Lesser Heat Wellness Guide Align with Yang Energy & Strengthen Your Constitution Lesser Heat (Xiaoshu), falling on July 7, 2025, marks the true beginning of midsummer. Although its name sounds mild, Lesser Heat is far from gentle. It is the prelude to the hottest period of the year — the Sanfu Days, when heat and humidity rise together, making it the peak of what TCM calls "Damp-Heat invasion." At this time, the body's Yang energy floats outward, and the Spleen and Stomach are most vulnerable. Without proper care, people may experience symptoms like heat exhaustion, indigestion, irritability, insomnia, and chronic fatigue. 2025 Sanfu Days Calendar (The Hottest Days of the Year) 🔸 Initial Fu (First Phase): July 20 – July 29 🔸 Middle Fu (Second Phase): July 30 – August 8 🔸 Final Fu (Third Phase): August 9 – August 18 This is the time of year when Yang energy is at its peak, physical strength is easily depleted, and the body becomes more susceptible to internal imbalances. It’s also the golden window to adjust your constitution, drain dampness, and strengthen the body from within. Six Essential TCM Tips for Lesser Heat Wellness 1. Clear Heat, Drain Dampness & Support the Spleen Common discomforts: irritability, dry mouth, bloating, poor appetite, heavy limbs Suggested foods: lotus root, bitter melon, tomatoes, aged tangerine peel (chenpi), coix seeds, Chinese yam Recommended teas: hawthorn & poria tea, chrysanthemum & goji berry tea, lotus leaf & chenpi tea 2. Adjust Sleep Habits to Preserve Yang Follow the natural rhythm: go to bed early, rise early Avoid staying up late, which depletes Yang energy Soak your feet before bed, avoid direct cold air, and use a cotton layer over cooling mats Create a calm, warm sleep environment to help the mind settle 3. Begin Sanfu Herbal Plaster Therapy (“Winter Diseases Treated in Summer”) Lesser Heat overlaps with Initial Fu, the best time to begin “Sanfu Tie” therapy Best for: asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic diarrhea, cold-related joint pain Key acupoints: Dazhui (GV14), Feishu (BL13), Shenshu (BL23), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36) 4. Herbal Foot Soaks: Calm the Spirit, Expel Dampness Herbs: mugwort (ai ye), patchouli (huo xiang), aged tangerine peel Timing: 20–30 minutes in warm water (about 40°C), light sweating is ideal Helps with lower limb swelling, sleep issues, and damp stagnation 5. Acupressure for Emotional Balance & Qi Flow Helpful points: Neiguan (PC6) – Calms the mind, aids sleep Hegu (LI4) – Clears heat, relieves tension Zusanli (ST36) – Strengthens digestion and immunity Jiquan (HT1) – Opens the chest, improves upper body circulation Massage each point for 3–5 minutes daily; you can also use moxibustion for added benefit. 6. Avoid Excessive Heat or Cold: Protect Your Yang Qi Limit long hours under strong sun; avoid heavy, spicy, greasy foods Don’t overuse air conditioning — too cold can damage Yang and cause “Yin Summer Heat” In Chinese folk tradition, it’s also advised to avoid major home construction, especially front-door installation, during Lesser Heat 🌞 In Summary Lesser Heat is a seasonal turning point — a shift from external heat toward internal nourishment. Taking good care of your health now can help you glide through the intense Greater Heat (Da Shu) ahead, and also lay the groundwork for a smooth transition into early autumn. Eat light, calm your heart, rest well, and nurture Yang — That’s the TCM secret to thriving during the heart of summer. Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, and balanced Lesser Heat season.