Sweating Isn't Detox: Expert on 'Mangzhong' Health and a Revitalizing Soup

As China enters the 'Mangzhong' (Grain in Ear) solar term on June 5, marked by hot and humid weather, traditional Chinese medicine expert Peng Jizu offers guidance on maintaining health. He stresses the importance of preventing heatstroke and nurturing well-being during this period, which signifies the busy season for planting crops.

Peng recommends incorporating specific yellow foods into the diet, such as pumpkin, burdock, and papaya. These are believed to strengthen the spleen and stomach, replenishing vital energy. Additionally, he suggests drinking a salted mung bean soup, which is thought to clear liver fire and expel dampness. This practice can help reduce leg swelling, alleviate dry throat, and prevent skin problems like acne and boils.

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Sweating profusely is not detoxification! 'Mangzhong' sweating profusely may lead to collapse: quickly drink this soup, feet won't swell, and acne will disappear.

The expert cautions against excessive sweating, particularly as the body's pores open in hot weather. Such exertion can deplete vital energy and lead to exhaustion. He advises replenishing fluids, ideally with water containing salt to restore electrolytes and prevent cramps. Peng also notes that the period aligns with the small intestine's repair cycle, making individuals with weak qi more susceptible to conditions like hernias and hemorrhoids. Since the small intestine meridian connects to the eyes, poor blood circulation can cause dry eyes and styes.

Furthermore, Peng highlights the connection between the heart and digestive system. Imbalances in the stomach, often exacerbated by emotional stress or poor dietary habits, can lead to irregular heartbeats. He emphasizes the need for emotional tranquility and a calm demeanor, as disharmony can disrupt the stomach's function, potentially causing indigestion, heartburn, and even a sensation of the heart stopping. To manage these issues, he suggests practices like back scraping (gua sha) to release internal heat and specific acupressure points to regulate qi and blood flow.

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Don't be anxious, don't be impatient, let yourself be gentle and calm.