( From the July 2012 issue of MORE Hangzhou Magazine)

 

In the western world, the act of “cooling down” during the summer months might include iced drinks by the poolside... and that's not a bad thing. However, traditional Chinese medicine (commonly referred to as TCM) often makes things slightly confusing for westerners who lack a few tidbits of local common knowledge.

 

This month's number one question is for those of you who might be wondering why the doctor suggests that you avoid spicy food – but drink hot water – during the summer!

 

Although a tall, steaming glass of water might not sound as good as something straight from the fridge, your Chinese doctor might be more concerned with following some basic principles of TCM, which call for bringing your core body temperature to the surface, allowing you to cool down naturally, and expend volatile energy, rather than trapping it. In addition, pregnant women are especially susceptible to the effects of “elevated fire” (上火) levels during the summer months, since their hormones are going through perceptibly major changes, and their circulatory system is working overtime to transport nutrients where they are needed most. Of course, any hospital that strives to offer international services will treat every patient on a case-by case basis, often blurring the lines between TCM and other forms of medicine. For those who still want to give a bit of TCM a try, you'll be glad to know that foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and dragon fruit are reputed to have a cooling effect on the body... and admittedly far less carbs than beer!