Why Do I Feel Cold in Summer, Wear Long Sleeves, and Avoid Fans?

Author: Xiaoyang Chai, a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner (License No.: 141410105001067) This article is written by Dr. Xiaoyang Chai, based on classical TCM theories and clinical experience, and is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. The professional qualifications can be verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China. It's summer, and everyone else is wearing short sleeves and complaining about the heat, but you're wrapped in long sleeves and still feeling chilly? The moment a fan blows, you feel discomfort all over, and even the air-conditioned room is too much for you. This discomfort of feeling cold in summer is rooted in what TCM principles? Many people wonder: Isn't feeling cold a winter phenomenon? How can it happen in summer? This is a question of constitution, and it's important to understand the underlying TCM logic.

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In TCM, the concept of constitution refers to the inherent physical and psychological characteristics of an individual, which are believed to be shaped by genetic factors and environmental influences. There are different types of constitutions, each with its own set of characteristics and predispositions to certain health conditions. For those with a constitution that is more prone to coldness, even in the hot summer months, their bodies may still feel cold due to their inherent physiological and metabolic characteristics.

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In TCM, the spleen and stomach are considered the foundation of the body's energy and nutrition. They are responsible for transforming food into Qi (vital energy) and blood. When the spleen and stomach are weak, they may not be able to generate enough Qi and blood, leading to a sensation of coldness. This weakness can be caused by factors such as overeating, poor diet, emotional stress, or prolonged illness.

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To alleviate the feeling of coldness in summer, it's important to adjust both diet and lifestyle. A diet rich in warm, nourishing foods can help strengthen the spleen and stomach. These include foods like ginger, garlic, and leeks. It's also important to avoid cold and raw foods, as well as excessive consumption of cold drinks and ice cream. In terms of lifestyle, engaging in moderate exercise and avoiding excessive exposure to cold environments can also be beneficial.