Summer Health: How to Enjoy Air Conditioning Without Harming Your Health
Introduction: After the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather becomes hot and humid, making many people eager to seek refuge in air-conditioned rooms for comfort. However, long stays in air-conditioned environments can weaken the body's immune system, deviate from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle of seasonal health cultivation, and be detrimental to summer health. So, how can we improve this to enjoy air conditioning without harming our bodies?
Setting the air conditioner too high or staying in an air-conditioned room for long periods can disrupt the body's thermoregulatory center. This often makes it difficult for the body to sweat, especially when transitioning from a hot outdoor environment into an air-conditioned one. This exposure to pathogenic wind and cold can disrupt thermoregulation, leading to a "summer cold" condition. It can also impair blood circulation, causing symptoms like joint pain.
According to TCM practitioners, the loss of moisture in air-conditioned environments can easily dry the throat and nasal passages, reducing the resistance of the upper respiratory tract. This can lead to bronchitis, colds, and other issues. Those with related conditions should take extra precautions. In air-conditioned rooms, it is advisable to keep warm and avoid direct exposure to the cold air to prevent catching a chill. Additionally, drink plenty of water and supplement with vitamins.
For TCM conditioning, the "summer cold" condition can lead to a "dual deficiency of Qi and Yin" constitution, characterized by symptoms like dry mouth, a parched tongue, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. This is caused by weak Qi and blood, a poor thermoregulatory center, and insufficient oxygen supply to the head. Treatment involves Qi-supplementing and Yin-nourishing herbs, such as Shengmai Yin, and can be combined with acupressure on points such as Fengchi (GB20), Jianjing (GB21), and Baihui (GV20).
When poor blood and Qi circulation leads to Qi stagnation and blood stasis, often mixed with dampness, herbs that invigorate blood, regulate Qi, and resolve dampness can be used. A classic formula is Huangqi Jianzhong Tang. For acupressure, points Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Quchi (LI11), Yinlingquan (SP9), and Zusanli (ST36) can be stimulated.
Furthermore, if the condition causes dryness in the respiratory tract, it is due to pathogenic wind mixed with dryness. Herbs that expel wind and moisten the lungs can be used to enhance the resistance of the upper respiratory tract. A suitable formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, and acupressure points include Hegu (LI4), Yingxiang (LI20), Zusanli (ST36), and Quchi (LI11) to boost respiratory defenses.
TCM experts remind that those with joint pain should avoid having air conditioner vents blowing directly at their body, head, or joints. For health preservation through herbal teas, experts recommend a mixture of Fangfeng (2 qian), Guizhi (2 qian), and Qianghuo (2 qian). Boil 600cc of water, add the herbs, let it cool, and then drink. This is suitable for people who spend long hours in air-conditioned rooms to dispel pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness, and prevent discomfort.