Grain Rain, or "Gu Yu", signifies the time when grain sprouts due to the rain. It is the sixth solar term of the twenty-four solar terms and also the last solar term of spring.

 

The arrival of the Grain Rain solar term means that the cold wave weather is basically over, the speed of temperature rise is significantly accelerated, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, and the rainfall begins to increase.

 

However, the more such changes occur, the more we need to pay attention to health preservation in order to transition smoothly and lay a solid foundation for a safe summer.

 

Three Health Tips for Grain Rain:

 

1. Dispel Dampness

During this period, there is a lot of rainfall and high humidity. It is important to prevent dampness from invading the body, otherwise symptoms such as poor energy, dizziness, and fatigue may occur.

 

Coix seed is a good medicinal material for clearing internal damp-heat. Normally, you can add some coix seed when cooking congee or rice, or pair it with red beans to make the classic dietary therapy recipe - red bean and coix seed congee. It should be noted that pregnant women should avoid coix seed, and coix seed should not be eaten on an empty stomach. In addition, you can also use Poria, Chinese yam, and Codonopsis to make soup.

 

2. Strengthen the Spleen

During the Grain Rain period, Yang Qi gradually increases and Yin Qi gradually decreases. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that at this time, the spleen is in a vigorous period, which can nourish the stomach Qi. This is beneficial for nutrient absorption, making it an excellent time for appropriate toning.

 

Ganoderma and Lotus Seed Soup calms the mind and nourishes the stomach.

 

In terms of diet, you can eat more foods that are neutral and warm in nature, such as coix seeds, lotus seeds, Euryale seeds, Chinese yam, jujube, and Ganoderma. You can also cook Ganoderma and lotus seed soup, or soak tangerine peel in water to drink.

 

3. Drink Tea

There is a folk saying: "Grain Rain, Grain Rain, picking tea against the rain." The tea picked before and after Grain Rain is tender and fragrant, and the taste is the best, also known as the second spring tea.

 

The new tea picked at this time has the effects of clearing fire and brightening eyes, and producing saliva to quench thirst. However, when drinking, you must do so in moderation, and avoid being greedy for more and stronger flavors.

 

Three Things to Do for Grain Rain Health Preservation:

 

Grain Rain brings increased rainfall, which is beneficial for the growth of grains. This is also an important time to prevent allergies, dispel dampness, and maintain skin health. Here are three things you can do:

 

1. Rub the Wings of the Nose with Cold Water

Washing your nose with cold water every morning and evening can enhance the immune ability of the nasal mucosa, which is a good way to prevent rhinitis.

 

When washing your nose with cold water, rubbing the wings of the nose can improve the blood circulation of the nasal mucosa, which helps to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as nasal congestion and sneezing.

 

 

2. Press and Rub the Dampness-Dispelling Acupoint

Yinlingquan is an important acupoint for dispelling dampness, located on the inner side of the lower leg, in the depression on the inner side of the tibia below the knee. Sit upright or lie on your back, massage each acupoint on the left and right legs 60 times, once in the morning and evening each day, until the acupoint feels sore and swollen.

 

3. Moderate Exercise Every Day

At the end of spring and the beginning of summer, everything transitions from sprouting to growing. In accordance with the season, people should also strengthen outdoor exercise, such as running, fishing, boxing, doing exercises, walking, playing ball, and flying kites to exhale the old and inhale the new, and at the same time, let the muscles and bones stretch.

 

 

Spring returns to Grain Rain, all past hardships are poised to transform into opportunities and catalysts for renewal, much like the transition from spring to summer, where decay coexists with burgeoning new life.

 

Grain Rain, when everything is growing and thriving, is also a good time to embrace the energy of nature and nourish the body and mind with Ganoderma.

 

 

 

References:

1. "Grain Rain Arrives! Seize the Last Health-Promoting Solar Term of Spring and Accomplish 4 Tasks." Health Times. 2022-04-12.

2. "Six Secrets to Health Maintenance During Grain Rain, Seizing the Tail End of Spring to Adjust the Body." Life Times. 2020-04-19.