Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Four Seasons Health Preservation and Daily Health Care: The Wisdom of Following Nature

Since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine health preservation has been deeply rooted in the fertile soil of Chinese culture, and its essence lies in the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. With the changing seasons and the growth of all things, traditional Chinese medicine draws on natural laws to guide us on how to adjust our pace of life in different seasons, in order to enhance our physical fitness and prevent diseases

Spring returns to the earth, nourishing the liver comes first

Spring is the season for the revival of all things, and the human body also radiates new life. Traditional Chinese medicine says: “Spring nourishes the liver”, which means that attention should be paid to the maintenance of the liver at this time. The liver is responsible for regulating and releasing fluids, and prefers diarrhea over depression. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a happy mood in spring and avoid excessive emotional fluctuations to prevent liver qi stagnation. In terms of diet, one should consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, shepherd’s purse, strawberries, etc. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help clear the liver and improve vision, and promote the elimination of toxins from the body. In addition, moderate outdoor activities such as hiking and walking can also promote the circulation of qi and blood, allowing the body and mind to relax.

Summer heat, nourishing the heart is the top priority

In summer, the scorching sun makes the human body prone to sweating and increases the burden on the heart. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes “nourishing the heart in summer”, which means that special attention should be paid to the maintenance of the heart in summer. The heart governs the bloodline, preferring coolness over heat. Therefore, it is advisable to choose light and moist foods in summer, such as watermelon, cucumber, mung bean soup, etc. These foods can not only relieve heat and thirst, but also clear the heart and promote diuresis. At the same time, ensuring sufficient sleep and avoiding staying up late and fatigue are particularly important for nourishing the heart. In the scorching summer, why not try some calming activities, such as calligraphy and yoga, to give your mind a moment of peace.

Autumn is crisp and refreshing, and nourishing the lungs is essential

In autumn, the climate is dry, and the human body is susceptible to dryness, leading to symptoms such as dry throat and nose. In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a saying of “nourishing the lungs in autumn”, which means that attention should be paid to the maintenance of the lungs in autumn. The lungs are the main source of qi, and they enjoy moistening and dislike dryness. Therefore, it is advisable to eat more nourishing and fluid producing foods in autumn, such as snow pear, lily, Broth of white fungus, etc. These foods can moisten the lungs, stop coughing, nourish yin and clear away heat. In addition, maintaining appropriate indoor humidity and avoiding excessive use of air conditioning and heating are equally important for lung health. On crisp autumn days, it is recommended to engage in some relaxing outdoor activities, such as walking or cycling, to bring joy to both body and mind.

In the cold winter and twelfth lunar month, nourishing the kidneys is the foundation

In winter, the weather is cold, and the body’s yang qi is restrained, while the kidney qi is prone to deficiency. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes “nourishing the kidneys in winter”, which means that special attention should be paid to the maintenance of the kidneys in winter. The kidneys are responsible for storing essence and prefer warmth over cold. Therefore, it is advisable to eat more warm and nourishing foods in winter, such as mutton, walnuts, black bean Congee, etc. These foods can warm and nourish the kidney yang and strengthen the body. Meanwhile, maintaining a regular schedule and avoiding excessive fatigue are crucial for kidney health. On a cold winter day, it’s worth trying some health exercises such as Tai Chi and Eight Section Brocade to provide a gentle workout for the body.

In addition to seasonal health preservation, traditional Chinese medicine also emphasizes the importance of daily health care. A reasonable diet, moderate exercise, good sleep habits, and positive mindset adjustment are all key to maintaining good health. Traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy, qigong, tai chi and other health preservation methods integrate health wisdom into daily life, allowing people to enjoy a better life while also achieving the goal of preventing diseases and enhancing physical fitness.

In short, traditional Chinese medicine’s four season health preservation and daily health care are a wise way to conform to nature and achieve harmonious coexistence. It teaches us how to adjust our lifestyle in different seasons, allowing our body and mind to receive true nourishment and care. In this fast-paced era, let us slow down, listen to the sound of nature, feel the charm of traditional Chinese medicine health preservation, and let health and happiness accompany us every day.