The curious case of Beijing belly button

If you are new to China and have not experienced the stifling summer heat, then you soon will, and I bet you'll become a bare-belly believer like me.

I'm not a big fan of navel gazing. I'm a man of action rather than contemplation, but our belly buttons, according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are a very important point on the body and are worthy of more attention.

The belly button is called the spirit tower gate and the heart and kidney energy cross at this strategic point.

TCM experts believe if your energy is strong and has good flow the belly button will stay in good shape, which is round and deep.

If your energy flow is weak and your belly button's shape becomes shallow and changes, it indicates a few health problems.

After checking out the state of your own belly button, you'll soon have the chance to witness many, many more.

My Chinese teacher says exposing the belly button is a cool way to cool down in summer and I have discovered the bare-belly cooling technique works best when I'm strolling down the busy streets.

The whole system functions the same way car radiator cools down the motor.

A wonderful breeze permeates my senses and my body temperature drops to ensure a more pleasant state of mind.

The bare-belly button belief system has its critics, who say exposing the torso in public is a barbaric practice and should be banned.

My colleague is upset when her husband harmlessly lifts his shirt in summer. She scolds him.

But like any good husband, he patiently wears her criticism, and when the coast is clear, rolls up his T-shirt and sets his belly free.