During the Spring Equinox, the liver's yang energy gradually rises while yin blood becomes relatively deficient. Health preservation should align with the ascending yang energy and the emergence of all things, allowing one's spirit, emotions, and qi and blood to unfold and flow freely like spring itself, brimming with vitality. Diet and daily routines should follow the nature of the liver, support spleen function, and harmonize the five organs.Elderly individuals should pay particular attention to physical maintenance. As the renowned Yuan Dynasty health expert Qiu Chuji noted in his Treatise on Nourishing the Body and Regulating Vital Energy: "In spring, reduce sour flavors and increase sweet ones to nourish spleen qi..." Spring corresponds to the liver; improper health practices may harm it. Modern epidemiological studies corroborate this traditional Chinese medicine perspective, especially during the Start of Insects period—a peak season for liver disorders and heightened viral/bacterial activity.
Four Key Principles for Spring Equinox Wellness
1. Moderate Dietary Practices
a. Consume light, plant-protein-rich foods and fresh vegetables
As temperatures rise during the Spring Equinox, meals should be mild, warm, and balanced. This supports liver function, strengthens spleen energy, and harmonizes the five vital organs.Prioritize light, plant-based foods rich in protein and vitamins, along with fresh vegetables such as spring bamboo shoots, spinach, celery, chicken, eggs, milk, duck blood, aloe vera, water radish, bitter melon, wood ear mushrooms, rapeseed greens, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and white fungus.
2. Increase pear consumption
During the Jīngzhé period, sudden warmth alternates with lingering cold, and the dry climate easily causes dry mouth and throat, as well as external-factor coughs. Raw pears are cold in nature and sweet in taste, with effects of moistening the lungs, stopping coughs, nourishing yin, and clearing heat. There is a long-standing folk custom of eating pears during Jīngzhé. Pears can be prepared in many ways, such as eaten raw, steamed, juiced, baked, or boiled in water.
3. Limit animal fats
Opt for light, bland meals and minimize greasy foods. Also reduce intake of pungent ingredients like chili peppers, scallions, garlic, and black pepper." This means that when the body's vital energy is strong, pathogenic factors cannot easily invade, thus preventing illness. Therefore, strengthening the constitution and enhancing the body's disease resistance are crucial.
Mentally, maintain a cheerful and calm state of mind. Avoid agitating liver fire, as excessive liver energy can lead to dizziness, vertigo, stroke, and mental disorders.
Spring corresponds to the liver; improper health practices during this season can harm it. The period of Jīngzhé (Awaking of Insects) is a high-risk season for liver diseases. Influenza, meningococcal meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, and hemorrhagic fever are prone to outbreaks during this solar term, necessitating strict precautions against such illnesses.
III. Exercise with Method
The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine states:During the three months of spring, all things renew. Heaven and earth give birth anew, and all creatures flourish. Retire late and rise early. Stroll leisurely in the courtyard, hair loose and steps unhurried, to nurture the spirit." This means that as spring revives all life, one should sleep late and rise early, taking gentle walks outdoors to promote health.
Thus, exercise during this season should not be overly strenuous. After all, people are just emerging from winter's chill and need to progress gradually.Outings like spring excursions, picnics, or kite-flying are excellent choices.
IV. Regulated Daily Routine
After the Start of Spring, temperatures gradually rise and the weather warms, often leaving people increasingly drowsy—commonly known as "spring fatigue." Thus, ensuring quality sleep is essential for maintaining health and energy in work and daily life.
1. Clear your mind of distractions half an hour before bedtime to calm your emotions and facilitate sleep. 2. Engage in light physical activity to stretch and relax your body. 3. Wash your face and feet before bed, massage your face, and rub the soles of your feet. This promotes blood circulation, warms and nourishes internal organs, calms the mind, eliminates daily fatigue, and aids sleep.