As the saying goes, "A year's plan starts with spring," so it's essential to take good care of your body during this season. However, there are also taboos to be aware of when it comes to spring health preservation. Let's explore these taboos with the editor from the health website!
1. Indiscriminate use of detoxification pills for "internal heat"
Spring is a time when it's easy to get "internal heat," leading to issues like toothaches and mouth ulcers. In such cases, people might hastily use various detoxification pills. It's important to note that there are two types of "internal heat" in spring. For "excess heat" characterized by a dry mouth, dry tongue, and constipation, you can take some detoxification pills to reduce the heat. However, if it's caused by a weak spleen and stomach, with symptoms like a dry mouth and dry eyes, you can drink chrysanthemum or honeysuckle tea to help.
2. Unregulated sleep schedule
In spring, the body's "yang" energy begins to revive, making one prone to "spring drowsiness." During this time, it's advisable to sleep before 11 PM and wake up before 6:30 AM. Waking up early allows the "yang" energy to flourish, keeping you energetic all day. Take more walks and consider a 30-minute nap at noon.
3. Eating too sour or spicy food
Spring is when liver "qi" (energy) is strong. Eating sour food can further intensify this liver energy, leading to "heat." However, the spleen and stomach are easily weakened during this season. Therefore, it's best to eat less sour and spicy food and opt for more sweet and light meals. You can eat more seasonal vegetables like chives, coriander, scallions, and shepherd's purse. Reduce the intake of seafood and foods that can cause "internal heat," especially if you suffer from chronic illnesses.
4. Emotional depression leading to "internal heat"
The focus of spring health is on nourishing the liver, making emotional regulation the most important task. Spring can easily bring on "internal heat," irritability, and unexplained anger over small matters. It can also lead to depression. This is very harmful to the body. To counter this, exercise more, practice deep breathing, and participate in more outdoor activities. You can also take up gardening to lift your spirits.
5. Using the same cosmetics all the time
In spring, the wind is strong, and there's a lot of dust and pollen floating around. Our skin's oil secretion also increases. Continuing to use winter cosmetics can easily clog pores and cause allergic reactions. It's time to switch from heavy, oily products to lighter, hydrating lotions to replenish moisture. Also, don't forget to add sunscreen, as UV radiation is stronger in spring.
6. Keeping windows and doors closed without ventilation
Although spring can be windy and cold, bacteria and viruses begin to multiply rapidly. If you keep windows and doors closed for too long, the air becomes stagnant, which can breed bacteria and lead to colds and other infectious diseases. It's best to open the windows for ventilation for at least 10 minutes in the morning and again in the afternoon. Also, make sure to air out your bedding often.