Spring is in full bloom, and all things are thriving. People who focus on health and wellness are starting to inquire about spring health regimens or visit pharmacies to purchase tonics to enhance their physical fitness and boost their immune system. This is done, on one hand, to improve immunity and prevent the chronic diseases common during the transition from winter to spring, and on the other hand, to alleviate symptoms of fatigue and lassitude. Nature follows the pattern of spring birth, summer growth, autumn harvest, and winter storage. As part of nature, humans also have rhythms corresponding to the seasons of the year. From a health preservation perspective, human nourishment must align with the natural order to be effective.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states: "In the first three months of spring, it is called 'fa chen' (发陈). Heaven and Earth are both born, and all things flourish." When spring returns to the earth, the ice and snow melt, the body's natural Yang energy begins to rise and flourish, all things revive, willows sprout green shoots, and a scene of vibrant prosperity emerges. "Man corresponds to the earth," and at this time, the body's Yang energy also follows nature, moving upward and outward. In the Five Elements, Wood has the characteristic of rising and flourishing. The Liver corresponds to Wood in the Five Organs. Therefore, spring health preservation should focus on nourishing the Liver. The main functions of the Liver are to store blood and nourish the sinews. The Kidney governs Water in the Five Organs. If the Kidney is not well-nourished and essence is not stored during winter, a deficiency in Kidney Water will directly lead to a deficiency in Liver Qi. The Liver will then be unable to perform its rising and flourishing function, resulting in symptoms of fatigue. Spring is a season of Yin-Yang alternation in the human body. Many infectious diseases, flu, and chronic illnesses often occur during this period. Therefore, strengthening the body is crucial. The Kidney is the root of the body's Yin and Yang, so nourishing the Kidney is an essential method for strengthening the body in early spring. Furthermore, TCM believes that "the Kidney is the mother of the Liver." According to Five Element theory, "nourishing water to nourish wood" (滋水涵木), so nourishing the Kidney can also help to nourish the Liver.
If you only nourish the Liver without nourishing the Kidney, the Liver Qi you regulate may be a type of hyperactive Liver Yang. The result of your tonics could be a dry mouth, a dry tongue, dry and blurry eyes, irritability, and headaches, which is commonly known as "shang huo" (上火), or "excessive internal heat." TCM teaches that "the Kidney governs water, and the Liver governs wood." Imagine a tree (wood) that lacks water—is it not a dry tree? And is a dry tree not prone to catching fire? The answer is clear. To ensure our spring Qi—Liver Qi—is well-nourished, our bodies must replenish the Kidney Qi that was lacking in winter. Only when the Kidney Qi is fully replenished can it nourish the Liver wood, promote the generation of Liver Qi, and achieve the goal of spring health preservation and year-round well-being.