Greater Heat 大暑 · Dà Shǔ · ~Jul 23
AT A GLANCE
The hottest stretch of the year. The tradition protects fluids and the middle (the stomach), not just surface cool.
How the food tradition reads it
Job’s tears and winter melon continue; a paradox appears — a small cup of warm ginger tea helps bodies chilled by iced drinks all summer.
Tonight’s bowl
Job’s tears, winter melon & adzuki soup — 30 g / 300 g / 40 g, simmered soft.
The practice of the term
Hydrate warm where possible; heavy exercise moves to early morning.
What to watch for this term
- Heat-stroke territory — shade, water, timing
- Summer-damp with mosquitoes — the double nuisance
Who feels this term most
Damp-Heat — Peak heat meets your inner heat — nothing fried, nothing sweet
Qi Deficiency — Big sweat, big loss — warm water back in, minerals too
Watching a pattern is not a diagnosis — flare-ups and chronic conditions belong with a professional.
The season’s anchor
“The three months of summer are called the flourish… rise early, never tire of the sun.” — Suwen, On Nurturing Life by the Four Seasons
The cycle continues
← Lesser Heat · Start of Autumn →
