Introduction: The key to health preservation during the Awakening of Insects solar term is to eat more shepherd's purse and spinach to nourish the body. After entering the Awakening of Insects, the body's liver-yang energy rises, and diet should be adjusted accordingly. What is good to eat during the Awakening of Insects? What should one eat for health preservation during this time?
The key to health preservation during the Awakening of Insects solar term is to eat more shepherd's purse and spinach to nourish the body. After entering the Awakening of Insects, the body's liver-yang energy rises, and diet should be adjusted accordingly. What is good to eat during the Awakening of Insects? What should one eat for health preservation during this time? Nutrition experts remind that for dietary conditioning, it is best to focus on a light, warm, and bland diet. Spinach, shepherd's purse, as well as chicken and eggs are all excellent choices.
During the Awakening of Insects, the body's liver-yang energy gradually rises, while yin blood is relatively insufficient. Many people feel coldness in their back and limbs, and are prone to symptoms like eye fatigue, listlessness, soreness in the lower back and knees, dental pain from "heatiness," and dry, cracked skin and lips. This is actually a result of the body failing to keep up with the surge of spring's yang energy. Therefore, during this season, "supplementing yang energy" is very important. Health preservation should follow the characteristics of yang energy's rise and the beginning of all life's growth, allowing one's spirit, emotions, and qi and blood to unfold and flow smoothly like in spring, in order to be full of vitality.When it comes to supplementing yang energy, the protection of the liver cannot be overlooked. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the five organs correspond to the four seasons; spring belongs to the liver. A series of liver-related conditions can recur or worsen in spring. TCM has long advocated for "nourishing the liver in spring." Only by maintaining the liver's physiological functions can one adapt to the vigorous changes in nature. If liver protection and nourishment are neglected, liver function will be impaired, and a person will become weak and listless.For dietary conditioning, it is best to eat a light, warm, and bland diet. Some fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods, such as spring bamboo shoots, spinach, celery, chicken, eggs, and milk are highly recommended. Additionally, one can eat more foods and vegetables that help raise yang energy, such as chives, spinach, and shepherd's purse.Spinach contains a large amount of beta-carotene and iron, and is also an excellent source of vitamin B6, folic acid, iron, and potassium. The rich iron content can help improve iron-deficiency anemia and give the skin a healthy, rosy glow, earning it a reputation as a beauty food. The leaves of spinach contain chromium and a substance similar to insulin, whose effect is very similar to insulin, helping to stabilize blood sugar.
Its rich content of B vitamins helps prevent vitamin deficiency diseases such as angular cheilitis and night blindness. Spinach contains a large number of antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium, which have anti-aging and cell-proliferation effects. It can not only activate brain function but also enhance youthful vitality, helping to prevent brain aging and Alzheimer's disease.However, one must also be mindful of the principle that "extremes lead to reversals." If the sudden rise in yang energy stirs up internal heat, symptoms like aversion to heat, sweating, and prolonged menstrual periods may occur. In this case, it is necessary to avoid tobacco and alcohol, and stay away from rich, heavy-flavored foods. It is also important to nourish yin and clear liver heat, such as drinking chrysanthemum tea daily to effectively relieve symptoms like spring drowsiness, a heavy head and light feet, and nosebleeds caused by excessive liver energy rising. Eating refined white flour and getting more exercise outdoors, such as walking, hiking, jogging, practicing tai chi, or flying a kite, are more suitable activities for this season.In spring, one should not overexert themselves. Those who overwork tend to have weaker liver qi and should eat more liver-nourishing foods, such as preserved plums and dried apricots. Leafy vegetables like cabbage, bok choy, and spinach can accelerate the elimination of toxins. A porridge made with privet fruit and japonica rice can achieve the effects of tonifying the kidneys and nourishing yin.