Spring is a season of renewal and transformation, the golden season in wellness practice. There is a Chinese saying that “spring does not nurture, summer easily get disease.” In the “Huangdi Neijing” it states “In the three months of spring, it is the season of revitalization. Heaven and earth are reborn, and all things thrive. It is beneficial to lie down early at night and rise early in the morning, take a walk in the courtyard with hair let down and body relaxed… This is how to follow the spring energy and maintain good health.”
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is also the time of year when the Wood element is dominant, which is associated with the liver and gallbladder organs. As the weather begins to warm up and the days get longer, it’s an excellent opportunity to implement wellness practices that align with the principles of TCM. In this article, we’ll explore some highlights of the seasonal wellness practice in the spring season.
What’s the Wellness Seasonal Feature in Spring?
以下是中醫實踐中春季的一些特點：
- Liver Qi is active: During the Spring season, the liver Qi is active and rises to the surface of the body. This is a good time to focus on practices that support the liver, such as eating fresh and light foods, avoiding greasy or heavy foods, and staying active. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
- Wind and rain are prevalent: In Chinese medicine, the Spring season is associated with wind and rain, which can cause imbalances in the body. It is important to protect yourself from the elements and stay warm and dry. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
- Emotions can be affected: According to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is associated with emotions like anger and frustration. During the Spring season, these emotions can be heightened, and it is important to focus on practices that promote emotional balance, such as meditation, deep breathing, and gentle exercise. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
- Yin and Yang are in balance: The Spring season is a time of balance between Yin and Yang energies in the body. This is a good time to focus on practices that promote overall health and well-being, such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
Overall, the Spring season in TCM is a time of renewal and transformation, characterized by active liver Qi, wind and rain, emotional sensitivity, and a balance between Yin and Yang energies in the body. By incorporating practices that support these characteristics, you can promote optimal health and well-being during this season of growth and renewal. The following are some tips on wellness practice in the spring.
1. 早睡早起。
To maintain good health in spring, it is important to focus on the generation of yang qi and the smooth flow of liver qi in the body with proper wellness. As all things revive in spring and the days become longer while nights become shorter, it is recommended to adopt a routine of going to bed slightly later than in winter, but still aim to sleep before 11pm, and rise early in the morning. Spring belongs to the element of wood, and the liver is the organ associated with wood. This means it is beneficial to store blood in the liver, support the function of the liver in promoting the smooth flow of qi, and enhance the generation of yang qi, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and soothe emotions. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
2. 增加日常活動
In the spring season, it’s important to stay active and get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. This could mean taking a walk outside, practicing yoga, or doing other outdoor activities. It’s also a good time to start incorporating more cardiovascular exercise into your routine, like running, cycling, or swimming. As the weather warms up, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are naturally hydrating, like cucumbers and watermelon. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
3.養陽氣的季節。
One’s daily routine is crucial, and mornings in particular are a key time for the rise and generation of yang qi in spring. Firstly, dietary adjustments should be made to suit the characteristics of spring. Foods with a pungent, sweet and dispersing nature such as ginger, spring onion, coriander, chives, bean sprouts, and shiitake mushrooms are recommended. Secondly, ancient Chinese wisdom emphasizes the importance of maintaining the health of the head. The Huangdi Neijing states that “the head is the palace of wisdom” and “the essence and energy of the five organs and six viscera are all directed upward to the head and face.” After the beginning of spring, combing the hair 100-200 times in the morning is a good way to maintain health. Combing the hair in spring should be done gradually and gently, without excessive force. It is best to comb the entire head, starting from the hairline at the forehead and continuing down to the roots of the hair at the back of the neck, for 3 to 5 minutes each time. The morning is the best time to comb the hair, and a comb made of ox horn, jade or wood is recommended. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
4. Regulate Emotions and Keep a Positive Mood
中醫認為，春天屬木，與肝相對應。 肝臟負責流暢的流動和分散，並與憤怒的情緒有關。 它不喜歡壓抑，喜歡平穩和和諧。 因此，調理和順肝氣是春季養生的核心目的。 在情緒上，重要的是要避免煩躁和憤怒，避免壓抑情緒和感到不舒服。 宜保持冷靜樂觀的心態。
Spring is the high season for depressive mood and suicide, it is important to keep an upper spirit, engage in some interesting things, and get some outdoor activities to avoid depression. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
五、飲食調整
One of the most important aspects of TCM is the role of food in maintaining health and preventing disease. In the spring, it’s essential to focus on light, fresh foods that help to detoxify the liver and promote healthy digestion. This means eating plenty of leafy greens, sprouts, and other green vegetables. Foods that are sour or bitter, like lemons, grapefruit, and dandelion greens, are also beneficial during this time. It’s also essential to avoid heavy, oily, or greasy foods, which can clog the liver and digestive system. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
6. 掩蓋春天
中國有句話叫“春捂秋露，百病不生”。 冬去春來，冷空氣退去，暖空氣上升。 然而，春天的天氣變幻莫測，氣溫突然由熱轉冷。 民間有“二月不收棉衣，三月望梨花雪”的說法。 不幸的是，身體的自我調節能力跟不上快速的天氣變化。 因此，春季適當調節衣著以達到最佳健康狀態很重要。
首先，溫度是一個重要因素。 推薦溫度閾值一般在15℃左右（59~60oF). It is not recommended to wear fewer clothes when the temperature is lower than this, but clothes can be gradually reduced as the temperature rises above this threshold. Secondly, clothing adjustments should be based on individual physical condition and personal tolerance for cold and heat. Additionally, the nature of one’s occupation can also impact the degree of “covering up” needed, with physical laborers requiring more clothing than those engaged in mental labor. It is important to pay attention to weather forecasts and adjust clothing accordingly to maintain good health during the spring season. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
七、養肝茶：
蜂蜜紅茶: Brew red tea and add an appropriate amount of honey and brown sugar according to personal taste. Drink once before meals every day, which can warm the middle and nourish the stomach, protect the liver and dispel cold, suitable for those with excessive liver fire and poor spleen and stomach function. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
蔥薑茶: Take 1 scallion, flatten and chop it, put it in a pot with 1 bowl of boiling water, and boil it over high heat. Add an appropriate amount of red tea and 1 teaspoon of ginger juice. Brew strong tea and drink it while it’s hot. After drinking, you can go to bed and sleep. It can increase warmth and prevent colds. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
菊花茶: Take 10g of dried chrysanthemum flowers and brew them. It has the functions of clearing the liver and brightening the eyes, relieving fever and detoxification, and lowering blood pressure. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
玫瑰茶: Take 10g of dried rose flowers and brew them. It has the effects of nourishing blood, promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and beautifying the skin. It can also improve symptoms of liver blood deficiency and menstrual irregularities. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
8.按壓養肝穴位
雙手交叉揉搓胸部中央的山中穴（RN-17）30次，可以補氣，刺激胸腺，增強免疫力。 也可鬆拳敲擊雙腿上部的足三里(ST-36)穴，可補腎健肝，健脾胃。
春天也是艾灸命門穴（GV-4）以激活陽氣的好時機。
“Tai-chong point” (LR3) in the big toe seam to the instep of 4 cm, can be called the first key point to the human body. Some people consider “Tai-chong point” as the air vent of human body, because it is the original point and the acupoint of the liver meridian. It is the fire point of the liver meridian, which can dissipate the liver qi and irascience. So by rubbing the “Tai-chong point”, you can maximize driving the body stagnated qi out. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
9. 身心鍛煉
中醫非常重視身心聯繫，有幾種身心鍛煉在春季特別有益。 最受歡迎的一種是氣功，一種結合冥想、呼吸練習和輕柔運動（氣功）以促進平衡和放鬆的練習。 在此期間可能有用的其他練習包括瑜伽、太極拳和冥想。
a、面東放鬆站立，雙腳自然分開與肩同寬，雙膝微屈，頭頸挺直，收腹微收，腰背挺直。 兩臂自然下垂，兩腋虛空，手肘微屈，兩掌輕放在大腿外側。 放鬆，睜開眼睛，直視前方。 年老或因病不能站立者，可變更座位。
b、採用腹式呼吸，呼氣放鬆腹部，提肛，重心稍向後移，重心稍稍平復； 雙唇併攏吸氣，舌尖抵住上顎，腹部隆起。 呼吸自然而均勻，用鼻子吸氣，用嘴呼氣。
c、放鬆站立，平復呼吸後，雙手輕輕抬起（掌心朝上），經過腰部、肩部、頭頂上方； 然後雙手交叉，右手放在左掌上，掌心向內，輕壓頭枕； 頭慢慢向右轉，右上方抬起，上半身微微向右轉，然後慢慢吸氣，在轉動過程中向右轉，頭向後仰，兩隻眼睛凸出； 呼氣，同時發“許”字。
d、“旭”聲後，頭慢慢轉向左側，微微抬起，上半身稍稍轉向左側，在旋轉過程中慢慢吸氣，轉向左側，頭向後仰，兩隻眼睛睜開 怒氣沖衝，用力吐氣，發出“噫”的聲音。 如此反复繞三遍，共六個“許”。 之後，雙手向兩側移動，慢慢放下，自然站立，兩掌輕放在大腿外側。
e, 我們在四月份在線教授和練習八段錦氣功，我們每週日早上 9 點到 10:30 在 Zoom 平台見面。 邀請您加入我們一起進行一些強大的身心練習：
其他提示
In addition to the practices outlined above, there are several other things you can do to support your health and wellness during the spring season. One is to get plenty of rest and relaxation, which can help to reduce stress and promote healing. It’s also important to take steps to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins, which can be particularly harmful during the spring when the air and water are more polluted. This could mean using natural cleaning products, avoiding synthetic fragrances, and filtering your drinking water. Also, it’s beneficial to use necessary wellness products which will ensure more physical comforts.
總而言之，春季是關注與傳統中醫相一致的健康實踐的絕佳時機。 通過將健康食品、日常活動、身心鍛煉和其他技巧納入您的日常生活，您可以支持您的整體健康和福祉，並享受這個更新和轉變季節的好處。
