The fluctuating temperatures of early spring often trigger the recurrence of many illnesses.
Coronary Heart Disease
February to April marks a peak period for myocardial infarction. This is primarily due to unpredictable weather—sudden shifts between cold and warm, alternating wind and rain—which frequently exacerbates or worsens existing coronary heart disease.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
This is the abbreviated term for rheumatic heart disease.It is primarily caused by recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever affecting the heart. Symptoms often recur or worsen due to cold, dampness, excessive fatigue, or upper respiratory infections. Studies indicate spring is a season with extremely high recurrence rates for rheumatic heart disease.
Arthritis
Arthritis patients are highly sensitive to weather changes, especially in early spring when temperatures fluctuate and winds and rains are frequent, leading to significant worsening of symptoms.Therefore, patients should prioritize keeping joints and feet warm. If exposed to cold, promptly soak feet in hot water to enhance joint blood circulation.
Nephritis Spring is a peak season for colds. For nephritis patients, colds not only cause upper respiratory inflammation like fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and sore throat, but also significantly increase the risk of nephritis recurrence.
Psychiatric Disorders
Spring marks a high-incidence period for psychiatric disorders, with March and April being peak months. This phenomenon is reflected in the folk saying, "When rapeseed flowers bloom, the mentally ill become restless." Even long-term patients are highly susceptible to relapse during this season. Special preventive measures are therefore essential in spring. These include ensuring adequate sleep, adhering to prescribed medical treatments, and promptly seeking medical attention for any emotional abnormalities.
Hay Fever
Each spring, as flowers bloom and sunshine intensifies, some individuals experience unbearable nasal and ocular itching, continuous sneezing, and persistent runny nose and watery eyes. Others may develop headaches, chest tightness, or asthma—symptoms triggered by exposure to specific pollen, known as "hay fever."Therefore, during the season when flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, those with allergies should minimize flower viewing. When going outdoors, wear masks and sunglasses to reduce exposure to pollen.
Spring Dermatitis
Most commonly seen in women aged 18-30, it primarily manifests as symptoms like flaking, itching, and dryness. Some may experience red patches, papules, and scaling.Some women also experience increased freckles or worsening brown spots. As this condition often occurs during the peach blossom season, it is also called "peach blossom dermatitis." Therefore, minimize sun exposure, avoid low-quality cosmetics, eat more fresh vegetables, and refrain from consuming allergenic foods like shrimp and crab.
Asthma
Asthma patients have poor adaptability to weather changes and weakened resistance, making them highly susceptible to relapse or worsening of symptoms.If not addressed promptly, cold air can invade and linger in the cervical joints, causing muscle involvement and increasing susceptibility to numbness and pain, which can worsen the condition. In severe cases, it may even lead to paralysis.
Rheumatic Diseases
Most rheumatic patients have experienced that joint pain and swelling often flare up or worsen the day before or the night before heavy rain or snow. Many rheumatic patients refer to themselves as "weather forecasters."
Research indicates rheumatic diseases exhibit distinct seasonal patterns: all rheumatic conditions peak in incidence during spring (March-May) and early summer (June), with incidence and flare-ups declining during summer and autumn (July-September). Symptoms gradually worsen from autumn through winter.Spring marks the emergence of yang energy, with early spring signifying the transition from winter to spring—a period known as "opening the heavenly gate." During this time (between the Start of Spring and Spring Equinox), the climate shifts from yin to yang: days lengthen, nights shorten, temperatures rise, and the earth transitions from dormancy to growth. As the human body shifts from winter hibernation to spring vitality, rheumatic pathogens find an opportunity to invade.
Vaginitis
The anatomy of a healthy female vagina provides natural defenses against pathogens, preventing inflammation. However, when this natural defense is compromised—especially during autumn and winter—pathogens can invade, leading to vaginitis.If vaginitis is not thoroughly treated, it can lead to complications such as trichomonal urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis. Since trichomonads can devour sperm, they may cause infertility. Candidal vaginitis can also trigger premature birth, fetal infections, and birth defects.
Follow these health practices to prevent recurrence:
Early to bed, early to rise
In spring, avoid staying up too late and rise early to cultivate a routine aligned with nature's revitalizing energy. Upon waking, let your hair down, unbutton your clothes, stretch your body, and stroll leisurely in the courtyard to invigorate your mind.Older adults often experience poorer sleep quality at night, so a scheduled afternoon nap is recommended.
Morning stretching
After a night's sleep, the body feels sluggish and blood circulation slows. Upon waking, one may feel lethargic and weak.Stretching the limbs, arching the back, engaging the muscles, and combining these movements with deep breathing expels stale energy, draws in fresh vitality, promotes blood circulation, unblocks meridians and joints, and invigorates the spirit. This practice alleviates fatigue, sharpens the mind, boosts energy, and enhances joint mobility. Hence, spring mornings are ideal for frequent stretching.
Combing the Scalp
Each morning, use your fingernails to comb from the front hairline to the back hairline one hundred times. Consistent practice will naturally enhance hair luster, promote hair growth and darkening, and refresh the mind. It also offers benefits for hypertension, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and neurasthenia.
Consuming Aromatic Foods
Spring is an ideal season for enjoying strongly scented foods like green onions, cilantro, peanuts, and durian. These foods promote the growth of yang energy, aligning with spring's natural rhythms.
Massage the Lung Meridian
The lung meridian runs along the inner side of the arm, extending from the shoulder socket down to the thumb. Stimulating its upper and lower points yields excellent results. These points are easy to locate: Zhongfu at the shoulder socket and Shaoshang at the thumb. Each morning, gently clench your fist and tap each point 100 times.