By Karen Ko

1. Ginger Foot Wrap: Slice fresh ginger and place it on the soles of the feet, wrapping it with plastic wrap to hold it in place. After 20 minutes, remove it and soak your feet.

2. Using Dried Chili Peppers in Cooking: Add a handful of toasted, dried chili peppers to meals, cooking with them for three days straight.

3. Hair Dryer for Acupressure: Use a hair dryer on the Dazhui acupoint (located at the base of the neck) for 3-5 minutes.

4. Barefoot on Dry Ground: In the early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM), stand barefoot on dry, exposed ground for 10-30 minutes.

5. Applying Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid: After a bath, apply Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid to areas like the underarms, soles, inner elbows, and waist.

6. Wearing Silver Jewelry: Silver accessories are traditionally believed to help ward off dampness and protect against negative energy.

7.Mugwort and Ginger Egg Ritual: boil eggs with mugwort (saved from Dragon Boat Festival), and ginger. Use only the egg whites, wrapped in gauze and a silver bracelet, to rub over the face and body for its believed detoxifying effects.

These are in the crosspoint of folk tradition and folk magic. They incorporate aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but a reputable TCM doctor in Sichuan would not be likely to suggest these activities.