Major Heat

大暑(Dàshǔ), July 22, 2025 is the height of summer, the hottest and often most humid time of year. The Heart is vulnerable now, and the Spleen can easily become sluggish. This is the time that emphasizes eating light, easy-to-digest foods: lotus seed, watermelon, cucumber, and bitter greens. Chrysanthemum tea soothes irritability, while herbal broths replenish fluids. Minimize  greasy and heavy foods and consume alcohol wisely. Just as farmers adjust their work to survive the blazing fields, we too should slow our pace, rest in cool shade, and allow the body to conserve energy. Gentle indoor qigong or meditation helps maintain balance as Yang energy burns at its brightest. For those who runs, choose cool evening and early morning to minimize chance of heat stroke.