Tomorrow (March 20), we will welcome the Spring Equinox, one of the 24 solar terms. “The Spring Equinox signifies the balance of Yin and Yang. Therefore, day and night are equal, and the cold and heat are moderate.” At this time, the sun’s longitude is 0 degrees, located above the equator, and all things begin to revive, full of vitality. How should we adapt to nature, adjust our body and mind, and welcome a healthy spring during this season?
Three Phenomena of the Spring Equinox
First Phenomenon of the Spring Equinox: Arrival of the First Bird
The first bird, also known as the black bird, refers to the swallow. The swallow arrives in spring and departs in autumn.
Second Phenomenon of the Spring Equinox: Thunder Begins to Sound
Thunder is the sound of Yang energy emerging in spring, as Yang energy strives to break through the obstruction of Yin energy, rumbling loudly but without visible lightning. In summer, when Yang energy is abundant, it is often obstructed by rainy weather, hence thunder occurs before rain, and the sound of thunder is louder. This is the traditional Chinese explanation of thunder.
Third Phenomenon of the Spring Equinox: Lightning Begins to Appear
This refers to the first sighting of lightning. After the Spring Equinox, the weather becomes increasingly variable, and rain is often accompanied by thunder and lightning. Under the illumination of lightning, the entire sky becomes transparent and full of vitality, as if injecting new energy into the earth.
Health Preservation During the Spring Equinox
During the Spring Equinox, Yang energy gradually increases, but Yin energy has not yet completely receded, and the two forces are evenly matched, counterbalancing each other. Therefore, health preservation during the Spring Equinox focuses on harmonizing Yin and Yang, allowing the body to adapt to this change in nature. We can achieve the goal of balancing Yin and Yang and strengthening the body through adjustments in diet, daily routine, and exercise.
Diet: Avoid Spicy and Dry Foods, Favor Salty and Sweet Moist Foods
In terms of diet, during the Spring Equinox, it is advisable to consume salty and sweet moist foods to nourish the liver and kidneys and harmonize Qi and blood. Foods such as nori (紫菜), kelp (海带), black beans (黑豆), black rice (黑米), and black sesame (黑芝麻) are beneficial for nourishing the liver and kidneys. At the same time, it is important to avoid overly spicy and dry foods to prevent damage to Yang energy. Depending on individual constitution and needs, one may drink chrysanthemum (菊花), rose (玫瑰), red date (红枣), and goji berry (枸杞) tea to brighten the eyes, nourish the liver, and harmonize Qi and blood.
Daily Routine: Early to Bed and Early to Rise, Regular Schedule
As the saying goes: “All herbs sprout, old ailments may resurface.” The Spring Equinox is a time when many diseases, such as hypertension, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, are prevalent. To prevent these diseases, one should harmonize their daily routine, going to bed early and rising early in accordance with the sun, maintaining a regular schedule to align with the Yin and Yang changes in nature. It is also important to regularly clean the living space and plant some flowers to ensure a comfortable and hygienic environment, maintaining a peaceful mindset.
Exercise: Outdoor Activities to Alleviate Drowsiness
Simply sleeping more is not enough to alleviate spring drowsiness; exercise can significantly speed up the brain’s information processing response, effectively preventing spring fatigue. In spring, it is best to engage in activities in sunny, green areas, taking deep breaths to provide the brain with fresh and ample oxygen, uplifting the mood and invigorating the spirit, thus eliminating drowsiness. Additionally, sunlight helps replenish Yang energy in the body, making us more energetic.
Self-Care: Massage, Gua Sha, and Maintaining a Positive Attitude
This year, during the Spring Equinox, as the spring energy is strong, it is important to prevent excessive wood and fire energy, which can lead to heat and symptoms such as sore throat, tinnitus, and swollen eyes. Self-massage on Yin Ling Quan (阴陵泉) and Yong Quan (涌泉) points, massaging behind the mastoid to relieve tension, and performing Gua Sha on the back, chest, and the sides to clear the San Jiao (三焦) and Gallbladder meridians can help alleviate Shao Yang (少阳) heat. At the same time, maintaining an optimistic mindset and participating in social activities, sharing the joys of life with friends and family, can help alleviate emotional fluctuations that may occur during the Spring Equinox.
In conclusion, health preservation during the Spring Equinox requires us to align with nature, adjust our body and mind, and balance Yin and Yang. Let us embrace a healthy spring in this vibrant season and enjoy the beauty of life.
Zhuo Ying
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Director of the Second Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Director of the TCM Pain Department
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Master’s Supervisor, Chief Physician, Professor
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Former Chief Physician of the TCM Department at the Urumqi General Hospital of the Lanzhou Military Region
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Expert in the Collaborative Group of the Five Movements and Six Qi Research of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Vice Chairman of the Abdominal Acupuncture Professional Committee of the Chinese Acupuncture Society
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Vice Chairman of the Cheek Acupuncture Professional Committee of the Chinese Acupuncture Society
Specializes in:Various types of pain, joint diseases such as neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, diagnosis and TCM treatment of rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and Sjögren’s syndrome; neurological diseases such as facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia; gynecological diseases such as dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, and breast hyperplasia, as well as treatment and conditioning of chronic diseases before and after pregnancy; skin diseases such as shingles, neurodermatitis, and acne; internal medicine miscellaneous diseases; TCM beauty treatments.
