Entering the Dog Days means most parts of China officially switch to 'iron grilling' mode—or rather, the scorching summer heat.

The Dog Days occur between Minor Heat and the Beginning of Autumn, representing the hottest, most humid, and stifling period of the year. As the saying goes: the heat peaks during the Dog Days.

In other words: 'Fu' (the Chinese term for this period) signifies that the weather is too hot, making it better to stay inactive. One can't help but think of the iconic lazy slouch...

The concept of the Dog Days originated during the Spring and Autumn Period in the Qin State. The 'Records of the Grand Historian' clearly states: 'In the second year of Duke De of Qin, the first Fu began.' 'Fu' implies lying low to escape the extreme heat.

Moreover, the start date of the Dog Days varies each year, and the duration of the mid-Fu period also differs. A simple way to remember the start is the four-character phrase 'three Geng days after the summer solstice.' Counting from the third 'Geng' day after the summer solstice, the initial Fu lasts 10 days, the mid-Fu 10 or 20 days, and the final Fu another 10 days.

During this time, health preservation focuses on hydration and dispelling dampness. Excessive sweating leads to the loss of salt and water, making it essential to replenish fluids.

Tea contains abundant inorganic salts, which help restore lost potassium and sodium, making it more hydrating than water in summer! The southern kung fu tea tradition, with its small cups and frequent brewing, inadvertently ensures ample fluid intake, proving an excellent method for hydration!

During this season, it's advisable to drink warm teas like aged white tea, black tea, green tea, and Pu-erh tea.

These teas, with their warming properties, help dispel cold and nourish the stomach. Another key to Dog Days health is 'dampness dispelling,' as the season combines heat with humidity, often leading to cold-damp or heat-damp conditions in the body.

Additionally, ginger tea is worth trying during the Dog Days.

The proverb 'Eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer' is well-known. Ginger, with its warming nature, boosts yang energy, making it ideal for summer consumption.

Moreover, ginger promotes sweating, relieves phlegm and coughs, soothes the stomach, and prevents nausea. Drinking ginger tea during the Dog Days is a simple yet effective health practice.