Working Hours and Coffee in Summer: Habits that Tire the Heart According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

With the arrival of the summer months, many office workers turn to coffee and cold beverages to combat the fatigue brought on by working in air-conditioned environments all day and working overtime until late at night. Although it may appear on the surface to be merely an intense work pace and lack of sleep, when evaluated from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this situation can point to very serious health problems. Experts state that constantly sleeping late, stress, hot-cold changes, and excessive caffeine consumption lead to a loss of 'qi' (energy) and 'yin' (moisture/dampness) in the body. Additionally, the fact that summer is naturally hot and humid triggers the accumulation of heat in the body and the weakening of the functions of the spleen and stomach. Therefore, merely resting is not enough; it is of great importance to readjust one's lifestyle according to seasonal conditions.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the summer season is directly associated with the 'fire' element and the heart. While excessive sweating in hot weather causes a decrease in bodily fluids and consequently 'yin', prolonged mental fatigue depletes heart energy. This condition does not manifest as an immediate illness in office workers; instead, it manifests itself in the form of 'sub-optimal' health symptoms such as a constant feeling of fatigue, inability to fall asleep, irritability, dry mouth, and tightness in the chest. This syndrome is much more common in individuals who work until late hours, lack physical activity, and eat irregularly. These complaints are important signals, beyond simple fatigue, that the body is beginning to lose its balance.

Many workers experience being mentally more active and losing sleep in the late hours of the night, despite feeling constantly sleepy during the day. In traditional medicine, this condition is explained as the rising of 'false fire' (xu huo) caused by the disruption of heart function and 'yin' deficiency. While the body needs to repair itself and gather energy at night, extending working hours disrupts these natural processes and leads to the person being unable to rest no matter how much they sleep in the long run. At this point, although coffee consumption provides energy in the short term, due to its structurally dry and stimulating nature, it further fuels this 'fire'. Excessive caffeine causes heart palpitations, insomnia, and dry mouth, paving the way for the body to dry out and become exhausted.

Although the use of air conditioners in office environments is not a problem on its own, sudden temperature changes and constant exposure to cold air can disrupt the body's energy flow. Sitting motionless for long periods in air-conditioned environments can bring about discomforts such as headaches, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, stomach bloating, and digestive issues. Especially in the summer months, excessively cold beverages and foods consumed to cool down internally can have a negative impact on a weakened stomach and spleen, leading to loss of appetite and diarrhea. Therefore, rather than solely focusing on 'reducing heat' during the summer months, protecting the digestive system and regulating moisture balance are equally important. Keeping a thin cardigan to prevent cold air from directly hitting the body and doing stretching exercises at regular intervals will be beneficial.

Experts emphasize that one must pay attention to the body's signals in order to distinguish between different conditions such as an increase in heart fire, 'yin' deficiency, or a decrease in 'qi'. Even though it is not possible for everyone to self-diagnose, consulting an expert about complaints of constant fatigue and insomnia is essential to determine the correct treatment method. While preserving health in the summer months, instead of turning a blind eye to complex supplements, preventing energy loss should be the primary principle. Accordingly, it is necessary to avoid working until late hours as much as possible, limit caffeine consumption to the morning hours, and consume light, easily digestible foods. Listening to the body's natural rhythm and maintaining a balanced lifestyle is the healthiest way to fundamentally solve such health problems encountered during the summer period.