Treating winter illnesses in summer: Dog Days of Summer
A friend mentioned that her son has had chronic tracheitis since he was born prematurely, which is particularly severe when he goes into and out of air-conditioned places or when the weather changes. She has always hoped to improve her son's health through traditional Chinese medicine, but her several-year-old child is very resistant to it, which bothers her greatly. Since the Dog Days of Summer were approaching, I suggested she consult a familiar Chinese medicine practitioner to give her son "Tien Jiu" (Moxibustion) to improve his trachea and boost his immunity.
Tien Jiu is based on the theory of "treating winter diseases in summer." On the hottest days of the year, Chinese medicine is applied to acupoints to promote blood circulation and stimulate the body to regulate itself, thereby achieving the effect of preventing and treating diseases. Some people may wonder why it's necessary to strictly follow specific dates when simply applying medicine to acupoints. The "Dog Days of Summer" are chosen because these are the hottest days of the year when the body's Yang energy is at its peak and the skin is fully open for heat dissipation. Therefore, applying medicine on these days is more effective for skin absorption.
The Dog Days of Summer are considered the hottest days of summer, and the body is particularly prone to "getting heaty" (internal heat). It is recommended to use 5 grams of dandelion with 2 grams of green tea and hot water, steeped for five minutes, to make a drink. This tea can improve the "heaty" condition during the Dog Days of Summer. Dandelion tastes bitter and sweet, is cold in nature, and enters the liver and stomach meridians. It can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling, and dissipate nodules, and is particularly effective in relieving canker sores and sore throats. However, due to its cold nature, those with a weak spleen and stomach should not drink excessive amounts.
Tien Jiu therapy needs to be tailored to one's constitution. This year's Dog Days of Summer fall on July 12th, July 22nd, and August 12th. Those in need are advised to consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner first to seize this opportune time for treating winter diseases in summer.
Tien Jiu is based on the theory of "treating winter diseases in summer." On the hottest days of the year, Chinese medicine is applied to acupoints to promote blood circulation and stimulate the body to regulate itself, thereby achieving the effect of preventing and treating diseases. Some people may wonder why it's necessary to strictly follow specific dates when simply applying medicine to acupoints. The "Dog Days of Summer" are chosen because these are the hottest days of the year when the body's Yang energy is at its peak and the skin is fully open for heat dissipation. Therefore, applying medicine on these days is more effective for skin absorption.
The Dog Days of Summer are considered the hottest days of summer, and the body is particularly prone to "getting heaty" (internal heat). It is recommended to use 5 grams of dandelion with 2 grams of green tea and hot water, steeped for five minutes, to make a drink. This tea can improve the "heaty" condition during the Dog Days of Summer. Dandelion tastes bitter and sweet, is cold in nature, and enters the liver and stomach meridians. It can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling, and dissipate nodules, and is particularly effective in relieving canker sores and sore throats. However, due to its cold nature, those with a weak spleen and stomach should not drink excessive amounts.
Tien Jiu therapy needs to be tailored to one's constitution. This year's Dog Days of Summer fall on July 12th, July 22nd, and August 12th. Those in need are advised to consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner first to seize this opportune time for treating winter diseases in summer.