Harmonious Constitution
Constitution Characteristics: The harmonious constitution is considered a normal constitution. Individuals with this constitution have a well-proportioned and robust physique, a radiant complexion, thick and shiny hair, bright eyes, rosy lips, and are not easily fatigued. They possess abundant energy, good sleep, normal appetite, regular bowel movements, and a cheerful and easy-going personality, with fewer illnesses.
Countermeasures: Individuals with a harmonious constitution have balanced yin and yang, and normal organ and qi-blood functions, but they should still pay attention to health maintenance.
Dietary Tips for Harmonious Constitution During Grain Rain Suitable: Kelp, Dragon Fruit, Wood Ear Mushrooms, Bitter Chrysanthemum, Lotus Seeds, Cauliflower, Raw Rehmannia During the Grain Rain season, the weather changes significantly, with an overall rise in temperature. In the north, there are large temperature differences between morning and evening, while in the south, there is much rain and humidity. As temperatures rise quickly, the body may respond with symptoms such as heat, irritability, insomnia, and the tendency to expose legs and feet outside the blanket (which can lead to colds). It is advisable to consume more kelp, dragon fruit, wood ear mushrooms, bitter chrysanthemum, lotus seeds, tomatoes, raw rehmannia (in porridge), honey, etc. In the south, adding foods that dispel dampness, such as black beans, red beans, cabbage, cauliflower, peanuts, papaya, and pea shoots, is beneficial. Grain Rain is the last solar term of spring, marking the transition to summer, where the spleen is vigorous, and kidney nourishment is essential to support the spleen. “Those with insufficient essence should supplement it with flavor,” so it is advisable to increase foods like millet, chrysanthemum greens, carrots, and soy milk. Additionally, various seasonal vegetables and wild greens (such as bok choy, spinach, Chinese toon, and water celery) should be enjoyed to disperse liver heat and regulate qi stagnation.
Foods to Eat Less: Chili Peppers, Ginger, Green Onions, Lamb, Barbecue, Desserts, Sweet Beverages, Out-of-Season Fruits and Vegetables During the Grain Rain solar term, as temperatures rise, it is advisable to eat less spicy and warming foods (such as chili peppers, ginger, green onions, lamb, barbecue, etc.) to avoid depleting body fluids. A craving for spicy foods indicates that the body needs rest rather than stimulation. It is also advisable to reduce the intake of sweets to prevent inhibiting kidney qi, especially high-sugar fruit juices, sodas, desserts, and cakes. “Eating out of season” refers to fruits and vegetables that have lost the nurturing energy of the earth and sky, often treated with growth-promoting substances, resulting in poor taste, insufficient nutrition, and high prices. Foods to Avoid: Blood, Raw Sunflower Seeds, Garlic, Daylilies, Organs of Birds and Beasts, Small Garlic, Pickled Vegetables Grain Rain and Qingming both belong to the Chen month. As stated by Master Sun: “Do not kill during this month to follow the way of heaven. Do not eat the heart of a hundred herbs or daylilies.” The buds of the heart of a hundred herbs are strongly sprouting and can trigger diseases, especially for the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. The “Qianjin Fang” states: “Do not eat the organs of birds and beasts, do not eat small garlic, do not drink deep spring water.” The “Fa Tian Sheng Yi” advises: “Do not eat garlic, nor should it be consumed regularly, as it depletes energy and harms the heart.” The “Yun Ji Qi Qian” states: “Do not eat pickled vegetables, as they can cause sores and toxic heat diseases. Do not eat donkey or horse meat, or deer or antelope meat, as they can disturb the spirit.” The “Yue Ling Ji” states: “Do not eat blood and spleen, as the earth is strong in the spleen during this season, which may lead to deathly qi entering.”
Exercise Tips for Harmonious Constitution During Grain Rain: Avoid Excessive Sweating
“Avoid excessive sweating to preserve organ qi.” During the transition from spring to summer, the body’s qi mechanism disperses, making it easier to sweat. However, excessive sweating can affect the health of qi and blood in summer. “Sweat is transformed from yin fluids.” During the Grain Rain season, all things grow and thrive with the rain, and the human body is no different; only with sufficient yin fluids can one transition better into summer. Therefore, the timing and frequency of exercise should be adjusted to avoid excessive sweating. The flowers of late spring bloom more vibrantly than those of early spring, fragrant and warm. It is a good time to invite friends to enjoy flowers, go hiking, fly kites, and stretch indoors to promote blood circulation.Tips for Daily Routine During Grain Rain for Harmonious Constitution: Sleep Early and Rise Early to Prevent Colds
At this time, the south begins to see more rain, while the north, although relatively dry, is also gradually warming. If one is not careful, the mixed climate of dampness, wind, warmth, and coolness can easily lead to catching a cold. After sweating, avoid drafts, change into dry clothes promptly, cover appropriately while sleeping, and dry hair thoroughly before going out. It is best to avoid staying up late; going to bed early (around 10 PM) nourishes yin, and sufficient kidney essence ensures growth in summer. Early sleep allows for early rising to enjoy the morning light, which can replenish yang qi. “The sun is the essence of the sun, and its light strengthens human yang qi, providing great benefits.”
Emotional Tips for Harmonious Constitution During Grain Rain: Relax and Unwind
“Warm bed, reclining as the sun sets, a peaceful sleep dispels a hundred ailments. A day of tea and two bowls is all one needs until tomorrow.” This description of a relaxed and lazy posture is most suitable for you during the Grain Rain season. After a busy day, it is essential to relax, both physically and emotionally. There is no need for urgency; those struggles and calculations can wait until tomorrow. Tonight, indulge in a massage, chat, watch a play, or savor delicious food, and do not waste the warm and pleasant late spring. Inspiration often comes when you are in a relaxed and unburdened state.Tea Drinking Tips for Harmonious Constitution During Grain Rain: New Tea of Grain Rain
The “Yang Sheng Ren Shu” states: “Tea picked and roasted on Grain Rain can treat phlegm cough and heal a hundred ailments.” Indeed, there are many praises for the tea on Grain Rain day, with legends claiming that drinking tea on this day can clear heat, ward off evil, and improve eyesight, even saving lives. Although it is challenging to obtain tea picked on Grain Rain day, “testing new tea in the warm spring of March” also has its unique flavor. Seek out fresh Grain Rain tea, and enjoy three to five cups hot to absorb its essence. “If you feel hot, congested, have a headache, dry eyes, or restless limbs, sipping four or five cups can counteract it like nectar and sweet dew.”
