spleen

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that during summer, the body consumes a lot of energy, requiring enhanced "work" of the spleen to continuously absorb nutrients from food. Also, people consume large amounts of cold drinks and fruits, which easily damage the spleen and stomach. Many people suffer from "summer fatigue," showing symptoms like loss of appetite and weakness. However, strengthening the spleen and boosting qi often results in improved appetite, better spirits, and greater vitality.For awakening the spleen: Mix 10 grams of raw garlic paste with a little sugar and vinegar, and consume before meals. This helps awaken the spleen and strengthen the stomach, and also prevents intestinal diseases. Alternatively, mix 20 grams of hawthorn strips with 5 grams of ginger threads and consume. This aids digestion and stimulates appetite. Another option is mixing 125 grams of cilantro with 50 grams of jellyfish strands, plus a little salt and vinegar, and consume. This has aromatic, appetite-stimulating, and spleen-strengthening effects.For protecting the spleen: Choose various medicinal porridges to nourish the spleen and stomach, such as 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 cooking a porridge with 50 grams of yam, 50 grams of poria, and 250 grams of roasted rice.For strengthening the spleen: Elderly people should practice abdominal massage. Lie flat on the bed, place the palm centered on the navel, and rotate clockwise 20 times.For warming the spleen: Excessive consumption of cold foods in summer can lead to 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. This helps warm the center, dispel cold, and relieve pain.