Grain in Ear

Welcome to the 17th episode of 24 Solar Terms & Health!

Grain In Ear arrives. Usher in this busiest season for both harvest and sowing new seeds. Amidst increased rainfall and slightly dropped temperature, plums silently ripen to perfection in Hangzhou—a fruity, fresh, damp prelude to the heat waves of high summer.

Health tips from our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician:

Prevention & Health Vigilance: The fifth lunar month, traditionally known as “Hundred Toxins Month”（百毒月）, coincides with increased pathogen activity and mosquito proliferation during the Grain in Ear period. To mitigate the heightened risk of infection, it is crucial to strengthen immunity through proper ventilation, mental well-being, and proactive disease prevention measures.

Midday Rest: An old saying describes people as “in need of assistance to move”（走路要人牵） during this lethargy-inducing season. A 20-30 minute nap in the afternoon helps to combat the fatigue brought on by the summer heat while maintaining a balance of energy conservation.

Keep Skin Dry and Comfortable: Ancient wisdom advocates “sweat without visible dampness”（汗出不见湿） during this time. With increased perspiration, it is important to change clothes frequently and shower to help dissipate heat and moisture. However, avoid bathing immediately after sweating, as doing so may cause skin issues like acne due to trapped dampness.