{"id":32405,"date":"2025-04-27T21:51:14","date_gmt":"2025-04-27T13:51:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tcmandyou.com\/home\/?page_id=32405"},"modified":"2025-05-30T22:50:34","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T14:50:34","slug":"lixia2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tcmandyou.com\/home\/lixia2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Adapting to Heat and Humidity: A TCM Guide for Wellness this Comining Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

I had shared highlights of this article in a Zoom session on 1 May 2025, along with a preview of upcoming health programs. The recorded video as listed below.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u4e2d\u6587\u7248: \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/UioZzJGPCKU<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

English Session: \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/9wZhTHF5kLQ<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dear Participants and Friends,<\/strong><\/p>\n

I trust this message finds you well as we transition through another seasonal phase. Since my last update when Singapore experienced breezy and refreshing weather in February and March, you\u2019ve probably noticed the gradual return of warmer and more humid days in early April.<\/p>\n

As many of you know, I prepare and share these periodic articles because I deeply believe that prevention is better than cure<\/strong>\u2014a core value in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM emphasizes understanding one\u2019s body constitution<\/strong>, being attuned to seasonal transitions<\/strong>, and recognizing the influence of local climate<\/strong>. Through this awareness, we can make timely lifestyle and dietary adjustments to stay balanced and healthy throughout the year.<\/p>\n

We are currently in the inter-monsoon period<\/strong>, which typically spans April to May<\/strong>. This period brings a variety of weather patterns, including afternoon and evening thundery showers<\/strong>, sometimes accompanied by gusty winds<\/strong>. It is also the time when Sumatra squalls<\/strong>\u2014lines of thunderstorms originating from Sumatra\u2014sweep across the region, often bringing widespread rainfall and brief but strong winds<\/strong>, particularly in the pre-dawn hours<\/strong>. These fluctuations in weather have direct implications on our health, especially for those sensitive to environmental changes.<\/p>\n

Although the recent weak La Ni\u00f1a<\/strong> has now subsided, the climate has entered an ENSO-neutral phase<\/strong>\u2014neither La Ni\u00f1a nor El Ni\u00f1o\u2014according to the latest global climate reports. As such, we expect the typical tropical heat and humidity to persist through late July, followed by intermittent drier spells.<\/p>\n

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On May 5, 2025<\/strong>, the Northern Hemisphere will welcome the seventh solar term of the year, LiXia (<\/strong>\u7acb\u590f<\/strong>)<\/strong>\u2014the official commencement of summer. Singapore, just one degree north of the Equator, will enter a uniquely tropical summer, marked by sweltering heat, high humidity, and the usual interspersed thundery showers. Though some claim Singapore lacks seasons, our climatic rhythms do show clear trends that affect health patterns and the manifestation of symptoms, particularly in TCM.<\/p>\n

Please take precautions by staying well-hydrated<\/strong>, carrying water when you head outdoors, and adopting the proactive habit of \u201cdrinking before feeling thirsty\u201d<\/strong> to reduce the risk of heatstroke.<\/p>\n

TCM Seasonal Health Observations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Damp-Heat Body Constitution<\/strong>
Those with Damp-Heat tendencies\u2014often experiencing skin rashes, eczema, and urinary tract infections<\/strong>\u2014should take special care in the coming weeks. Heat combined with high humidity can trigger flare-ups and further discomfort. Additionally, elevated temperatures may cause irritability, fatigue, headaches, and digestive disturbances<\/strong> to surface more frequently.<\/p>\n

Digestive System Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n

Damp-heat is a prominent pathogenic factor in summer. The heat may drive cravings for iced drinks and \u201ccold\u201d foods, but these habits can impair digestion and lead to symptoms like poor appetite, diarrhea, and acid reflux<\/strong>. From a TCM diet perspective, foods that clear heat and promote urination<\/strong>\u2014such as porridge, soups, bitter gourd, watermelon, green beans, plum, tomatoes, cucumber<\/strong>, and strawberries<\/strong>\u2014can help regulate internal balance.<\/p>\n

Morning warm ginger water<\/strong> is a simple but effective practice to strengthen the Spleen system<\/strong>, boost appetite, prevent internal cold, and support better sleep quality.<\/p>\n

Headaches<\/strong><\/p>\n

Frequent fluctuations in temperature and barometric pressure, combined with stress or inadequate rest, can trigger or worsen headaches<\/strong>. Instead of relying heavily on medication, try focusing on hydration, emotional balance, adequate rest, and limiting cold foods<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Skin Health<\/strong><\/p>\n

Increased perspiration in hot, humid climates encourages bacterial and fungal growth. For those susceptible to skin problems, it is essential to maintain good personal hygiene<\/strong>, shower promptly after sweating, and keep the skin dry. Regular laundering of clothes, towels, and bedding<\/strong> can also help prevent skin infections.<\/p>\n

Cardiovascular Health and Heart Qi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Summer, under the Five Elements Theory<\/strong>, corresponds to the Heart system<\/strong>, emphasizing the need to safeguard cardiovascular wellness. Rising temperatures put additional strain on the heart, so this is a time to ensure you’re following a balanced diet<\/strong>, getting regular exercise<\/strong>, and managing mental stress<\/strong> wisely. These habits support the circulation of Heart Qi<\/strong> and help prevent cardiovascular events.<\/p>\n

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Even if you\u2019re spending more time indoors to avoid the midday heat, I encourage you to maintain a regular daily routine<\/strong>, pursue online learning or health-related courses<\/strong>, and stay mentally stimulated<\/strong> and emotionally grounded.<\/p>\n

Recommended Acupoints for Summer Health<\/strong><\/p>\n