"The east wind thaws the ice, scattering it as rain." Today marks the arrival of "Rain Water," the second solar term of spring. Following "Rain Water," various crops like rapeseed and winter wheat begin to turn green, plants sprout, and all things flourish, creating a vibrant scene. This is the perfect time to nourish the liver. "Rain Water" is also one of the periods with the most cold spells throughout the year. The occasional "spring cold spell" is most likely to deplete the body's yang energy. Therefore, health preservation during the "Rain Water" solar term should focus on nourishing the liver and spleen, and keeping warm.

 

 

Spring belongs to Wood, which corresponds to the Liver. In spring, Liver qi is vigorous, but Liver Wood easily over-restrains Spleen Earth. Therefore, after "Rain Water," the first priority is to nourish the Liver, and the second is to strengthen the Spleen. When Liver qi flows smoothly, qi and blood circulate freely; when the Spleen and Stomach are strong, phlegm and dampness are reduced, and qi and blood are abundant. A person with sufficient qi and blood and a clear body will not experience stagnation. In early spring, how can we comprehensively nourish the Liver through clothing, diet, living habits, and activities?

 

The "Rain Water" period marks early spring, and the lingering cold of winter has not yet completely dissipated. In terms of diet, flavors should be enhanced with acrid and sweet tastes, while sour flavors should be reduced. It is appropriate to consume warm and acrid vegetables such as Toona sinensis (Chinese mahogany), leeks, garlic, onions, shepherd's purse, and ginger. These can invigorate the body's qi, allowing the body to relax and stretch. This not only aligns with the sprouting and growth characteristics of spring but also aids in nourishing Liver qi.

 

 

People with excessive liver fire should reduce their intake of hot-spicy acrid foods and moderately consume sour foods to help regulate liver energy. They can also eat more congee to strengthen the spleen and stomach. As stated in the "Qianjin Yueling," it is advisable to drink congee in spring. It is recommended to cook congee with lily bulbs, poria cocos, lotus seeds, and Chinese yams to achieve the effect of strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness.

 

For nourishing the liver and protecting the spleen in spring, consider trying Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), a superior-grade traditional Chinese medicine known for its neutral properties.

 

In his "Discourse on the Vital Energy of Ganoderma," Professor Du Jian, a renowned national TCM physician, states that "Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) has a sweet taste, enters the spleen meridian, and enables the spleen and stomach to properly absorb the refined essence of grains and water." Combining spring liver protection with Reishi can double the liver-protective effect. Reishi is rich in amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids, which not only protect the liver but also dispel pathogenic factors. It is a top choice among Chinese medicines for "replenishing liver qi."

 

Recipe: Ganoderma sinense, Golden Needle Mushroom, Bean sprouts Soup with Sliced Pork

 

This soup nourishes the liver and stomach, aids digestion, and alleviates greasy sensations.

 

Ingredients:

10g Organic Ganoderma sinense slices

100g Golden needle mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes)

150g Bean sprouts

2 slices Ginger

200g Lean pork

 

Instructions:

Boil the Ganoderma sinense slices in water and set aside.

Stir-fry the sliced lean pork in a pot.

Add the Ganoderma sinense infusion, golden needle mushrooms, bean sprouts, and ginger to the pot.

Simmer all ingredients together.

Add seasonings to taste before serving.

 

Medicinal Cuisine Notes:

Regular consumption of this medicinal cuisine can enhance the body's immunity and improve symptoms such as poor appetite and high cholesterol caused by spleen and stomach weakness.

 

 

The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) states, "In the three months of spring, this is the season of renewal... go to bed later at night and rise early in the morning, stroll leisurely in the courtyard." As days gradually become longer and nights shorter in spring, people can go to bed slightly later, but it is best not to go to sleep later than 11 PM. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that going to sleep before midnight (zi shi) is the most nourishing for health; zi shi corresponds to 11 PM to 1 AM in modern time. It is best to get up between 6 and 7 in the morning. People often say, "A day's plan starts in the morning," and getting up early allows one to work and live with a full of energy.

 

The key to early spring exercise is to align with the burgeoning energy of spring. Wearing loose-fitting clothing is appropriate, and avoid overly restricting oneself, which helps the circulation of qi and blood in the body and the rising of liver qi.

 

People often talk about spring outings, which means going outdoors to exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery of spring, following the vitality of the season. This allows one's body, mind, and spirit to expand. At the same time, as the rain increases and the weather gradually warms, it is beneficial to get some sun exposure when it is sunny to dispel coldness, which helps to dredge the meridians, benefit qi, and strengthen the spleen.

 

Regarding emotions and mental state, one should maintain a peaceful and calm demeanor, and avoid getting angry. With the onset of spring, all things begin to grow and flourish, and the liver qi within the human body also gradually becomes more vigorous. At this time, it is easy to experience emotional fluctuations, irritability, and anger. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) points out: "Anger injures the liver." Therefore, one should appropriately regulate their emotions. Listening to some soothing music can help to relax the mind. Alternatively, going for a spring outing can be beneficial. At this time, herbs are sprouting new buds, and the aroma of herbal plants can dispel the body's turbid qi, leaving the body and mind feeling clear and refreshed. In addition, in daily life, one should also adopt positive methods of self-cultivation and health preservation, such as practicing Baduanjin (Eight Brocades), Wuqinxi (Five Animal Frolics), appreciating flowers, and practicing calligraphy, to cultivate oneself, regulate emotions, and maintain emotional stability.

 

A good rain knows its season, when spring arrives, it brings forth growth. In a night of gentle breeze and drizzle, plants begin to sprout, and the world between heaven and earth is full of vibrant life. Amidst this exuberant spring, protecting liver qi and nourishing the heart and spleen lays a good foundation for the body for the year ahead. All good things will arrive as scheduled!