Q: Recently, sunbathing during the dog days has attracted widespread attention on social media platforms. Excuse me, is it reliable to sunbathe on the back during the dog days? How does traditional Chinese medicine view it? What are the rules for sunbathing? Answer: Gong Yanbing, director of Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, sun drying the back is a traditional health preservation method that conforms to the theory of "treating winter diseases in summer" in traditional Chinese medicine. Its core is to use the abundant natural yang energy in summer to enhance the body's own yang energy by shining sunlight on the back. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, "the back is yang and the abdomen is yin", and there are two yang meridians on the back, the Du meridian and the Foot Sun Bladder meridian. Among them, the Du meridian is located in the center of the back, with a famous acupoint on top - the Dazhui acupoint. The Du meridian is known as the "sea of yang meridians", which controls the body's yang energy and has an important impact on promoting the circulation of qi and blood, warming the organs, and enhancing disease resistance. So, who is suitable for sunbathing their backs? Those who are afraid of cold limbs in winter, have a constitution of Yang deficiency according to traditional Chinese medicine, have a weak constitution, and have excessive cold and dampness are suitable for sunbathing their backs. Healthy individuals can also moderately sunbathe their backs for health and wellness. Pay attention to the time and duration of sunbathing, and avoid exposure to sunlight. It is advisable to choose a time period with weaker ultraviolet radiation - from 8am to 10am or after 3pm in the afternoon; The duration of sunbathing varies from person to person. For the elderly and weak, it is recommended to start from 15 to 20 minutes and gradually increase to 30 minutes. The core is to prioritize physical comfort and avoid forcing oneself. What kind of people are not suitable for sunbathing their backs? People who suffer from chronic diseases such as hypertension, skin diseases, and are prone to internal heat or damp heat constitution should be cautious. During the process of sunbathing, it is necessary to replenish water in a timely manner. If you sweat a lot, you can drink diluted salt water or functional drinks. If abnormal symptoms such as sweating profusely, chest tightness, and shortness of breath occur, immediately stop sunbathing and seek medical attention promptly. (New Society)