Today is the Spring Equinox, with the sun nearly directly over the equator. From now on, days become shorter and nights longer, and the earth is teeming with vitality. The Spring Equinox is the most balanced solar term of the year, promoting harmony between yin and yang and providing an excellent opportunity for body maintenance!

 

1. In the transitional period from chilly to warm during the Spring Equinox, it is essential to protect the "yang energy" to prevent colds.

 

According to the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), "Nourish yang in spring and summer while nourish yin in autumn and winter." Spring is the season of rejuvenation and growth for all living things, and our bodies should align with the characteristics of spring—where yang energy governs vitality and the emergence of all things. Emphasizing the nourishment of yang is crucial. However, at this time, the rising yang energy between heaven and earth remains quite weak. Similar to weather changes, our bodily yang energy fluctuates, predominantly manifesting on the surface, while internal yang energy may be insufficient. This vulnerability can lead to susceptibility to cold winds and result in issues like colds, coughs, and nasal congestion. Therefore, the practice of "spring covering" (keeping warm) remains essential.

 

2. Spring Equinox is a solar term prone to excessive internal heat, making liver coursing essential.

 

In TCM, the liver corresponds to the Wood element, and during spring, liver qi (energy) becomes vigorous, leading to heightened liver function. However, if this expression becomes excessive, it can result in symptoms like irritability and emotional imbalance. Therefore, prioritizing liver coursing is crucial during spring. How can we effectively course the liver and nourish yang energy? According to the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), health preservation emphasizes "moderate diet, regular daily routines, and avoidance of excessive exertion allow the harmonious coexistence of physical form and spirit." ​​​​​​Thus, maintaining a healthy diet and consistent daily routines remains the best approach for liver coursing and yang nourishing.

 

1) Avoid alcohol consumption; favor sweet over sour foods. Green foods benefit the liver. Maintain balanced meals.

2) Avoid staying up late; prioritize early rest. Aim to sleep by 11 PM.

3) Keep your liver calm; nurture your well-being. Learn to manage emotions, maintain a positive outlook, and seek self-guidance or confide in others.

4) Appropriate exercise to strengthen muscles and bones and clear meridians. As long as you move, it can promote qi and blood, stretch your limbs, and nourish the liver.

 

3. Spring Equinox Health: Drink these following four types of tea to course the liver and nourish yang.

 

Under the premise of maintaining liver balance, complement your diet with these four rejuvenating teas, particularly suitable for spring. They warm the middle, dispel cold, strengthen the spleen, and benefit the kidneys. Consistently nurturing from within promotes liver vitality and protects yang energy.

 

Ginger Jujube Tea

Ingredients: 3 dried jujubes (Chinese red dates), 1-2 slices of fresh ginger

This tea has the benefits of harmonizing the spleen and stomach, warming the middle, and dispelling cold. It is suitable for individuals with loose stools and cooler spleen conditions.

 

Mulberry Tea

Mulberry enters the Heart, Liver, and Kidney meridians. It exhibits a black hue (affects the Kidneys), with a flavor profile characterized by a sweet and sour taste. Rich in vitamins, amino acids, carotenes, and other nutrients, it primarily promotes spleen and kidney health, while also offering hepatoprotective, vision-enhancing, and skin-whitening effects.

 

Rose tea

It is especially suitable for women! The most notable effects of rose tea include regulating qi, resolving depression, promoting blood circulation, and dispersing stasis, exerting a nurturing effect. It also has the ability to reduce internal heat, nourish yin, and enhance beauty. Drinking rose tea regularly in spring is highly recommended.

 

Ganoderma and Three Jujube Tea

Ingredients: 10g of Ganoderma slices, 3 red dates, 3 black dates, 3 honey dates.

Ganoderma, affecting the Heart, Liver, Lungs, and Kidneys, is a suitable medicinal herb for nurturing the liver. This tea is suitable for individuals with pale and lackluster complexion, and those who are prone to shortness of breath and fatigue. Women can also add rose petals for enhanced blood nourishment and beauty effects.

 

Spring Equinox has arrived, signifying that spring is already halfway through. Seize the latter half of spring and focus on nurturing the liver and protecting yang, as this effort will yield twice the results.

 

Reference

"How to Course the Liver and Nourish Yang During the Spring Equinox." Life Times Newspaper. March 21, 2023.