二十四节气与养生

The 24 solar terms are a traditional Chinese system for dividing the year into 24 periods, each about 15 days long, to reflect the annual changes in climate and phenology. These terms are closely related to health and wellness practices in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which emphasize adapting to the natural environment and its changes. Here are some key points on how the 24 solar terms relate to health preservation:

1. Adapting to Climate Changes: Each solar term brings different weather patterns, and TCM suggests adjusting diet and lifestyle accordingly. For instance, during the autumn, it is recommended to consume more foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness to prevent the harm of dryness.1

2. Diet Recommendations: Specific foods are suggested for different solar terms. For example, after the "Light Snow" term, it is advised to eat pears and honey steamed together to moisten the lungs and relieve dry coughs, as pears are believed to have a good effect on early winter dry coughs.3

3. Understanding "Qi": The terms "solar term" and "middle qi" refer to the climate and weather changes within a month. The 24 solar terms include names like "Start of Spring," "Rain Water," "Awakening of Insects," and so on, each with its own significance for health practices.4

4. Seasonal Health Concerns: During the "Waking of Insects" and "Vernal Equinox," the liver energy is strong, and the kidney energy is weak. It is important to strengthen the spleen and consume warming foods to supplement yang energy, avoiding excessive heat that could deplete it.5

5. Daily Health Practices: Simple health practices like patting hands, rubbing the chest and abdomen, and beating the waist and back while walking can help to unblock the body's energy and promote yang energy, contributing to overall health.6

6. Protecting the Body: After the "Rain Water" term, temperatures rise, and humidity increases, but cold air is still active, making it important to protect the spleen and stomach and keep warm, especially in the early morning and evening.7

7. Choosing Seasonal Foods: Foods like chives, Chinese toon, lily bulbs, pea sprouts, and water chestnuts are recommended to help with dampness, which can affect the spleen and stomach due to increased rainfall.8

8. Diet for Dampness: Foods that strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, such as Chinese yam, Euryale seeds, Job's tears, lentils, red beans, and winter melon, are suggested. Additionally, ingredients like tangerine peel, green peel, and amomum tsao-ko can be used to regulate qi and eliminate dampness.9

9. Insects Awakening Diet: The diet during the "Insects Awakening" term should focus on preserving yin and hiding yang, with a preference for light foods and appropriate supplements to boost immunity. Nourishing porridge can also be consumed to strengthen the body.10

In summary, the 24 solar terms provide a framework for aligning health practices with the natural cycles of the year, emphasizing the importance of adapting diet, lifestyle, and wellness routines to the changing seasons.