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The Six Qi of Heaven each govern their respective seasons: Spring is governed by Jueyin Wind-Wood, Autumn by Yangming Dryness-Metal, and Winter by Taiyang Cold-Water, each exercising its authority independently. However, from after the Summer Solstice to before the Autumn Equinox, Shaoyang Ministerial Fire, Shaoyin Sovereign Fire, and Dampness combine to act together. Thus, the weather is inherently hot, further intensified by the sun's heat; the sunlight is inherently fierce, carrying with it the earth's dampness. These three qi interact and alternate, sometimes separating and sometimes merging. When they separate, wind moves within, overcoming dampness and resolving steaming heat, so that people do not feel suffering. When they merge, the heaven's hot qi descends, and the earth's damp qi ascends. Humans exist in the intersection of these qi, subjected to scorching heat and humidity with no place to hide. Consequently, many experience body fatigue and mental confusion, skin prickly heat (Feizi), acne on the chest and upper abdomen, and boils on the head and face.

At this time, the body's Yuan Qi (Original Qi) floats to the muscle surface, leaving less within the interior. Therefore, there are often cases of indigestion leading to Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome), as well as symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a sensation of fullness or discomfort in the chest and diaphragm. Those skilled in nurturing life should regulate their diet and avoid rich, greasy flavors, which is an excellent prescription for preventing disease. As for raw, cold fruits and melons, one must especially exercise restraint. Although watermelon can resolve heat, it must be consumed at appropriate times. For instance, during the Si (9-11 AM) and Shen (3-5 PM) hours, when a long time has passed since the last meal and new food has not yet entered the stomach, eating it causes no harm. However, if one eats fruits immediately after a meal, the cold and hot energies will inevitably contend with each other, brewing various diseases.

The *Neijing* states: "Pulse deficiency and body heat result from injury by summerheat." The *Jia Yi Jing* states: "Heat injures Qi but does not injure Form," hence the pulse deficiency is indicative of this. Zhang Zhongjing divided summerheat into four types: Xian (Wiry), Xi (Fine), Kou (Hollow), and Chi (Slow) pulses are all summerheat pulses, representing the image of depleted Yuan Qi. If the pulse is described in the *Nan Jing* as Hong Da San (Surging, Large, and Scattered), this is the intrinsic pulse of the Heart and cannot be used to describe summerheat. Li Dongyuan (Jiegu) said: "Obtaining illness while resting is Zhongshu (Midsummer Heat); obtaining illness while moving/working is Zhongre (Midsummer Heat)." This statement is most worthy of comprehension. Zhongshu belongs to Yin syndromes. Whenever one seeks coolness in tall halls, pavilions, or cold terraces, the exterior is invaded by Cold Evil, causing the body's Yang Qi to fail to diffuse and emerge. This leads to headache, aversion to cold, and bodily stiffness/tension. With a pulse that is Fu Shuo Hua Da (Floating, Rapid, Slippery, and Large), it is considered Taiyang Cold Damage (Shanghan) of the summer months, and should be treated with Cold methods. If the pulse is Xi Huan Wu Li (Fine, Slow, and Weak), it is truly Zhongshu, and Xiangru San Shu Tang (Elsholtzia Decoction to Dispel Summerheat) should be used. Regarding illnesses caused by consuming raw/cold foods and stagnant digestion, treatment must distinguish between Yin and Yang presentations. Internal heat with a Shuo (Rapid) pulse calls for Chaihu Huazhi Tang (Bupleurum Decoction to Resolve Stagnation). A Chen Xi Huan (Deep, Fine, and Slow) pulse calls for Houpo Wenzhong Tang (Magnolia Bark Decoction to Warm the Middle). Xiangru (Elsholtzia) and Huoxiang (Patchouli) serve as the Sovereign herbs: one disperses Yin summerheat, the other promotes the ascending and descending function of Spleen Qi. Once Spleen Qi circulates freely, stagnation can descend. This applies not only to treating summerheat. However, this is suitable only for those with a Huan (Slow) pulse, not for those with a Shuo (Rapid) pulse.

As for Zhongre (Midsummer Heat) syndromes, pedestrians and farmers laboring under the midday sun, or those in narrow alleys and small rooms with no place to cool off, inhale hot qi through the mouth and nose. This results in severe body heat, fainting, and near-death sensations. With a pulse that is Chen Xi Shuo (Deep, Fine, and Rapid), Chen Sha Liu Yi San (Cinnabar Six-One Powder) or Chaihu Shaoyao Tang (Bupleurum and Peony Decoction) should be used. One must not recklessly administer Hot medicines. Generally, obese individuals have much Dampness and are most prone to attracting Heat. Inability to avoid bodily dampness means inability to avoid heavenly heat. Liu Yi San can drive out Damp-Heat via urination. The ancients used it to resolve summerheat for good reason. For thin, weak individuals without Dampness, whose Jin Ye (Body Fluids) are depleted by seasonal climate, Chaihu Shaoyao Tang, Pear Juice, or Sugarcane Juice should be used to replenish fluids. Using Chen Sha Liu Yi San would recklessly promote urination, exhausting the lower source (Kidney Water), leading to immediate emaciation and dryness. For those with Zhongre who have a Hong Sheng (Surging and Full) pulse without deficiency, this indicates strong innate constitution. Summerheat resides in the muscles and has not deeply penetrated the meridians. Although the body is dry and hot, there is no fatigue. Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) or Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Decoction to Resolve Toxicity) should be used. Such cases must not be treated identically to those with pulse deficiency.