In Chinese tradition, the hottest period of summer is known as Sanfu (三伏), similar to what people in the UK call “the dog days of summer.” 2026 Dog Days Schedule (Sanfu is divided into three stages): - First Period: 15–24 July - Middle Period: 25 July–13 August - Final Period: 14–23 August “Fu” carries the meaning of lying low or seeking shelter from the intense summer heat. Traditionally, this is considered an important time to protect the body, support energy and practise seasonal self-care. The first 10 days are coming to an end, and the 20-day Middle Fu begins tomorrow—the main chapter of the dog days. During Early Fu, some people enjoyed a daily ginger drink. Others received regular YSD Medicine treatments or Wen Da Fu warming care—a traditional martial arts herbal formula associated with Shaolin practices and traditionally used to support warmth and ease feelings of cold and dampness. Meanwhile, some carried on with strong air conditioning and iced drinks—old summer habits are hard to break! As Middle Fu begins, remember that sleep, gentle movement, nourishing food and self-care all matter: 1. Rest for around 20 minutes between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, if possible. Avoid sleeping for more than an hour, as this may leave you feeling groggy. 2. Exercise gently. Take an evening walk when the temperature is cooler—a light sweat is enough. 3. Choose warm, light and nourishing foods, such as ginger, ginseng and red-date tea, Chinese yam, eggs, cooked meat and vegetables. 4. It is never too late to begin—what matters is taking the first step. Book a YSD Medicine treatment or give yourself a comforting Wen Da Fu warming session. If you missed Early Fu, don’t worry—Middle Fu is still a wonderful time to begin. The dog days are here. Slow down, stay balanced and care for your inner warmth. Make the most of this once-a-year seasonal wellness window!!!  Learn the principles and practical skills of YSD Medicine to support your wellbeing and help care for yourself and your family. Our next YSD Medicine course is coming soon. Follow our social media channels for course dates, registration details and future announcements.

If your lower back, hips, legs, and feet often feel cold, it may be a sign that your body's warmth and circulation are not reaching the lower body effectively. From a traditional Chinese perspective, six major meridians pass through the legs. When the legs become cold and circulation is sluggish, these pathways may become restricted, preventing warmth and energy from flowing freely throughout the body. Many women's health concerns may be linked not only to the pelvic area but also to chronically cold legs and feet. As the old Chinese saying goes: "Cold begins in the feet." Another traditional saying is: "Care for your legs for three years, and you may add ten years to your life." Rather than relying only on expensive treatments, it's worth taking time to care for your body's natural circulation and warmth. Daily self-care practices such as applying ginger paste , Antui , moxibustion , or soaking your feet in warm water with added ginger powder, ginger gel for 20 minutes each evening can help promote warmth and comfort. With consistency over several weeks, many people notice their legs feel lighter, their skin looks healthier, and their overall wellbeing improves. Small daily habits, practised consistently, often make the biggest difference.