Follow me for daily updates!

We grow together with all things on Earth; it is impossible to discuss health without considering the environment. Therefore, the first principle of health preservation is to follow the four seasons. This means adjusting one’s lifestyle according to the principles of spring growth, summer flourishing, autumn harvesting, and winter storing as described in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon).

Spring Growth

Huangdi Neijing: In the spring months, this is called the time of emergence; heaven and earth are born together, and all things flourish. Sleep at night and rise early; this is the way of health preservation.

In spring, all things revive and flourish, making it a time of vitality. People should go to bed early and rise early to maintain a joyful spirit and an open heart, keeping the vitality of all things.

01: Nourish Yang Qi

In spring, Yang Qi gradually emerges while Yin and cold have not yet dissipated. Additionally, the prevalence of wind pathogens can easily invade the body and deplete Yang Qi. Therefore, one should consume warming foods that nourish Yang Qi, such as scallions, ginger, lean meats, eggs, high-quality proteins, legumes, and vegetables to help dispel cold and support Yang Qi.

02: Nourish Liver Qi

Spring Qi is connected to Liver Qi. As spring arrives, Qi and blood move from the inside to the outside, primarily functioning in the liver. Thus, the first priority in spring is to nourish the liver. The liver meridian runs along both sides of the body, and lying on either side can nourish Liver Qi. When lying on one side, blood naturally flows into the liver meridian, allowing the body to enter a peaceful sleep, and the liver begins its daily blood production.

03: Prevent Wind Pathogens

Wind pathogens are most prevalent in spring, and the fluctuating temperatures can easily induce illness. Therefore, it is essential to enhance immunity. In addition to regular measures such as exercise, vaccinations, and maintaining good hygiene, one should also ensure adequate intake of high-quality proteins and pay attention to warmth. Excessive liver fire in spring can lead to illness; consuming dandelion can help clear the liver meridian and reduce inflammation. Simply wash and drain 100 grams of fresh dandelion leaves and stems, dip them in sauce; they have a slightly bitter yet delicious and fragrant taste.

Summer Flourishing

Huangdi Neijing: In the summer months, this is called the time of flourishing; heaven and earth’s Qi interact, and all things bear fruit. Sleep at night and rise early; this is the way of nurturing growth.

In summer, all things grow vigorously, and people should sleep at night and rise early to maintain a cheerful disposition, avoiding anger to ensure smooth Qi flow and a keen interest in external matters.

01: Nourish the Heart

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes summer is associated with fire and the heart. People can easily become irritable and experience chest tightness and shortness of breath, making heart nourishment crucial in summer. A good ingredient for calming the heart is sour jujube seed; cooking porridge with some sour jujube seeds can help protect the heart. Those with sleep issues can also add lotus seeds to calm the heart and mind.

02: Cool Down

In summer, excessive sweating can deplete Qi and injure Yin. In addition to timely hydration, one should regularly consume light foods that nourish Qi and Yin to enhance physical strength, such as yam, honey, lotus root, black fungus, soy milk, and lily porridge.

To cool the heart and clear heat in summer, I recommend a tea made from three leaves: lotus leaf, bamboo leaf, and mint leaf. You can brew all three leaves (3-5 grams each) or choose one (5-10 grams of lotus or bamboo leaves, and 5 grams of mint leaves) to make tea, which is excellent for clearing heart fire, nourishing the heart, and cooling down.

03: Protect the Spleen and Stomach

Summer is when the spleen and stomach are most vulnerable. The spleen and stomach prefer warmth and dislike cold, so avoid cold foods and drinks as much as possible. Additionally, women should consume more coix seed, poria, white lentils, red beans, and loofah to help strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach.

Autumn Harvest

Huangdi Neijing: In the autumn months, this is called the time of gathering; the weather becomes urgent, and the earth’s Qi becomes clear. Sleep early and rise early; this is the way of nurturing harvest.

In autumn, the natural world stabilizes as all things mature. At this time, people should sleep early and rise early to maintain mental tranquility. Gather the spirit to adapt to the autumn’s characteristics of gathering.

01: Moisturize the Lungs

Autumn is associated with metal, which governs the lungs. Therefore, autumn is suitable for lung nourishment. The lungs govern the upward movement of clear Qi and the metabolism of fluids, and the dry autumn climate can easily affect lung function. Especially as the weather cools, lung Qi can be easily damaged, leading to a high incidence of lung diseases. Thus, lung nourishment is particularly important. Foods such as honey, loquat, lily, and black plum can be consumed to moisten the lungs, benefit the stomach, and generate fluids.

02: Prevent Cold

In autumn, the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so it is essential to add clothing and bedding in the early and late hours. Those with cardiovascular diseases, chronic bronchitis, and the elderly and children with weaker constitutions should pay special attention to adjusting their clothing according to temperature changes. For those who lack exercise, regular hand massages can greatly benefit health, especially for lung nourishment.

Method: Open your fingers and clap your palms together 100 times, ensuring your palms become slightly red and warm. Afterward, rub your hands together.

03: Promote Bowel Movements

Autumn is the time of “gathering,” and the body’s metabolic waste can easily accumulate, leading to various diseases. Therefore, it is essential to maintain three bodily functions: regular bowel movements, urination, and sweating. Developing a habit of regular bowel movements is crucial; consuming around 500 grams of vegetables and an appropriate amount of coarse grains daily is an effective way to prevent constipation.

Winter Storage

Huangdi Neijing: In the winter months, this is called the time of closing and storing; water freezes and the earth cracks, do not disturb Yang, sleep early and rise late; this is the way of nurturing storage.

Winter is a time of dormancy, where all things are hidden. People should sleep early and rise late, avoiding unnecessary labor; they should seek warmth and avoid cold to prevent the loss of Yang Qi through the skin. This is the method to adapt to winter and preserve the body’s storage functions.

01: Nourish the Kidneys

In winter, it is essential to nourish the kidneys. TCM believes that “the kidneys open to the ears,” so regularly massaging the ears can help maintain kidney health and ensure smooth Qi and blood flow. Sleep is a crucial aspect of kidney nourishment, especially during the “ziwu sleep” period, which refers to sleeping during the hours of midnight (11 PM to 1 AM) and noon (11 AM to 1 PM), which are the most beneficial times for kidney health.

02: Nourish the Spirit

Winter health focuses on nourishing the spirit, primarily by storing the spirit to keep the will subdued. Activities such as reading, enjoying flowers and plants, listening to music, and smelling citrus can help nourish the spirit. Additionally, sunbathing and receiving “sunlight therapy” can uplift the spirit, improve mood, and promote a sense of well-being.

03: Nourish the Stomach

In winter, people often unconsciously eat more, especially enjoying “hot foods” like beef and lamb, which can harm the stomach. In fact, the elderly should eat less salty foods and more bitter foods, such as celery, asparagus, and lettuce, which can help with antibacterial properties, reduce inflammation, refresh the mind, and alleviate fatigue. It is also important to follow the principle of gradual eating, having smaller, more frequent meals to maintain overall intake without starving the stomach.

Learn a bit of TCM health knowledge every day to care for your family’s health!