How to improve immunity in summer

This is the 3797th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

In summer, everything enters the peak growth season. The changes in nature are that the yang energy gradually grows and the yin energy gradually weakens. It is the plum rain season in Shanghai at this time. The epidemic is effectively controlled. We still need to focus on health care to strengthen our physical fitness and improve our immunity. Chinese medicine often says "nourishing yang in spring and summer". Yang energy can warm the whole body and maintain the function of internal organs. Sufficient yang energy can make people energetic and strong. If yang energy is deficient, the immune function is likely to decline. Therefore, the key to improving immunity in summer is to regulate yang energy.

Appropriately increase the intensity of exercise and practice breathing. As the saying goes, movement generates yang, and movement can better generate yang energy and strengthen the internal organs and immune function. Non-drug therapies of traditional Chinese medicine such as moxibustion, acupoint massage, and traditional Qigong can better regulate the yang energy of the whole body, thereby playing a positive role in regulating the body's immunity, improving cardiopulmonary function, improving the quality of life, and correcting negative emotions.

"Ming Yi Bie Lu" mentioned that "moxibustion of mugwort can cure all kinds of diseases". Moxibustion has a wide range of indications and rapid efficacy. Moxibustion of corresponding acupoints can not only give full play to the pure yang nature of mugwort, nourish yang and protect the body, but also stimulate the body's meridians with the warm feeling of moxibustion, play the role of moxibustion to open the meridians, replenish yang, and strengthen the body and eliminate evil. Using traditional moxa sticks, moxa cones or moxibustion patches to moxibustion acupoints such as Zusanli, Guanyuan, and Shenque can help improve positive energy. Once the positive energy is improved, the immunity will also be enhanced. Not only will you get sick less, but chronic diseases will also be alleviated to a certain extent.

How to locate the Zusanli acupoint: It is located in the depression below the knee, about 2 horizontal fingers wide, one on each side. When locating the acupoint, you can place the palm of your hand on the same side toward the center of the kneecap, with five fingers slightly open and naturally downward. The depression touched by the tip of your ring finger is the Zusanli acupoint.

How to locate Shenque point: Shenque point is located in the center of the navel.

How to locate Guanyuan acupoint: Guanyuan acupoint is located 3 inches directly below the navel (that is, 4 horizontal fingers’ width).

Moxibustion method: Hold the ignited moxa stick with one end facing the acupuncture point, 3 cm away from the skin, and apply moxibustion in parallel, left and right directions or repeatedly in rotation until the skin turns red. Do this 2-3 times a week, 10 minutes each time.

Acupoint massage can promote the flow of qi and blood, dredge meridians, and adjust the body's immune function, playing a preventive and rehabilitation role. You can choose Fengchi, Hegu, Taiyang, Fengfu and other acupoints, press the acupoints with the spiral surface of the thumb, continue to press down, slowly apply force, and stop when you feel soreness and swelling. After pressing for about 10 seconds, slowly lift up, and then press down, repeat the operation, press 8-10 times; do it once in the morning and evening every day.

How to locate Fengfu acupoint: On the posterior neck, one inch directly above the middle of the posterior hairline, directly below the external occipital protuberance, in the depression between the trapezius muscles on both sides.

How to locate Fengchi acupoint: Fengchi acupoint is located on the back of the neck, 1 inch above the midline of the hairline on the back, directly below the occipital bone, between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle, and at the same level as the earlobe, that is, in the depression between the large tendons on both sides.

How to locate the Hegu point: Hegu point is on the back of the hand, at the lower edge of the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone.

Method of locating the temple acupoint: The temple is located in the temporal region, between the tip of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye, about a horizontal finger width backward in the depression.

The Six-Character Breathing Technique is a health-preserving method handed down from ancient my country. It is a breathing method. Through breathing guidance, breathing is regulated, the circulation of qi and blood is promoted, and the potential ability of the internal organs is fully induced and mobilized to resist the invasion of diseases, thereby strengthening the physical fitness. "Xu (xu), He (he), Hu (hu), Si (si), Chui (chui), Xi (xi)", each word in turn for 6 seconds, repeat 6 times, abdominal breathing method, it is recommended to 1-2 groups per day, and adjust the daily exercise method and total amount according to personal specific circumstances. In summer, the "He" exercise is recommended to replenish the heart qi and calm the mind. "He" is pronounced (hē). The mouth shape is half open, the tongue is against the lower teeth, and the tongue surface is pressed down. Exhale and recite the word "He", and the big toe of the foot gently touches the ground; lift the palms of both hands inward from the front of the lower abdomen, through the front of the body to the middle of the two breasts of the chest, turn the palms outward, and lift them up to the eyes. When the exhalation is exhausted and the inhalation is completed, turn the palms to face the face, slowly fall through the front, chest and abdomen, hang down to the side of the body, and then pronounce the word for the second time. Do this six times as one round, and then adjust your breathing. Chinese medicine believes that "the heart governs summer" and "the heart is the master of the body, and all organs and bones obey the heart". The heart corresponds to summer and plays a leading role in the human body. Practicing the "He" exercise in summer can regulate the heart qi, better adjust the body state according to weather changes, and help improve immune function.

Author: Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preventive Health Care

Director Fang Hong