The Start of Spring (February 3rd) marks the first solar term of the 24 solar terms. Its arrival signifies the renewal of the seasonal cycle. With the Start of Spring comes the return of spring, the reawakening of the earth, and the revival of all living things. To adapt to these natural changes, people need to take timely health measures. So, how should we maintain our health during the Start of Spring? Those unfamiliar with this should take some time to learn.
How to Nurture Your Health During the Start of Spring?
1. Pay Attention to Clothing
After the Start of Spring, the weather fluctuates between sudden warmth and lingering cold, with significant climate shifts. Even when temperatures rise, it remains chilly at times. Removing layers too soon can easily lead to catching a chill. Since the weather remains highly variable after Spring begins, shedding clothing prematurely may cause cold and dampness to accumulate within the body.
The principle of "spring bundling" is key to health preservation during this time. Continue wearing thicker clothing to help keep the body warm. Otherwise, as spring arrives, the body's metabolic rate slows down, and resistance to illness can easily decline. Dressing too lightly can easily deplete yang energy, making one particularly susceptible to illness.
2. Dietary Health
After the Start of Spring, temperatures begin to rise, though occasional cold spells may persist. To strengthen physical constitution, increase intake of green vegetables to replenish essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Additionally, incorporate moderate amounts of sweet foods into daily meals to nourish the spleen and promote its health.
Dietary considerations also include limiting sour foods to prevent excessive liver qi, which can harm liver health. Similarly, reduce consumption of warming foods to avoid intensifying internal heat and triggering heat-related illnesses.
3. Moderate Exercise
After the start of spring, the weather is no longer as cold as winter. To align with nature and replenish yang energy, engage in appropriate exercise. As spring is the season when yang energy begins to rise, focus on activities that stretch muscles and promote blood circulation. Key areas for stretching include the shoulder joints, cervical spine, hip joints, and knee joints.
4. Disease Prevention
After Spring Begins, the weather fluctuates between warmth and chill. Without proper health precautions, illness becomes highly likely. Therefore, people must implement comprehensive preventive measures to achieve effective protection.
For instance: avoid shedding layers too early; regularly ventilate rooms to maintain fresh air; strengthen exercise to enhance disease resistance.Also remember to regulate your mood, as significant weather changes can affect many people's emotional state. Prolonged gloominess and persistent low spirits can trigger depression or lead to disease recurrence.
Health preservation precautions after the Start of Spring:
1. Avoid spicy foods
After the Start of Spring, reduce consumption of pungent foods. These items are highly stimulating and can easily deplete the body's yang energy, making one prone to internal heat.Internal heat can trigger various discomforts like mouth ulcers, cracked corners of the mouth, and acne. Therefore, spicy foods should be avoided.
For instance, refrain from dishes containing chili peppers such as spicy hotpot, grilled meats, roasted fish, and stir-fried lobster. Additionally, mustard and pepper are also highly pungent and should be avoided in daily meals.
2. Appropriate Nutritional Supplements
The foods suitable for supplementation vary with different solar terms. The arrival of the Start of Spring solar term signifies the onset of spring. To enhance physical fitness and boost disease resistance, it is crucial to select the right foods to nourish the body.
Spring weather is unpredictable, with sudden shifts between warmth and chill making colds common. Drinking a cup of warm honey water daily helps boost immunity. Consuming chives is also advisable, as spring's fluctuating climate and rising yang energy call for nurturing the body's yang. Eating chives aids in replenishing yang, making spring chives a recommended staple.