The four seasons and their solar terms are closely related to the five vital organs of the human body, which is why there are seasonal high-incidence diseases. For instance, spring is generally a peak period for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, while autumn presents a higher chance of respiratory illnesses. As the saying goes, "A year's plan starts with spring," and in terms of disease prevention, spring is actually a "decisive" period. Starting from spring, one should begin to proactively and specifically nourish the five vital organs to prepare for health in advance. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Network suggests: why not start creating your health plan now?
Spring Health Focus: The Heart
Every spring, the incidence of acute myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases peaks. The primary culprit is the volatile climate. Spring temperatures fluctuate wildly, with significant changes in barometric pressure and relatively dry conditions. This increases the viscosity of blood, slows blood flow, and prolongs the time blood vessels constrict. Some people, especially the elderly with hardened blood vessels, find it difficult to adapt to these environmental temperature changes, which can easily trigger or worsen cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Heart-Nourishing Tip 1: Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly
If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tinnitus, blurred vision, abnormal behavior, slow reactions, memory loss, involuntary drooling of the mouth, numbness, weakness, or poor mobility in one limb, palpitations, chest tightness, chest pain, temporary vision loss, coughing, shortness of breath during activity, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, or swelling in the lower limbs, you should seek medical examination and treatment promptly. Consistently take routine medications like antihypertensives on schedule, and always carry emergency medication when going out.
■ Basis
Currently, the public's awareness, treatment, and control rates for hypertension—known as the "three rates"—remain low. Nearly half of patients with acute cerebrovascular diseases were unaware they had had hypertension for many years before their onset. This highlights that middle-aged and elderly individuals should pay special attention to blood pressure monitoring, with blood pressure measured at least 2 to 3 times a year.
Heart-Nourishing Tip 2: Pay Attention to Keeping Warm
At this time, the heating season is likely over, and the temperature indoors may be lower than in winter. The indoor temperature should be kept around 15°C to 18°C. When going outside, also protect your head and feet from the cold.
■ Basis
Low temperatures can cause slow blood flow and increased blood viscosity, potentially leading to thrombosis; vasoconstriction and spasms can increase myocardial oxygen consumption.
Heart-Nourishing Tip 3: Get Up Slowly
Before getting up, rest your mind for 5 minutes to avoid the occurrence of conditions like angina pectoris and stroke.
■ Basis
In the early morning, the human body's blood vessels are at their least flexible, and sudden activity can easily trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Heart-Nourishing Tip 4: Drink a Glass of Warm Water Upon Waking
It's best to drink warm plain water, with an amount of 200 to 400 milliliters being appropriate. Drinking too much is not good for the stomach and can affect breakfast, so moderation is key.
■ Basis
After a night's sleep, the body loses a significant amount of water through urine, sweat, and respiration, making the blood thick and viscous. The blood vessels narrow due to reduced blood volume, which can cause acute insufficient blood supply to the coronary arteries that supply the heart, or even blockage. Coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction often occur around dawn and 9 AM. Therefore, for the elderly or individuals with cardiovascular diseases, drinking a glass of water in the morning can replenish fluids, reduce blood viscosity, and dilate and restore blood vessels, thereby reducing the incidence of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
Spring Health Focus: The Liver
Many people experience discomfort in spring, such as fatigue, dry eyes, loss of appetite, insomnia with dreams, and irritability. These symptoms are external manifestations of liver problems. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the liver corresponds to the element Wood in the Five Elements. Spring is the season when Wood flourishes, and the liver governs. Therefore, taking good care of the liver in spring can bring health for the entire year. From a Western medicine perspective, the liver is a vital digestive and metabolic organ that manages the metabolism of sugars, fats, and proteins. TCM, however, believes the liver's main functions include storing blood and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy). Insufficient liver Qi can lead to general discomfort, such as dry eyes, loss of appetite, and fatigue; excessive liver Qi can cause irritability and anger; and stagnant liver Qi can lead to poor sleep quality at night and fatigue or drowsiness during the day, commonly known as "spring drowsiness."
Liver-Nourishing Tip 1: Reduce Sour, Increase Sweet
The general dietary principle for spring is to "reduce sour and increase sweet," but this is specifically for those with excessive liver fire. For individuals with deficient liver Qi, consuming some sour foods can be beneficial for the liver.
■ Liver-Nourishing Basis
TCM believes the liver and spleen are closely connected. The liver corresponds to Wood, and the spleen to Earth. When liver Qi (Wood) is excessive, it can damage the spleen's function (Earth). Sour flavor enters the liver, and for someone with already excessive liver Qi, this can further aggravate the condition and harm the spleen. Therefore, people with excessive liver fire should eat more sweet foods in spring. Conversely, those with deficient liver Qi should eat some sour foods to help the liver Qi rise and flourish.
Liver-Nourishing Tip 2: Be More Active, Sit Less
Engaging in more physical exercise in spring is another effective way to protect the liver. Brisk walking is the most suitable exercise for March. When a person is sitting quietly, their oxygen consumption is 250 cubic centimeters per minute. During brisk walking, it increases to 1000 cubic centimeters per minute, meeting the muscles' need for oxygen.
■ Liver-Nourishing Basis
Exercise can help reduce excess weight and prevent obesity, eliminating the harm of excessive fat to the liver. It also promotes gas exchange, accelerates blood circulation, and ensures the liver receives more oxygen and nutrients.
Liver-Nourishing Tip 3: Rest on Schedule
Getting sufficient rest every day is the greatest care you can give your liver. According to TCM meridian theory, the liver meridian is active between 11 PM and 3 AM. Falling asleep peacefully during this time provides the liver with an adequate environment for function and detoxification.
■ Liver-Nourishing Basis
Rest reduces physical exertion, decreases the breakdown of glycogen and proteins, and reduces the production of lactic acid, thereby lessening the liver's burden.
Spring Health Focus: The Kidneys
According to TCM, spring is the season to nourish the liver, summer the heart, autumn the lungs, and winter the kidneys. However, some experts have found in clinical practice that spring is a good time for individuals with kidney deficiency to regulate their health. Kidney deficiency can be divided into kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency. Kidney Yin refers to the substance of the kidney, while kidney Yang refers to its function. The main symptoms of kidney Yin deficiency are soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, vexation and heat in the five centers (palms, soles, chest, abdomen, and heart), dizziness, tinnitus, a thin body, insomnia with dreams, night sweats, and a dry throat. The manifestations of kidney Yang deficiency include listlessness, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, hearing loss, clear and copious urination, and frequent urination at night.
Kidney-Nourishing Tip 1: Eat Chives in Moderation
Chives are a top food for nourishing the kidneys. Eating some chives in spring can help strengthen the kidneys and fortify their foundation. However, although chives are beneficial, they should not be eaten every day and have many dietary restrictions. Chives are considered "hot" in nature, and overconsumption can easily lead to "internal heat" (上火). Therefore, those with Yin deficiency and excess heat should not eat many, and those with a weak stomach, heat, or indigestion should also eat them sparingly. Additionally, chives should not be consumed with white wine. White wine is pungent and hot, promoting blood circulation and dilating blood vessels. Chives are also pungent and warm, with a tonic effect on Yang. Eating them together is like adding fuel to the fire for people with a weaker constitution.
■ Basis
TCM believes chives are pungent in flavor and warm in nature, with the effects of warming kidney Yang, promoting Qi and blood circulation, and warming the middle to stimulate appetite. They are highly nutritious. In addition to the three basic nutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—they contain various vitamins and essential oils. They not only have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties but can also lower blood lipids, promote gastrointestinal motility, and assist in treating constipation, hypertension, and coronary heart disease, as well as preventing certain tumors.
Kidney-Nourishing Tip 2: Massage the Sole of the Foot
Massaging the Yongquan (KI1) acupoint on the sole of the foot has the effect of strengthening the kidneys, nourishing Yin, and reducing fire. The method is: before bed each night, soak your feet in warm water, then rub your hands together until warm, and use the left palm to massage the right sole and the right palm to massage the left sole. Do this more than 100 times each time, or until both feet feel warm.
■ Basis
TCM believes the Yongquan acupoint directly connects to the kidney meridian. It is the point where turbid Qi descends. Regularly massaging Yongquan can benefit essence and nourish the kidneys, strengthen the body, and also soothe the liver, improve vision, and promote sleep. It has a certain therapeutic effect on dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, and headache caused by kidney deficiency.
Color for Heart-Nourishing Food: Red
Red foods include carrots, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. According to the Five Elements theory in TCM, red corresponds to Fire. Therefore, when red foods enter the body, they can benefit the heart and blood, having the effects of replenishing Qi and blood and promoting the production of blood and lymph fluid. Furthermore, red foods are extremely high in antioxidants, rich in lycopene, tannic acid, etc., which can protect cells and provide the body with protein, inorganic salts, vitamins, and trace elements, thereby enhancing heart and blood Qi function.
Color for Spleen-Nourishing Food: Yellow
In the Five Elements, yellow corresponds to Earth. Therefore, after consuming yellow foods, nutrients are mainly concentrated in the spleen and stomach area. Foods like pumpkin and corn are often beneficial to the spleen and stomach. Yellow foods are relatively rich in vitamins A and D. Vitamin A can protect the mucous membranes of the intestines and respiratory tract, reducing the occurrence of gastritis and other ailments. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, strengthening bones and muscles.
Color for Liver-Nourishing Food: Green
Green enters the liver. Eating more green foods can soothe and strengthen the liver, acting as a "detoxifier" for the body and regulating the digestive and absorption functions of the spleen and stomach. Green vegetables are rich in folic acid, which is an important vitamin in the body's metabolic process. It can effectively eliminate excess homocysteine in the blood and protect heart health.
Color for Lung-Nourishing Food: White
White corresponds to Metal in the Five Elements and enters the lung, benefiting Qi. Most white foods, such as milk, rice, and chicken and fish, are rich in protein. Regular consumption can alleviate physical fatigue. Additionally, white foods are a relatively safe source of nutrition. Because their fat content is much lower than that of red meats like meat, they are a better choice for patients with hypertension, heart disease, etc.
Color for Kidney-Nourishing Food: Black
Black foods refer to various natural plants and animals that are black, purple, or dark brown. In the Five Elements, black corresponds to Water and enters the kidney. Therefore, regularly consuming black foods can nourish the kidneys.