Helen Deng

    AT long last spring has arrived. Seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and the sun warms the earth. There is a sense of renewal and replenishment.

    While winter is a time to conserve energy, spring is a time of regeneration and new beginnings.

    As the ancient Chinese saying goes: “The whole year’s work depends on a good start in spring.” And a year’s good health also depends on spring, when human metabolism is fast.

    The key to staying healthy in spring, according to Chinese medicine theory, is to “stimulate ‘yang,’ avoid coldness, and protect the spleen and the stomach.” Yang (阳) is the character for sun and contrasts with “yin” (阴) which means moon. Yang is associated with warmth and positive and masculine powers.

    Here are some tips for how to have a healthy spring.

    Avoid too much sour food

    Spring is the time when “yang” grows. To fit the natural cycle, human bodies should adapt to this.

    To stimulate “yang,” according to Dr. Wen Tianyan of Longgang People’s Hospital, people should eat glutinous rice, Chinese dates, beef, chicken, raisins, Chinese yam, and lotus seeds. These foods are regarded as “gan” (甘), or slightly sweet in Chinese medicine and therefore can enrich the blood, and stimulate the growth of “yang.”

    Spring is an important time for the liver in Chinese medicinal theory. Eating young plants — fresh, leafy greens such as chives, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses — can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of “qi” (气), or energy.

    Sour food makes the liver excessively active in spring, and weakens the spleen and stomach, according to Wen.

    Stay warm

    You may feel eager to take out the summer dresses and long stockings from your wardrobe as spring comes. Finally it’s time to take off the heavy winter clothes! But wait. The Chinese have a saying: “Wear warm clothes in spring and be a little cold in autumn.”

    In spring, temperatures often change drastically, and people are vulnerable to diseases. So don’t put away your winter boots and heavy coats anytime soon. Keeping the feet warm is particularly important, because the feet have many important blood vessels and acupoints. However, you should not wear so many clothes as to make yourself sweat.

    Stay away from cold drinks and ice cream. They cause the cold “qi” to form in the body and weaken the spleen.

    Do exercise

    One of the best things about warm weather is that it draws people outside — and outdoor exercise is one of the best ways to keep fit and stay in shape. No wonder ancient Chinese have the tradition of “ta chun,” or “spring walks.” The colorful blooms and green grass are a treat to the eyes; a casual walk in the beautiful scenery is an excellent way to cut down calories.

    Whether you like to to go for leisurely walks, join a running club, or fly a kite, spring makes it easier to incorporate outdoor exercise as part of your daily or weekly routine. Take up horse riding, outdoor yoga, rollerblading... the options are endless!

    And don’t forget to wear sunscreen on sunny days. Sunburn is one of the greatest dangers to your skin, and even early spring sunlight can do harm, especially in South China.

    Be happy

    The ancient Chinese discovered that the energies of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth constitute all matter in the universe. The season of spring is associated with the wood element.

    The wood element governs the liver and gall bladder. When the liver is out of balance, it can direct energy upwards to create headaches, neck and upper back tension, or even rage and depression.

    To protect the liver, the most important thing is to stay calm and happy. Strong emotions, such as sadness and excitement, will do harm to the liver, according to Dr. Wen.