Exercises for the Heart in the summer

YUAN LIREN

IT IS in the summer that all living things flourish the most and the human body's metabolism is most active. In the long days, short nights and hot weather, people have more outdoor activity and less sleep. Higher energy consumption means quicker blood circulation, more sweat and a heavier bur­den on the heart. Neglect of proper maintenance of the heart is harmful. So traditional Chinese medicine stresses care of the heart in the summer.

There are many ways to protect the heart. For example, going to bed later in the evening and getting up earlier in the morning; wearing lighter clothing and changing more often; eating less warm food and more sour, sweet and spicy food to make up for excess sweating; and keeping in a good mood. Here are some exercises for keeping the heart healthy:

1.   Sit straight. Place the two arms between the thighs nat urally. Breathe evenly. Then make fists, exhale when clenching and inhale when loosening. Repeat six times without inter
ruption.

This exercise can regulate the qi (vital energy) and blood flow. Exerting strength following the breath is beneficial to the normal functioning of the channels and collaterals through which the qi circulates. When making fists, the movements of the fingers can massage the laogong points at the center of the palms, which is good for heart maintenance. A better result can be had by grasping a keep-fit ring in each hand.

2.   Sit straight. Use the left hand to press the right wrist.

Breathe evenly. Raise the two hands above the head as if lift­ing something heavy. Exhale when the hands are up and inhale when they are down. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Then put the right hand on the left wrist and do the same. Also repeat 10 to 15 times.

This exercise can promote the normal operation of chan­nels and collaterals, regulate the qi and blood flow, and limber the muscles and joints of the arms.

3.   Sit straight. Clasp the two hands. Bend the right knee, put the knee between the two palms. Exert strength against the knee, then relax. Change to the left knee and do the same. Repeat six times each. This exercise can treat ailments in the chest area and make one feel relieved. It can also limber the muscles and joints of the limbs.

4.   Sit straight. Place the two arms on the knees naturally. Close the eyes slightly. Breathe evenly. Close mouth slightly. Sit still for a while. When the saliva accumulates, swallow it in three gulps. Then clamp the teeth 10 to 15 times. This exercise can tranquilize the nerves, strengthen the teeth and invigorate the function of the spleen.

Points to remember: Do the exercises in a quiet place with cool, fresh air. Early morning or in the evening is best. Elder­ly people, weak and those with heart troubles should do more in the summer.