November 22nd is China's traditional solar term "Minor Snow," and its arrival marks the beginning of the winter snow season. What should one pay attention to in terms of health preservation during the Minor Snow solar term? Below is a summary of various precautions:
Lunar Calendar: Tenth Month (Minor), 6th day. It begins to rain due to a sharp drop in temperature, but it is not yet the time for heavy snowfall, hence the name "Minor Snow." "The lotus has withered, and there is no longer a leaf to hold the rain; the chrysanthemum is fading, yet its branches still stand proud against the frost." At this time, the scene is that of early winter. As the saying goes: "If there is no snow on Minor Snow, the laborers will rest the following year." "If Minor Snow is filled with snow, the next year will surely be a bountiful harvest. If the orchard is cleaned clean, there will be no pests or diseases the next year." The period after Minor Snow is the best time for processing cured meat.
Daily Routine: During the Minor Snow solar term, the weather is often overcast, cold, and gloomy, which can affect people's moods and easily trigger depression. Therefore, one should regulate their mindset, stay optimistic, and often participate in outdoor activities to enhance physical fitness. Get more sun exposure and listen to more music. The Qing Dynasty medical doctor Wu Shang said: "For illnesses caused by the seven emotions, one can relieve boredom by looking at flowers and dispel sorrow by listening to music, which is better than taking medicine."
Traditional Chinese medicine theory places great importance on the role of sunlight in human health. It is believed that regular sun exposure helps to stimulate the body's yang energy. Especially in winter, when nature is in a state of "yin flourishing and yang declining," humans, being in harmony with nature, are no exception. Therefore, sunbathing in winter can better strengthen the body's yang energy and warm the meridians. Additionally, one must take precautions against the cold and keep warm to prevent colds.
Diet: Sun Simiao said: "The foundation for a stable body must be based on food... If one does not know the proper diet, one cannot survive." A reasonable diet can make the body strong and prolong life, while improper diet is one of the important causes of disease and premature aging. To avoid blood viscosity, one should eat more foods that protect the cardiovascular system, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, hawthorn, black fungus, tomatoes, celery, and red radishes.
It is advisable to eat foods that lower blood lipids, such as bitter gourd, corn, buckwheat, and carrots. This season is suitable for eating warming and nourishing foods, as well as kidney-tonifying foods. Warming and nourishing foods include lamb, beef, chicken, dog meat, and deer antler; kidney-tonifying foods include cashews, Euryale ferox (fox nut), congee with Chinese yam, stewed chestnuts, stewed chicken with ginkgo nuts, big bone soup, and walnuts. Additionally, one should eat more stewed foods and dark-colored foods, such as black fungus, black sesame, and black beans.