Why You Feel More Tired After Staying in Air Conditioning This Summer. Understanding “Cold Wrapped in Heat” and How the Three Nests Technique Can Help
As global temperatures continue to rise and scientists warn of an exceptionally strong El Niño event, many people are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, headaches, brain fog, and a constant feeling of heat despite spending most of their day in air-conditioned environments.
During a recent livestream, Master Bai Yin explained why these symptoms are becoming increasingly common, and how practising the Three Nests Technique (Sanwo Gong) during the Sanfu (Three Fu Days) period may help support the body’s natural ability to regulate heat and circulation.
This article summarizes the key teachings from the livestream.
Why This Summer Is Different
Scientists are predicting one of the strongest El Niño events in recent years.
According to Master Bai Yin, extreme weather patterns may bring:
- Higher average temperatures
- Longer periods of extreme heat
- Increased physical stress
- Poorer sleep quality
- Greater strain on the cardiovascular and nervous systems
While we cannot control the climate, we can improve how our bodies adapt to these environmental changes.
Understanding “Cold Wrapped in Heat” (寒包火)
One of the central themes of the livestream was the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept known as Cold Wrapped in Heat.
What happens?
During hot weather:
- The body generates more internal heat.
- We seek relief by entering air-conditioned environments.
- Cold air causes the skin pores to contract.
- Internal heat becomes trapped inside the body.
Although the body feels cool externally, heat continues to accumulate internally.
This creates what is traditionally described as Cold Wrapped in Heat.
Possible symptoms
According to Master Bai Yin, this imbalance may contribute to:
- Feeling unusually tired
- Poor sleep quality
- Irritability
- Heatiness
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Heavy legs
- Cold feet
- Digestive discomfort
- Shoulder and neck tension
Air Conditioning Is Not the Enemy
Master Bai Yin emphasized an important point.
He is not advising people to avoid air conditioning.
Instead:
✔ Use air conditioning when necessary.
✔ Drink cold beverages in moderation.
✔ Stay hydrated.
However, external cooling alone cannot regulate the body’s internal heat.
The body also needs healthy circulation to disperse trapped heat naturally.
Your Body Has Its Own Natural Cooling System
Rather than relying solely on external cooling, the body has its own internal temperature-regulating system.
In Bai Yin Qigong, this is described through the concept of Water-Fire Balance (水火既济).
When circulation flows smoothly:
- Heat is distributed more efficiently.
- The body cools naturally.
- Internal organs experience less stress.
- The nervous system remains more balanced.
When circulation stagnates:
- Heat accumulates.
- Inflammation increases.
- Fatigue becomes more noticeable.
Why Sanfu Is So Important
Sanfu (Three Fu Days) is traditionally regarded as the hottest period of the year.
During this time:
- Yang energy is strongest.
- Skin pores open more easily.
- The body responds more readily to Qigong practice.
Traditionally, this period is known as the best time for:
- Expelling cold
- Removing dampness
- Supporting circulation
- Strengthening Yang Qi
This is the origin of the traditional saying:
Treat Winter Illnesses During Summer.
What Is the Three Nests Technique?
The Three Nests Technique focuses on opening three important areas of the body:
- Armpits
- Elbows
- Groin
These areas are described as important circulation and lymphatic pathways.
According to Master Bai Yin, opening these areas may help support:
- Fluid metabolism
- Blood circulation
- Energy circulation
- Natural heat regulation
Why Practise During the Sanfu Period?
Master Bai Yin recommended practising the Three Nests Technique every day throughout the Sanfu season.
The purpose is to help:
- Improve circulation
- Encourage healthy perspiration
- Support lymphatic flow
- Reduce internal stagnation
- Help the body adapt to summer heat
Should the Three Nests Technique Be Practised Before or After Other Practices?
Master Bai Yin explained that either order is acceptable.
You may practise:
- Three Nests Technique before Lotus Heart Nourishing Technique or Advanced practices.
or
- Three Nests Technique after your regular practice.
The important point is to include it as part of your daily practice during the Sanfu season.
Understanding Water-Fire Balance
Another important topic from the livestream was Water-Fire Balance.
Many people experience:
Upper Body
- Racing thoughts
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Anxiety
- Heatiness
Lower Body
- Cold feet
- Weak legs
- Heavy limbs
- Stiff joints
Rather than treating these symptoms separately, Bai Yin Qigong aims to restore balance between the upper and lower body through improved circulation.
More Sweating Is Not Always Better
Master Bai Yin explained that there is a healthy balance.
Too little sweating may indicate poor circulation.
However, excessive sweating is also not ideal.
The goal is:
- Comfortable practice
- Gentle perspiration
- Healthy circulation
Rather than exhausting the body.
Daily Summer Practice Recommendations
During the Sanfu period, Master Bai Yin recommends:
- Practise the Three Nests Technique every day.
- Continue Lotus Heart Nourishing Technique if you have learned it.
- Continue EnerQi Advanced and Turtle Longevity Technique if you have completed the Advanced Course.
- Use air conditioning appropriately.
- Drink cold beverages in moderation.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Avoid excessive sweating.
- Maintain regular Qigong practice.
Key Takeaways
This summer, the goal is not simply to cool the body with external methods.
Instead, support the body’s own ability to:
- Regulate internal heat
- Improve circulation
- Maintain Water-Fire Balance
- Reduce stagnation
- Prepare for the coming autumn and winter seasons
The Three Nests Technique was introduced as a simple daily practice that complements existing Bai Yin Qigong methods during the Sanfu period.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes. Master Bai Yin specifically stated that air conditioning is acceptable. The focus is on improving the body’s internal circulation rather than avoiding external cooling.
A: Yes. During the Sanfu season, Master Bai Yin recommended practising it daily.
A: Yes. The guided version is suitable as a daily practice.
