There is a folk proverb: "Slight Cold and Great Cold, the cold freezes into a ball." "Slight Cold" is named in comparison with the last of the 24 solar terms, "Great Cold." "Cold" means cold, indicating that the coldest season of the year has begun. The ancients believed that the weather is cold at this time, but it has not yet reached its extreme. After Slight Cold, the coldest "Sanjiu" days arrive. What are some good methods from Traditional Chinese Medicine for health preservation during this period?
Diet should reduce sweet and increase bitter
As Slight Cold is in the depths of winter, the earth qi is prosperous and the kidney qi is weak. Therefore, in terms of diet, it is advisable to reduce sweet and increase bitter foods, to nourish the heart and support the lungs, and to regulate the kidneys. The saying goes, "Nourish the whole winter in the 'Sanjiu' period," but during Slight Cold, one must remember not to overindulge in tonics. In terms of diet, one can eat more lamb, beef, sesame, walnuts, almonds, melon seeds, peanuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, and raisins. One can also combine medicinal cuisine for conditioning.
Daily life should focus on keeping warm
Slight Cold is one of the coldest solar terms of the year. At this time, it is essential to pay attention to keeping warm in daily life. When the weather is cold, joint pain, cervical spondylosis, and even cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are prone to occur. Keeping warm is the top priority, especially for parts of the body that are susceptible to cold, such as the shoulders, neck, and feet. For the elderly, while keeping warm, they should also pay attention to ventilation and closely guard against the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Exercise should be done after sunrise
Slight Cold is in the last month of winter, when yang qi is latent. In terms of spiritual cultivation, one should calm the mind and stabilize the will, avoid excessive emotional agitation, maintain an optimistic mindset, and do not over-tax the mind with worries. Exercise options can include long-distance running, skiing, rope skipping, and shuttlecock kicking. One can choose the "Seated Exercise of the Twelfth Month" from the "Eighteen Discourses on Nourishing Life": From 11 PM to 3 AM, sit upright. Hold one foot with one hand and lift the other hand holding the leg upwards forcefully until it can no longer be lifted. Repeat this three to five times to each side. Then, grind your teeth 36 times, regulate your breathing, and swallow your saliva into the dantian nine times.