The 24 Solar Terms - Grain in Ear: A Light Diet
June 5th will mark the arrival of Grain in Ear, one of the 24 solar terms in the lunar calendar, signifying the approach of the hot and sultry summer season. Experts advise that during this period, the public should follow the health principle of "rising early, eating lightly, and maintaining a relaxed state of mind."
Grain in Ear is the 9th of the 24 solar terms in the lunar calendar, beginning around June 5th each year when the sun reaches 75 degrees of celestial longitude. As the name implies, it is the time when barley and wheat with awns have matured and are ready for harvest. The "Seventy-two Phenological Phases of the Monthly Ordinances" says: "In the fifth month, it is said that the grains with awns can be sown."
A prominent feature of this season is the rising temperature and hot weather, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China, where the air is very humid and the weather is exceptionally muggy.
Under these climatic conditions, in terms of daily routine, one should sleep late and rise early, appropriately accept sunlight exposure, but avoid direct sunlight, and pay attention to preventing heatstroke. The summer days are long and the nights are short, and a short nap at noon can help restore energy.
The hot weather can easily lead to a poor appetite. Therefore, in terms of diet, one should reduce greasy foods and focus on a light, soft, and easily digestible diet. Foods such as Chinese yam, rice, jujubes, chicken, beef, buckwheat, and beans can not only clear heat, prevent heatstroke, and reduce sweating but also enhance appetite.
From a nutritional perspective, a light diet plays an irreplaceable role in summer health. Vegetables and legumes provide the human body with essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and minerals, as well as a large amount of vitamins, which can prevent diseases and delay aging.
The scorching summer can also easily lead to listlessness, lack of concentration, and irritability. Therefore, for mental well-being, one should maintain a relaxed and pleasant state of mind, avoiding anger and melancholy. This allows the body to function smoothly, invigorates the spirit, and ensures free circulation of energy. Therefore, the public should learn to self-regulate psychologically, such as by listening to music, taking walks, or thinking about pleasant things, striving to calm the mind, soothe the spirit, quit restlessness, and curb anger, while also ensuring adequate sleep.