Unlocking the Secrets of Health Preservation in the 24 Solar Terms of China

Introduction: Exploring the Mysteries of Health Preservation in Solar Terms

Chinese culture has a long and profound history. Among them, the health preservation culture of the 24 solar terms, as a treasure of traditional culture, contains profound wisdom. Health preservation in solar terms is closely related to astronomy, meteorology, phenology, and human physiology and pathology, and is in the same line as Chinese culture. In the fast - paced modern life, people are faced with various health challenges, from irregular diet and rest to physical discomfort caused by environmental changes. The health preservation in solar terms provides us with a healthy lifestyle that conforms to nature and harmonizes the body and mind, helping us better adapt to natural changes and maintain the balance and health of the body, which is of great practical significance.

The Historical Origin of Health Preservation in Solar Terms

The 24 solar terms originated in the Yellow River Basin. As early as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the ancients had already determined four solar terms: mid - spring, mid - summer, mid - autumn, and mid - winter. After continuous improvement and development, by the Qin and Han Dynasties, the 24 solar terms had been fully established. The concept of health preservation in solar terms has also gradually taken shape. In the "Huangdi Neijing", there is a record that "The yin and yang of the four seasons are the foundation of all things. Therefore, sages nourish yang in spring and summer and nourish yin in autumn and winter to follow their roots", which fully reflects that the ancients had a deep understanding of the close relationship between solar term changes and human health, and accordingly summed up corresponding health preservation methods, which have been passed down for thousands of years.

Health Preservation in Spring: Conforming to the Rising of Yang Qi

Beginning of Spring (February 3 - 5): Starting a New Chapter of Health Preservation

The Beginning of Spring marks the start of spring. At this time, the temperature begins to rise, but it is still quite cold, and the cold and warm air alternate frequently. The key point of health preservation lies in "spring covering". Don't be in a hurry to take off the cotton - padded clothes to avoid getting cold. In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat less sour food and more pungent food, such as onions, ginger, garlic, etc., to help the rising of yang qi. Dishes like scrambled eggs with leeks can be eaten more. In terms of exercise, you can choose relatively gentle ways such as walking and jogging. The work and rest should be going to bed early and getting up early to conform to the rising of yang qi.

Rain Water (February 18 - 20): Adjusting the Spleen and Stomach at the Right Time

During the Rain Water solar term, the temperature further rises, and the rainfall gradually increases, with changeable weather. At this time, the spleen and stomach functions of the human body are relatively weak, and it is particularly important to regulate the spleen and stomach. In diet, some foods that strengthen the spleen and promote dampness, such as coix seed, gorgon fruit, and Chinese yam, can be appropriately added. You can boil coix seed and Chinese yam porridge, which can not only strengthen the spleen but also promote dampness. Pay attention to keeping warm in daily life to avoid the invasion of dampness.

Awakening of Insects (March 5 - 7): Nourishing the Liver and Relieving Drowsiness

During the Awakening of Insects solar term, the spring thunder rumbles, waking up the hibernating animals in the soil. All things come back to life, and the yang qi rises more obviously. The human body is prone to problems such as excessive liver fire and drowsiness. In terms of nourishing the liver, you can eat some foods to soothe the liver qi, such as celery and spinach. To clear the liver fire, you can drink chrysanthemum and wolfberry tea, and to nourish the liver yin, you can eat more foods like pig liver. In terms of work and rest, ensure sufficient sleep and appropriately carry out outdoor activities, such as Taijiquan, to promote the circulation of qi and blood and relieve spring drowsiness. Keep a happy mood in emotions and avoid excessive mood swings.

Spring Equinox (March 20 - 22): Balancing Yin and Yang to Maintain Health

On the day of the Spring Equinox, day and night are equally divided, and yin and yang are relatively balanced. In diet, it should follow the principle of avoiding extremely hot and extremely cold foods and strive for neutrality. Some foods with a neutral nature, such as Chinese toon and bean sprouts, can be eaten. Keep regular work and rest, go to bed early and get up early. In terms of exercise, activities like flying a kite can be chosen, which can not only get close to nature but also help regulate the body's yin - yang balance.

Pure Brightness (April 4 - 6): Nourishing the Liver and Lung Gently

Pure Brightness is generally in the first ten days of April. At this time, the rainfall increases, and the climate is humid. The liver has undergone a period of rising in spring and should not be over - supplemented. It should mainly nourish the liver gently and nourish the lung. In diet, you can eat more foods that nourish yin and moisten the lung, such as lily and tremella. Keep a happy mood in daily life and can carry out activities such as outings. Choose gentle movements for exercise, such as Baduanjin, and avoid strenuous exercise.

Grain Rain (April 19 - 21): Exercising to Nourish Yang and Prevent Allergies

During the Grain Rain solar term, the cold wave basically ends, the temperature rises rapidly, and the rainfall increases. At this time, it is very suitable to nourish yang through activities. You can carry out exercises such as mountain climbing and jogging. However, as the catkins are flying, people with allergic constitutions should pay attention to preventing allergies. In diet, you can eat more foods that remove dampness, such as wax gourd and adzuki beans.

Health Preservation in Summer: Focusing on Heat Prevention and Dampness Removal

Beginning of Summer (May 5 - 7): Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire, Regulating Emotions

The Beginning of Summer is usually in the first ten days of May. After the Beginning of Summer, the weather gradually gets hot, the human body sweats more, and is prone to getting angry. In daily life, maintain regular work and rest, go to bed early and get up early. The diet should be light, and eat more foods that clear heat and reduce fire, such as 苦瓜 (bitter gourd) and mung beans. Dishes like scrambled eggs with bitter gourd and mung bean soup can be made. At the same time, pay attention to regulating emotions. Activities such as painting and calligraphy can be carried out to keep a peaceful mind.

Grain Buds (May 20 - 22): Preparing for Heat and Dampness Prevention in Advance

Grain Buds is in the last ten days of May, indicating that the hot and humid summer weather is about to come. The key point of health preservation is to do a good job in "preventing heat and dampness". In diet, you can eat more foods that clear heat and promote dampness, such as coix seed, wax gourd, and crucian carp. You can cook coix seed, wax gourd, and crucian carp soup. Keep the living environment dry and ventilated to avoid dampness.

Grain in Ear (June 5 - 7): Adapting to the Season and Keeping Fit

Grain in Ear is generally in the first ten days of June. At this time, the weather is hot, and mosquitoes begin to breed. Health preservation should conform to the characteristics of the season. In terms of work and rest, you can go to bed a little later and get up early, but ensure sufficient sleep. In diet, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as watermelons and cucumbers, to supplement water and vitamins. Change clothes frequently and maintain personal hygiene.

Summer Solstice (June 21 - 22): Tips for Protecting Yang Qi

The Summer Solstice is in the last ten days of June. On this day, the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer, which is the longest day of the year, and the yang qi is the most vigorous. Health preservation should conform to the characteristic that yang qi is prosperous outside. In terms of daily life, you can take a proper afternoon nap and avoid being exposed to the sun for a long time. Choose to exercise in the cool morning or evening, such as walking and yoga. In diet, you can eat some warm foods appropriately, such as ginger, but not in excessive amounts.

Minor Heat (July 6 - 8): Calming the Mind and Nourishing the Heart

Minor Heat is in the first ten days of July. The weather is hot, and people are prone to feeling irritable. At this time, health preservation should calm the mind and ensure the vitality of the heart function. In diet, you can eat more foods that nourish the heart and soothe the nerves, such as lotus seeds and longans. You can make lotus seed and longan porridge. Avoid eating too much spicy and greasy food to prevent aggravating the internal fire. Appropriate soothing exercises, such as meditation and deep breathing, can be carried out to help regulate emotions.

Health Preservation in Autumn: Nourishing Yin, Moisturizing Dryness, and Nourishing the Lung

Beginning of Autumn (August 7 - 9): Nourishing the Lung and Preventing Dryness at the Right Time

The Beginning of Autumn is in the first ten days of August. Although the weather gradually cools down after the Beginning of Autumn, the "Autumn Tiger" still has its remaining power, and the temperature is still relatively high, and the air begins to become dry. At this time, health preservation should nourish the lung and prevent dryness. In diet, eat more foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness, such as pears, lilies, and sesame seeds. You can make pear soup and lily porridge. Add clothes appropriately in the morning and evening to avoid getting cold.

End of Heat (August 22 - 24): Don't Forget to Clear Heat and Relieve Summer Heat

End of Heat is in the last ten days of August. The summer heat gradually subsides, but the weather is still relatively hot, and it is still necessary to clear heat and relieve summer heat. At the same time, as the weather turns cool, pay attention to nourishing yin and moistening dryness. In diet, you can continue to eat some heat - clearing foods, such as mung beans and wax gourd, and at the same time increase some lung - nourishing foods. Adjust the work and rest to go to bed early and get up early to adapt to the climate characteristics of autumn.

White Dew (September 7 - 9): Nourishing Yin and Tonifying Qi to Ensure Health

White Dew is in the first ten days of September. At this time, the weather turns cool, the temperature difference between day and night increases, and the water vapor in the air is easy to condense into dew at night. Health preservation should nourish yin and tonify qi and avoid getting cold. In diet, you can eat more yin - nourishing foods, such as tremella and bird's nest. You can stew tremella soup. Add clothes in time in the morning and evening, especially pay attention to keeping the abdomen and feet warm.

Autumn Equinox (September 22 - 24): Balancing Diet and Adjusting Mindset

The Autumn Equinox is in the last ten days of September. Day and night are equally divided, and the climate is pleasant. Health preservation should balance the diet. You can eat some warm and moist foods appropriately, such as walnuts and chestnuts. In terms of exercise, you can choose mountain climbing, jogging, etc. to enhance physical fitness. At the same time, keep a peaceful mindset and avoid drastic mood swings.

Cold Dew (October 8 - 9): Keeping Warm, Protecting Cold, and Guarding Yang Qi

Cold Dew is in the first ten days of October. The temperature drops significantly, and dew begins to appear, and the dew is cooler. At this time, health preservation should pay attention to keeping warm, protecting cold, and guarding yang qi. In diet, you can eat more warm foods, such as mutton and red dates. You can stew mutton soup. Add clothes in time, especially for the elderly and children, to avoid catching a cold.

Frost's Descent (October 23 - 24): Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach to Improve Physical Fitness

Frost's Descent is in the last ten days of October. The weather gradually gets cold, and frost begins to fall. At this time, health preservation should strengthen the spleen and stomach to enhance the body's resistance. In diet, you can eat more spleen - strengthening foods, such as Chinese yam, gorgon fruit, and millet. You can cook Chinese yam, gorgon fruit, and millet porridge. Appropriate exercise, such as walking and Taijiquan, can be carried out to promote blood circulation.

Health Preservation in Winter: Tonifying the Kidney, Storing Essence, and Preventing Cold

Beginning of Winter (November 7 - 8): Warming and Tonifying the Kidney to Welcome the Cold Winter

The Beginning of Winter is in the first ten days of November, marking the beginning of winter. At this time, health preservation should warm and tonify the kidney to prepare for the cold winter. In diet, you can eat more warm and kidney - tonifying foods, such as cashew nuts, walnuts, and black sesame seeds. You can make black sesame and walnut paste. In terms of work and rest, go to bed early and get up late to ensure sufficient sleep to nourish yang qi.

Minor Snow (November 22 - 23): Keeping Warm and Protecting Yang Qi

Minor Snow is in the last ten days of November. The weather gradually gets cold, and it begins to snow. Health preservation should keep warm and protect yang qi. You can eat more warm foods, such as beef and longans. You can stew beef and longan soup. Pay attention to keeping the head, neck, and feet warm. You can wear hats, scarves, and gloves.

Major Snow (December 6 - 8): Tonifying the Kidney and Consolidating Essence at the Right Time

Major Snow is in the first ten days of December. The temperature is even lower, and the possibility of snowfall is greater. Health preservation should tonify the kidney and consolidate essence. You can eat more kidney - tonifying foods, such as black beans, black rice, and sea cucumbers. You can cook black bean, black rice, and sea cucumber porridge. Reduce outdoor activity time to avoid getting cold.

Winter Solstice (December 21 - 23): Paying Attention to Nurturing Yang Qi When Yang Qi Is Born

The Winter Solstice is in the last ten days of December. On this day, the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, which is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. At this time, yang qi begins to be born, and health preservation should pay attention to nurturing yang qi. In terms of daily life, go to bed early and get up late, and avoid overwork. In diet, you can eat some tonic foods appropriately, such as mutton and wolfberries. You can make mutton and wolfberry soup. Choose to exercise when the sun is sufficient, such as Baduanjin.

Minor Cold (January 5 - 7): Strengthening Yang Qi and Expelling Cold Evil

Minor Cold is in the first ten days of January. At this time, the cold air is the most severe. Health preservation should strengthen yang qi and expel cold evil. You can eat more warm and cold - dispelling foods, such as ginger, red dates, and longans. You can cook ginger, red date, and longan tea. Pay attention to keeping the room warm. When going out, wear thick cotton - padded clothes and hats.

Major Cold (January 20 - 21): Conserving Energy and Waiting for the New Spring

Major Cold is in the last ten days of January, which is the last solar term of the year. Health preservation should conserve energy and prepare for the new spring. In diet, you can appropriately tonify, such as eating some tonic soups, such as chicken soup and pig's trotter soup. Keep regular work and rest and carry out some easy indoor activities, such as yoga, to enhance physical fitness.

Conclusion: Inheriting the Wisdom of Health Preservation in Solar Terms

The health preservation of the 24 solar terms covers rich knowledge and methods, from diet, daily life, exercise to emotional regulation. All aspects are closely related to natural solar terms. Conforming to nature and following the laws of solar term health preservation can help us better adapt to seasonal changes and maintain the health and balance of the body. I hope everyone can integrate solar term health preservation into daily life, inherit and carry forward Chinese traditional health preservation culture, and let the ancient wisdom glow with new vitality in modern life, escorting our health.