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Welcome to Japan's beautiful spring. Right now is the most comfortable time of the year. The fresh, vibrant green leaves shine gently in our eyes—it truly is a stunning season.

May is incredibly pleasant, but if you live in Japan, do you know what comes next? It is the long, notorious rainy season known as Tsuyu in June and July.

Unlike the dry heat or simple rainy days in many Western countries, Japan's rainy season brings extreme humidity. If you find yourself feeling sluggish, heavy, or unmotivated during this time, it is not your fault. It is the climate.

In Eastern Medicine, we believe that excessive environmental humidity can invade the body, causing a condition known as "Dampness" (Shitsuja). Our bodies naturally regulate temperature by sweating, but when the outside air is too humid, that sweat cannot evaporate.

Here are some practical ways to naturally flush out this trapped Dampness and restore your energy levels:

• Get plenty of rest.

• Eat summer vegetables: Tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers are highly recommended.

• Stay well-hydrated.

• Take warm baths: Soak slowly in lukewarm water—make sure it is not too hot.

These simple self-care steps are highly effective. Of course, the rainy season has its own unique beauty, particularly the blooming hydrangeas, which I hope you will be able to enjoy.

However, to be honest, we are quite worried about the intense summer heat that follows the rainy season. Summers in Japan have become far too hot in recent years. Last year, there were tragic reports of heatstroke among those who hesitated to use their air conditioners. If the current energy crisis (oil shock) continues into the summer, soaring electricity bills will be inevitable. It really is a worrisome time we live in.