Dashu Summer Wellness Tips

Dashu (Great Heat), the 12th solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, occurs around the middle of the “Middle Dog Days” (Zhongfu) period. This time of year is traditionally associated with intense heat, humidity, and frequent rainfall. In Chinese culture, summer heat is considered a season when people may feel more easily fatigued or less energetic.

Traditionally, this period has been viewed as an opportunity to focus on self-care, balance, and seasonal nourishment. By following mindful lifestyle habits and enjoying seasonal foods, you can support overall well-being during the hottest days of summer.

Three Traditional Summer Wellness Principles

1. Stay Comfortable in the Heat: Understand Your Body’s Response to Summer Conditions

During extremely hot weather, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and excessive sweating may leave people feeling tired or uncomfortable.

Traditional summer wellness practices include:

• Move to a cooler environment when feeling overheated. 
• Drink water regularly and stay hydrated. 
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as moving directly from extreme outdoor heat into very cold environments. 
• Enjoy warm beverages and seasonal foods according to personal preference. 

In traditional Chinese wellness practices, ingredients such as ginger are often enjoyed during humid summer conditions as part of seasonal eating habits.

2. Maintain Calm and Relaxation: A Peaceful Mind Supports Overall Wellness

Hot weather can affect mood, sleep quality, and daily comfort. Traditional practices emphasize maintaining a calm and balanced lifestyle during summer.

Helpful activities may include:

☑ Practicing meditation, gentle stretching, gardening, reading, or listening to music.
☑ Enjoying seasonal vegetables such as bitter melon and leafy greens as part of a balanced diet.
☑ Drinking traditional herbal teas, such as Reishi and chrysanthemum tea, as part of a relaxing daily routine.

3. Care for Digestive Comfort: Choose Gentle, Seasonal Foods

During hot weather, many people enjoy cold beverages and chilled foods. Some traditional wellness approaches suggest choosing warm, easy-to-digest meals when preferred.

Traditional Chinese dietary wisdom often highlights congee and soups as comforting seasonal foods that are gentle and nourishing.

Traditional Summer Recipes

These recipes are inspired by traditional Chinese seasonal eating practices and are intended as part of a balanced diet.

Reishi, Winter Melon, and Lean Pork Congee

Traditional inspiration: A light and comforting summer meal.

Ingredients:

5 grams Reishi slices 

Winter melon (appropriate amount) 

Lean pork or ribs (appropriate amount) 

Salt, according to taste 

Preparation:

Simmer the ingredients together until they form a soft congee. Add salt before serving.

Smoked Plum Three-Bean Drink

Traditional inspiration: A refreshing summer beverage made with beans and smoked plum.

Ingredients:

5 dried smoked plums (wu mei) 

30 grams each of mung beans, red beans, and black beans 

Preparation:

Bring ingredients to a boil, then simmer over low heat for approximately 40–50 minutes. Enjoy warm or cooled according to preference.

Ginger and Jujube Tea

Traditional inspiration: A warming beverage commonly enjoyed in traditional Chinese dietary practices.

Ingredients:

5 red dates (jujubes) 

3 slices of fresh ginger 

Preparation:

Boil ingredients with water and enjoy as a tea.

Note: Individual responses to foods and herbs may vary. People who are pregnant, taking medications, or managing health conditions should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or using herbal products.

Dashu has arrived, and summer is gradually approaching its transition into the next season.

Consider gathering with friends, finding a peaceful place, and enjoying a relaxing cup of traditional tea.

By staying comfortable, balanced, and mindful of seasonal habits, we can welcome the final days of midsummer with calm and appreciation.