"Spring weather is like a child's face, changing three times a day." Though people yearn for spring's warmth after enduring harsh cold, the fluctuating temperatures—warm one moment, chilly the next—make plans seem perpetually overtaken by change. Just as you shed your thermal underwear, the temperature drops again; only to rediscover your winter coat when the sun shines brightly all day.An old saying advises, "Bundle up in spring, bundle up in autumn, and you'll avoid ailments." So what should we keep in mind when "bundling up in spring"?
What to Keep in Mind When "Bundling Up in Spring"
1. Don't rush to shed layers. Early spring brings a gradual rise in temperature, but frequent cold fronts cause sudden shifts between warm and cold.If you rush to shed winter layers only to encounter sudden drops in temperature—like the recent cold snap and snowfall in northern regions—you risk catching a cold. At this stage, the body isn't prepared for such shifts. On one hand, the body's yang energy has only just begun to "sprout" after spring's arrival. On the other, winter's chill has weakened our cold resistance, making us feel less resilient to "spring chill" than we did in autumn.Elderly individuals, children, postpartum women, and those with chronic conditions like heart or lung diseases should avoid shedding woolen or cotton garments prematurely to prevent wind and cold from invading the body and causing illness. Do not blindly reduce clothing until temperatures rise and stabilize above 15°C. II. Thick on the bottom, light on top. Regarding the key principle of spring layering, Sun Simiao, the renowned physician of the Tang Dynasty, advocated "thick on the bottom, light on top."This principle stems from the belief that human yang energy originates from the kidneys, which distribute warmth throughout the body. Since the kidney meridian begins at the Yongquan acupoint on the soles of the feet, pants, socks, and shoes should remain thick and warm. Avoid changing them too quickly or removing them too early. We frequently see young women in our clinics who, in pursuit of fashion, switch to skirts too early in spring, only to suffer joint pain and difficulty walking.
III. Proactive Protection. Spring also marks a high-risk season for allergic conditions. Individuals with chronic bronchitis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, or skin diseases are particularly vulnerable. Sudden temperature shifts, airborne pollen, or dust particles can trigger or exacerbate these conditions. Such patients must take extra precautions.Respiratory patients should wear masks outdoors and minimize public gatherings; those with joint pain must protect their joints; cardiovascular patients must not underestimate late spring chills, remembering the adage "Avoid wind like arrows."
IV. Ginger Foot Soaks.Beyond passively conserving energy through layering, we can actively boost yang energy. When temperatures drop, consuming a few slices of ginger not only dispels cold and prevents colds but also warms the stomach and spleen to stimulate appetite. Note: Ginger should be eaten in the morning, preferably pickled in vinegar.The defining feature of late spring cold snaps is the convergence of spring's prevalent infectious diseases with low temperatures, making it highly susceptible to various forms of typhoid and colds, especially among the elderly and children. Commonly recurring conditions in the elderly or those with preexisting illnesses include asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and other cardiovascular disorders. Children, meanwhile, are more prone to respiratory infections, particularly severe colds, bronchitis, and rhinitis.What foods can help combat the adverse effects of late spring cold snaps? Experts suggest incorporating pungent foods into your diet during this period, as they offer health benefits and disease prevention.
"To prevent chills and colds during late spring cold snaps, it's essential not only to stay warm but also to incorporate pungent foods like garlic, onions, and celery into your diet. This approach can help guard against chills, colds, common spring respiratory infections, heart attacks, and strokes.Traditional Chinese medicine holds that vegetables like onions, ginger, garlic, and celery dispel wind and cold, aiding the body in fighting bacteria and preventing illness. Garlic, in particular, is especially potent.Modern science confirms that garlic contains volatile pungent compounds that eliminate lipids accumulated in blood vessels. Onions contain prostaglandins, which dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure, while their diallyl disulfide and trace sulfur amino acids promote the dissolution of blood clots. Celery contains volatile oils and mannitol, offering blood pressure-lowering, calming, stomach-strengthening, and diuretic effects."While these foods are beneficial, their strong odor can be off-putting. We can incorporate them by mixing celery and minced ginger into dumpling fillings, or using chopped onions in fried rice. Cooking onions, garlic, and celery reduces their pungent smell through heating—just avoid overcooking, as that odor contains the very compounds that promote health."
Bitter foods also excel at "clearing heat," such as almonds, bitter greens, bitter tea, celery, and Chinese broccoli. "Bitter foods are the natural enemy of 'heat.'Their bitterness stems from alkaloids, urea compounds, and other bitter substances. Traditional Chinese medicine research reveals these compounds help reduce fever, dispel summer heat, and alleviate fatigue. The premier bitter food is bitter melon. Whether served cold, stir-fried, or in soup, cooking it thoroughly while retaining its vibrant green color achieves the goal of clearing heat."