Entering the Dog Days: A Health Guide for SeniorsTime flies, and it's already July 15, 2024, the 10th day of the sixth lunar month. Today marks the beginning of the Dog Days, also known as "Entering the (Fu)
Entering the Dog Days: A Health Guide for Seniors
Time flies, and it's already July 15, 2024, the 10th day of the sixth lunar month. Today marks the beginning of the Dog Days, also known as "Entering the (Fu)." As the old saying goes, "The Dog Days begin three watch periods after the summer solstice." Entering the Dog Days signifies the arrival of the hottest period of the year, with temperatures continuing to climb.
This year, the entry of the Dog Days coincides with the 10th day of the sixth lunar month. According to the ancient adage, "Numbers have yin and yang, and days have male and female," even-numbered days are considered "female Fu," making this year's Dog Days "female Fu." Therefore, today is considered an "unlucky day" requiring extra attention to heat prevention.
Entering the "Unlucky" Fu: Seniors Need to Be Cautious
The old saying goes, "The male Fu brings coolness, while the female Fu brings misfortune." This means that the weather will be even hotter during the "female Fu." Today is not only the "Entry of the Fu" but also the "Gathering Day" in the ancient tradition of choosing auspicious days. It represents gathering and convergence, and in ancient belief, it is considered an "unlucky day."
Therefore, seniors should be particularly cautious today and pay special attention to the following:
1. No Bathing: Avoid Cold Showers
The old saying goes, "Cold enters from the feet, and disease enters from the head." During the hot summer, it's crucial to avoid cold showers today. When seniors suddenly encounter cold water on their heads, the cold and dampness can easily penetrate the body, leading to discomforts such as headaches and body aches.
Although cold showers can bring temporary coolness, they stimulate blood circulation, causing sudden changes in body temperature and potentially exacerbating the feeling of heat. In this case, warm showers are sufficient to refresh the spirit and effectively alleviate fatigue.
2. No Sitting: Don't Sit Still for Long
- The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) states: "In the three months of summer, this is called abundant growth." At this time, the qi of heaven and earth intermingles, and all things flourish. In harmony with nature, engage in moderate exercise and avoid sitting still for long periods.
In the sweltering summer heat, appropriate exercise helps with sweat excretion, heat dissipation, and boosting immunity. Sitting still for long periods can lead to stuffy and hot conditions, hindering the dissipation of yang energy, and making it easy for immunity to decline.
The intention of the "Gathering Day" is to gather thoughts, but it doesn't mean staying indoors. Moderate outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and swimming not only exercise the body but also regulate mood and alleviate anxiety.
3. No Drinking: Avoid Alcohol
The ancients said, "Drinking during the Fu harms yang energy and the body." The summer heat makes it easy for alcohol to harm the spleen and stomach, leading to internal dampness and heat, burdening the body.
For seniors, alcohol may bring temporary pleasure, but it does more harm than good. During the Dog Days, it is crucial to focus on health preservation and abstain from alcohol for a healthy body.
4. Eat: Dumplings, Wontons, Lamb
4.1 Eat Dumplings
In northern China, there is a tradition of "Dumplings on the first Fu, noodles on the second Fu, and pancakes and eggs on the third Fu." Dumplings are the first choice on the entry day of the Fu. Dumplings are not only delicious but also stimulate appetite and replenish nutrients lost through sweating.
4.2 Eat Wontons
In southern China, there is a saying, "Wontons on the first Fu, tea on the second Fu." Wontons are easy to prepare and suitable for quick cooking during hot weather, avoiding prolonged exposure to the scorching kitchen.
4.3 Eat Lamb
In regions like Luoyang in the southwest, Subei, northern Anhui, eastern Henan, etc., there is a tradition of "Fu Head Lamb," where people eat lamb on the entry day of the Fu. Lamb is considered a warming and nourishing food that can dispel cold energy in the body, helping people overcome heat with heat, promoting sweating and detoxification, and benefiting health.
Conclusion
Today marks the entry of the Fu, an "unlucky day," reminding us to respect tradition, adapt to the seasons, and prioritize health preservation. Seniors must pay extra attention to diet, daily routines, and avoid excessive fatigue to safely navigate the scorching summer.
As the ancients said, "Don't eat out of season." By respecting the seasons, we can stay healthy and comfortable during the summer. May everyone be blessed with good fortune and safely pass through the Dog Days!
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