Mental Adjustment in Traditional Chinese Medicine Summer Health Care

When discussing mental health care in summer, the Huangdi Neijing clearly states: "Let the will not be angry, let the brilliance flourish, let the qi be released freely, as if drawn outward by affection—this is the response to summer energy, the way of health care." This means in summer, the spirit should be as beautiful and delicate as a flower about to bloom. One must avoid anger, allow the body’s qi to circulate freely and release smoothly, and exhibit an outward emotional orientation, showing strong interest in external matters—this is the proper way to adapt to summer. In mental adjustment, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that "winter should be stored," "spring should be generated," and "summer should be released"—the spirit should be abundant, full, and emotionally outward. Only when the spirit is strong and vibrant can the body’s functions be vigorous and harmonious. If the spirit is scattered, all bodily functions are disrupted. As the "Medical Book" says: "Those who master life care do not overexert the mind or body; when mind and body are at peace, how can misfortune arise?" But in summer, the intense heat often causes irritation, and irritation makes one feel even hotter. Therefore, calming the mind and maintaining tranquility is especially important. Qiu Chuji said: "During the three months of summer, to keep the spirit stable," one should "calm the mind, cut off external sounds and colors, minimize tastes, live in high, open spaces, gaze far into the distance, go to bed early and rise early, never resent the long days, follow the righteous yang energy, and dissipate summer heat." He also emphasized that to avoid summer heat, one should not only cool off in "empty halls, water pavilions, and shaded trees," but also "regulate breathing and purify the heart, always keeping the mind as clear as ice and snow—then even in heat, the heart feels less hot. Do not treat heat as heat, or it will generate more heat." This insight is profound—tranquility brings coolness. An old poem says: "The secret to escaping heat is not hiding in mountain springs; simply have no thoughts, and you are already in a cool mountain."The Huangdi Neijing states: "Southern region generates heat, heat generates fire," and fire governs summer, corresponding internally to the heart. The heart governs blood and stores the spirit—it is the sovereign official. Extreme emotions can all harm the heart, causing spiritual unrest. As the Huangdi Neijing says: "Sorrow and worry cause the heart to move, and when the heart moves, all five zang and six fu organs tremble." This illustrates that abnormal emotions can damage the heart’s function, and conversely, if the heart’s function is impaired, it affects all bodily activities. In this sense, summer mental health care is extremely important.Especially during summer, when heat dominates, intense sun and scorching heat cause the pores to open and sweat to escape. Since sweat is the liquid of the heart, the heart qi is easily depleted—what TCM calls "strong fire consumes qi." Because "heat easily enters the heart," and "the heart governs the spirit," many mental symptoms arise, such as irritability, delirium, and unconsciousness. In heatstroke patients, many fall into a coma, requiring acupuncture or pressing the "Renzhong" point (located at the junction of the upper third of the nasolabial groove) or the "Shixuan" points (located at the fingertips of both hands), with needle pricking and bloodletting.If it is long summer, with hot and humid weather—high temperature, no wind, and minimal temperature variation between morning and evening—people often feel chest tightness, leading to irritability and frustration, which can trigger mental illness.In summary, mental activity is closely linked to the heart’s function. Ancient people experienced this in daily life: the heart beats calmly when at peace, but accelerates when excited. The heart’s connection to emotions stems from "the heart stores the pulse, and the pulse houses the spirit." Pulse refers to blood vessels and blood. The heart governs spirit and consciousness through its function of circulating blood. When blood vessels are full, the spirit is clear, thinking sharp, and energy high; when blood vessels are deficient and heart blood insufficient, it often leads to insomnia, vivid dreams, forgetfulness, dizziness, and mental dullness. Therefore, the foundation of summer mental health care is ensuring the normal functioning of "heart governing the pulse." How to maintain this?The Huangdi Neijing says: "The heart is connected to the pulse... Eating too much salt causes the pulse to thicken and change color"; and "Excessive salt... suppresses heart qi." This indicates that excessive salt intake negatively affects the heart. Modern nutrition science believes that heart muscle development and blood circulation require high-quality protein, which must be replenished timely. Excessive fat intake can lead to "fatty heart" and easily cause arteriosclerosis. It is best to choose foods that lower blood lipids, such as soybeans, mushrooms, peanuts, ginger, garlic, onions, tea, yogurt, softshell turtles, seaweed, corn oil, and hawthorn. Low-salt diet greatly benefits cardiovascular disease prevention, as excessive sodium increases heart workload and easily causes hypertension.Excess weight also increases heart burden, so weight management is essential. There are many ways to lose weight, but physical exercise and dietary control are key. Regular physical activity can also enhance coronary artery blood flow, greatly benefiting the heart.In short, the foundation of summer mental health care is protecting the heart. Beyond this, one must also "let the brilliance flourish." How to achieve a vibrant spirit?First, have meaningful spiritual pursuits. Humans have thoughts and aspirations. Having goals enables one to overcome life’s obstacles. A noble belief can generate self-discipline and positive emotions. Numerous activities in life—painting, calligraphy, carving, music, chess, gardening, stamp collecting, fishing, traveling—can provide spiritual fulfillment and cultivate emotions, thus achieving emotional regulation and health maintenance.Second, constantly refine one’s character. Always monitor your emotions—if you notice irritability, anxiety, sadness, anger, or narrow-mindedness, make efforts to prevent recurrence. This requires continuous learning and self-cultivation. The "Guanzi·Nei Ye" once said: "To stop anger, poetry is best; to remove sorrow, music is best; to moderate joy, ritual is best; to uphold ritual, respect is best; to uphold respect, tranquility is best; inner tranquility and outer respect allow one to return to their true nature, and their nature will become greatly stabilized." The "Huangdi Neijing" describes the way of health care for sages: first, "no resentment or anger," second, "no mental distress," third, "focus on peace and contentment." Therefore, systematically practicing self-cultivation and responding to unpleasant people and situations with openness and a smile is essential personal virtue.First, having meaningful tasks keeps the mind from emptiness; second, having good spiritual cultivation helps resist negative external influences. If both are achieved, the spirit will naturally be vibrant, and one will "never tire of the long days"—this is the fundamental principle of summer mental adjustment.