Each season has its corresponding climate and suitable health preservation methods. Now let's take a look at the health preservation methods in spring.
Clothing - Still need to "bundle up" after the beginning of spring
It is said that in spring, one should not reduce clothing, just like one should not wear hats in autumn! Although the beginning of spring signifies the arrival of spring, the low temperatures of winter do not immediately rise. Hu Bin, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said that as the winter transitions into early spring, there is a large temperature change. If winter clothes are removed too early, it may be difficult to adapt once the temperature drops, leading to a decrease in resistance and making it susceptible to various respiratory diseases and winter-spring infectious diseases.
Due to wearing down jackets for several months in winter, the regulation of body heat dissipation and winter environmental temperature are relatively balanced by the beginning of spring. Therefore, winter clothes should not be removed too early. In early spring, it is also necessary to understand the temperature changes in advance and adjust clothing accordingly.
Diet - Nourishing the liver after the beginning of spring
Experts say that after the beginning of spring, it is advisable to eat more warm and dispersive foods, such as seasoning with fermented black beans, scallions, ginger, leeks, shrimp, and other foods that promote the production of yang qi. It is also recommended to consume less sour foods and more sweet foods, such as dates, lilies, pears, longans, white fungus, and radishes. Unlike winter, it is advisable to eat less spicy hot pot, lamb, and dog meat, as these foods may deplete yang qi and cause excessive internal heat. Spicy and fried foods should also be consumed in moderation.
During spring, people are prone to internal heat, which can manifest as a yellowish tongue coating, bitter taste in the mouth, and dry throat. Therefore, the diet should be light and avoid oily, cold, and stimulating foods. People with obvious symptoms of internal heat can consume foods that clear heat, such as mung bean soup, honeysuckle tea, chrysanthemum tea, and lotus seed-infused water.
As the temperature gradually rises in spring, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms also begin to multiply and become more active, making them more likely to invade the human body and cause diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to consume sufficient vitamins and minerals in the diet. Fresh vegetables such as lettuce, mustard greens, and broccoli, as well as citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, are rich in vitamin C and have antiviral effects. Yellow and green vegetables such as carrots and spinach are rich in vitamin A, which helps protect and enhance the mucous membranes and epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract and respiratory organs, thus resisting invasion.
Residence - Open windows for ventilation, sleep and wake up early
The weather in early spring has just transitioned from cold to warm, and various pathogenic bacteria and viruses grow and multiply as a result. To prevent the occurrence of various diseases in spring, preventive measures are essential. In daily life, it is important to open windows regularly to keep the indoor air fresh and circulating. Around 8 a.m., the temperature is generally lower and the air quality is better, making it a good time to open windows for ventilation. In addition, windows should also be opened for ventilation after a nap and before going to bed at night.
Normal sleep is particularly important in spring. It is advisable to adhere to the principle of "sleep early and wake up early" and adjust sleep and health preservation according to the seasonal changes and characteristics throughout the year. This enhances the body's ability to adapt to nature and prevents diseases. After the beginning of spring, people should adapt to the season by sleeping and waking up early, and in the morning, they should take a walk to relax the body. This is a health preservation method suitable for spring.
Activity - Go on outings to regulate emotions
Spring belongs to the wood element, which corresponds to the liver. The liver is responsible for promoting the smooth flow of qi, and when emotions are suppressed, it tends to become stagnant and when emotions are expressed, it tends to become excessive. Therefore, in spring health preservation, one should not only avoid anger but also prevent depression. It is important to maintain an open mind and be optimistic and happy. After the beginning of spring, it is advisable to go outdoors more often, breathe fresh air, and regulate both body and mind.
After the beginning of spring, there are actually many taboos, especially during the Chinese New Year period when there are many delicious foods and leisure activities every day. This naturally leads to a lack of exercise and overeating, which can easily lead to fat accumulation and weight gain in the coming year. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to regular exercise, avoid excessive eating and drinking, and maintain a balanced schedule, avoiding staying up late every day, and so on.
Spring is also a time when the liver yang is exuberant, and emotions can easily become irritable. After the beginning of spring, there tends to be an increase in patients with psychological disorders such as anxiety. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to preventing restlessness and to prioritize mental health.
Movement - Absorbing yang qi
During winter, the human body's metabolism focuses on storing essence rather than transforming qi, resulting in varying degrees of decline in the yang qi of various organs. After the arrival of spring, it is important to strengthen exercise. You can go to places with fresh air, such as parks, squares, lawns, forests, riversides, and hills, and engage in activities such as playing ball, running, practicing martial arts, or doing exercises. The form of exercise is flexible and can be based on personal preferences. The goal is to be more active and allow the ascending yang qi to grow orderly, in line with the requirement of "nourishing yang in spring and summer."
For elderly people who have limited mobility, they can take advantage of the mild weather and beautiful spring scenery to spend time in spacious pavilions and enjoy the fresh air while leaning on the railings. However, they should not sit in silence to avoid accumulating stagnation and hindering smooth circulation.
In addition, it is important to keep warm after exercise to avoid catching a cold. Due to the relatively dry climate in spring and the large amount of sweating during exercise, it is necessary to replenish water in a timely manner.
