Spring health preservation should adapt to the characteristics of spring's flourishing Yang Qi and the beginning of all things, gradually transitioning from "nourishing Yin in autumn and winter" to "nourishing Yang in spring and summer," while paying attention to protecting Yang Qi. As spring belongs to the Wood element and corresponds to the Liver, the focus of spring health preservation is primarily on protecting the Liver. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the Liver governs emotions, so protecting the Liver must start with one's state of mind. The key to nourishing the Liver is to maintain a cheerful and peaceful mood, preventing "Liver Fire from flaring up." Emotions should not be overly excited or agitated; maintaining a pleasant and calm state is conducive to soothing the Liver and regulating Qi.
Diet during the Start of Spring has its principles
After the Start of Spring, in terms of daily habits, people should gradually go to bed later and wake up earlier. Moreover, as the temperature rises, people should also gradually increase the time spent outdoors after the Start of Spring, which can accelerate blood circulation and benefit the flow of Qi and blood. However, because the weather is still unpredictable, warm and cold, after the Start of Spring, it is more suitable to engage in moderate-paced exercises, such as spring outings, flying kites, walking, jogging, practicing Tai Chi, and non-strenuous ball games.
It should be noted that exercise during this period should not be too strenuous, and one should not be sweating profusely or panting, as this may consume Yang Qi and be detrimental to health preservation. Furthermore, because the climate is still dry after the Start of Spring, replenishing fluids during exercise is also necessary.
Avoid sour foods after the Start of Spring
The dietary adjustment after the Start of Spring must consider the initial rise of Yang Qi in spring. It is advisable to eat pungent and sweet foods that promote dispersion, and not to eat sour and astringent flavors. In the relationship between the Five Organs and Five Flavors, the sour flavor enters the Liver and has an astringent nature, which is not conducive to the flourishing of Yang Qi and the free flow of Liver Qi. Dietary adjustment should cater to the preferences of the organs, that is, "going against its nature causes suffering, while following its nature brings desire."
Vegetables with an astringent nature include: tomatoes, tangerines, oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, apricots, papayas, loquats, hawthorns, olives, lemons, pomegranates, and dark plums.
One can purposefully select some herbs and foods that soften, nourish, and soothe the Liver, and promote the free flow of Qi. Herbs such as Goji berries, Turmeric, Red Sage Root, and Corydalis, and foods such as jujubes, fermented black beans, scallions, cilantro, and peanuts can be flexibly combined in meal planning.
Avoid spicy foods after the Start of Spring
Eat less spicy hot pot, lamb, barbecue, and fried foods: After the Start of Spring, one should eat less overly spicy food as well as fried and grilled foods. Unlike in winter, after the Start of Spring, spicy hot pot should be eaten less, and lamb and dog meat should also be eaten less, because these foods can all deplete Yang Qi and lead to "internal heat" (上火).