After Jingzhe, true spring begins!

 

Jingzhe, or Awakening of Insects, the third of the twenty-four solar terms, marks a time when yang energy rises, temperatures warm, and the first spring thunder stirs. Apart from the Northeast and Northwest of China, where cold winds still signal winter, most regions of the country are already bathed in the tender hues of spring.

 

However, during this period, temperatures fluctuate greatly, making it a peak season for influenza. Additionally, while air humidity does not increase significantly, people often feel dry and irritable, leading to discomfort.

 

At this juncture of seasonal transition and alternating cold and warmth, it is crucial to regulate your body’s functions to ward off illness!

 

Harmonize with Spring Qi, Nourish Liver Qi

 

4 Tips to Feel Refreshed in Body and Mind

 

Spring corresponds to the liver, which governs the smooth flow of qi and stores blood. It thrives on balance and dislikes stagnation.

 

Therefore, the key to nourishing the liver lies in maintaining emotional harmony—keeping the liver calm and qi balanced. Daily physical activity not only promotes smooth qi and blood circulation and boosts metabolism but also serves as an effective way to regulate emotions.

 

Dong Lei from the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine once published an article stating that  performing a few simple movements regularly can also help nourish the liver. These methods are straightforward and easy to practice:

 

1. Gently Press the Eyelids

The liver governs the eyes, so nourishing the liver begins with caring for the eyes. Dry eyes indicate insufficient liver essence and blood, while tearing up in the wind suggests a lack of the liver’s astringent function. Close your eyes to calm your qi, then use your index finger to gently press and rub the eyelids until the eyeballs feel warm and slightly swollen, soothing agitation.

 

 

2. Rotate the Eyeballs
Fix your gaze on a large object in the distance. Without moving your head, trace a large circle with your eyes: left, up, right, down, and back to the left. Complete 10 circles clockwise and 10 counterclockwise. This helps relieve eye fatigue.

 

3. Rotate the Neck
After working for an hour, rotate your neck and gently pat the neck muscles to alleviate muscle fatigue and improve blood oxygen supply to the brain. This instantly refreshes the mind and can also benefit those with neurasthenia.

 

4. Dry-Wash the Legs
With both hands, firmly grasp the root of one thigh and rub downward to the ankle, then back up to the thigh root. Alternatively, knead the calf by clamping it between your palms and rotating them to massage the muscle.

 

For even better results, pairing these practices with Reishi mushroom can enhance their wellness effects.

 

Reishi has been revered since ancient times as a "top-tier liver tonic." The Compendium of Materia Medica records that Reishi "brightens the eyes, nourishes liver qi, and calms the spirit." Modern research has also confirmed Reishi’s protective effects on the liver, including enhancing detoxification, protecting liver cells, and reducing fat accumulation in the liver. Long-term use yields significant benefits.

 

 

Three Key Points for Jingzhe Wellness

 

1. Avoid Improper "Spring Covering"

 

There’s a saying: “Keep your warm clothes on a bit longer in the spring, and don’t rush to wear them in the autumn, allowing your body to gradually adapt to seasonal changes.” During Jingzhe, the temperature difference between morning and evening can be significant, often leading to two extremes in clothing choices. Young people tend to shed heavy winter garments early for light spring attire, while the elderly and children, fearing the cold, continue wearing thick winter clothing, often sweating profusely and then removing layers, making them vulnerable to cold drafts.

Here are some tips for "spring covering": (1) Don’t pack away winter clothes too early; wait until temperatures stabilize before switching entirely. (2) Carry a vest or light jacket when going out, adding or removing layers as needed. (3) Avoid removing clothes and exposing yourself to wind immediately after sweating profusely, as this increases the risk of catching a cold.

 

2. Don’t Oversleep to Combat Spring Drowsiness

 

After Jingzhe, as yang qi rises, people often feel lethargic—a phenomenon known as "spring drowsiness." Many believe that sleeping more will alleviate this, but that’s not the case.

 

Due to the seasonal shift toward longer days and shorter nights, the body requires relatively less sleep. It’s recommended to wake up earlier to align with nature’s qi. Excessive sleep suppresses yang qi and doesn’t harmonize with spring’s characteristics, leading to even greater fatigue. Instead, go for outings, hikes, or light exercise in nature to invigorate yang qi and relieve spring drowsiness.

 

3. Avoid Overindulging in Rich, Greasy Foods

 

Jingzhe marks a time of rising yang qi in spring, a season governed by the liver’s wood element. However, an overactive liver can weaken the spleen. After the heavy meals of the Spring Festival, the spleen and stomach’s digestive functions may already be strained. Continuing to indulge in rich, greasy foods instead of adopting a lighter diet can exacerbate liver-spleen imbalance and digestive disharmony.

 

As Jingzhe passes and spring blooms in all its glory, why not gather a few friends, take some GanoHerb organic Reishi slices from the Wuyi Mountains, and brew a pot of Reishi tea? Let the tea’s aroma mingle with the romantic hues of spring as you savor the health and beauty brought by this magic herb.

 

 

References

"Spring Is the Golden Period for Liver Nourishment—Must-Know Tips for Those with Poor Liver Health!", Health Times, 2024.02.22