The most scorching period of the year—the Sanfu (roughly corresponding to the Dog Days) period has arrived! This year's Sanfu period will last 30 days. The first phase will run from July 20 to 29, the second from July 30 to August 8, and the final from August 9 to 18. Though this year's Sanfu is 10 days shorter than the usual 40-day Sanfu periods in the past decade, summer heat remains intense. Everyone is advised to stay cool and take precautions against heat stroke.

Cold Drinks: Moderate consumption in small amounts can help relieve summer heat, as excessive intake can harm your spleen and stomach (children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases should be cautious).

Air Conditioning: First, set it to cooling mode for one hour to lower the temperature, then switch to dry mode, with the temperature set between 26℃ and 28℃. Avoid using the dry mode for too long, as this may cause discomfort such as dry throat, itchiness, and tight skin.

Sunbathing Back: Suitable for those with cold hands and feet in winter or excessive cold-dampness in their bodies. Recommended time periods are from 8:00 to 10:00 and from 15:00 to 16:00 when sunlight is not so strong. Two to three sessions per week are considered appropriate, while each session should last 15 to 20 minutes. If discomfort arises during sunbathing, stop immediately and seek medical advice. People with chronic diseases like hypertension, as well as those with skin diseases, internal heat, or damp-heat constitution should use this method with caution.

Sanfu Medicinal Patch: Originating from "Tianjiu", a traditional Chinese medicine formula from the Ming Dynasty, the Sanfu plaster uses white mustard seeds as its core ingredients, combined with warming and smoothing herbs like dried ginger, to achieve the purposes of disease prevention and treatment through external application. 

(Sources: Beijing Meteorological Service, Beijing Shijingshan)