Is it good to take a bath in spring?
In early spring, there is still a hint of coldness in the air. Many people still choose to take a bath before bed at this time. So, is it okay to take a bath in spring? What are the benefits of taking a bath in spring? Let's see how traditional Chinese medicine views bathing in spring.
Taking a bath in spring can regulate liver qi
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body's functions are still in a dormant state in early spring. The health care methods during this time should focus on "warming instead of cooling, and protecting the skin from excessive moisture." In simpler terms, we need to keep warm in our daily lives and maintain a warm temperature for our skin to prevent premature cooling. Does taking a bath in spring comply with this health care principle? Traditional Chinese medicine believes that in spring, it is important to first nourish the liver. The "Huangting Jing" states, "Liver's qi is important for regulation and longevity." This means that the liver's qi should be smooth and unobstructed. Taking a bath in spring can help regulate liver qi.
Taking a bath itself puts the body in a relatively warm environment. It accelerates the circulation of qi and blood in your body, assisting in the regulation and unobstructed flow of liver qi. If you have poor liver function, you can add herbs such as chai hu, chen pi, peppermint, rose, and yu jin to your bathwater to nourish and protect the liver.
It is important to note that the water temperature for bathing in spring should not be as high as in winter. You should choose warm, but not scalding, bathwater to truly promote the growth of yang qi.
Can you take a bath in spring? Why should you take a bath in spring? The benefits of bathing in spring
Do these things while bathing in spring for better health
Now that we know bathing in spring is beneficial for liver health, what can we do while taking a bath to maximize its effects?
1. Drink a glass of warm water before bathing in spring.
Many people may not understand why drinking water before bathing is necessary. In fact, the body's temperature and sweating rate increase during bathing, so prolonged bathing can lead to dehydration. Drinking a glass of warm water before bathing can help prevent this.
2. Massage your body while bathing in spring.
Regularly massaging acupoints on the body can have a positive effect on health. Doing so while bathing is even more effective. While bathing in spring, you can massage the Feng Shi acupoint on the outer side of your thigh, which also helps regulate liver qi. Use your thumb to press and massage the Feng Shi acupoint in a circular motion until you feel a slight soreness. Press for 5-10 seconds, then take a break, and repeat the massage 10 times.
3. Pay attention to the time and water temperature while bathing in spring.
As mentioned earlier, the water temperature for bathing in spring should not be too high, as it can scald the skin and negate the health benefits. So, what is the most suitable water temperature for bathing in spring? Experts say the water temperature should be based on personal preference. It should feel warm when you enter the water, but not so hot that it burns your skin. Additionally, it is best to limit bathing time to 20 minutes or less.
