As the saying goes, "Qingming ends the snow, Guyu ends the frost." This means that after the Guyu (Grain Rain) solar term, temperatures begin to rise, and snowy weather generally no longer occurs. Starting from Guyu, the temperature rises and precipitation gradually increases. In such a season of prosperity and flourishing yang, health preservation should follow these four principles:
Lifestyle Health Preservation: Guard Against Dampness After Guyu, rainfall increases in many places, and the humidity in the air gradually rises. At this time, health preservation should adapt to the changes in the natural environment, allowing the body's own regulation to adjust the internal environment to the external changes, maintaining the normal functions of all organs. During this period, yang gradually grows and yin gradually diminishes, so it is advisable to sleep early and wake up early, avoid excessive sweating, and nourish the organ qi. Additionally, due to the frequent rain during the Guyu season, it is important to prevent pathogenic dampness from invading the body, which can lead to symptoms such as shoulder and neck pain, joint pain, abdominal fullness, and loss of appetite.
Spiritual Health Preservation: Maintain a Cheerful Disposition In spring, the incidence of mental disorders or patients with mental illnesses may change to some extent. Therefore, it is important to maintain a cheerful mood and a broad mind. Regularly engage in activities to cultivate your temperament, such as listening to music, fishing, spring outings, practicing Tai Chi, or taking walks. Avoid worrying and becoming anxious over matters, and refrain from getting angry. At the same time, pay attention to balancing work and rest and try to minimize external mental stimuli.
Exercise Health Preservation: Gentle and Moderate In terms of exercise, it is important to be appropriate. Choose gentle forms of exercise such as Tai Chi or yoga. Avoid participating in competitive activities to prevent emotional agitation. Avoid weight-bearing activities to prevent breath-holding, which can lead to high blood pressure. You can often go to places with fresh air, such as parks, squares, woods, or hills, to walk slowly, practice boxing, or do exercises.
Dietary Health Preservation: Nourish and Protect the Liver During the Guyu season, the liver's qi subsides, the heart's qi gradually flourishes, and the spleen's qi is also in a period of prosperity. This is an excellent time to nourish and protect the liver. However, unlike in winter, one should not engage in heavy nourishment. Instead, one should consume foods that benefit the liver. For example, green onions and garlic are excellent for nourishing the liver and yang. Jujubes are neutral in nature and sweet in taste, nourishing the liver and strengthening the spleen.