🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Spring begins with Start of Spring and spans six solar terms: Rain Water, Awakening of Insects, Spring Equinox, Pure Brightness, and Grain Rain, ending the day before Start of Summer. Spring marks the rising of yang energy, the return of warmth to earth, renewal of all things, and vibrant life—the best season of the year. Yet, spring is also a peak period for influenza, meningococcal meningitis, and other infectious diseases. Heart disease, gallstones, hepatitis, and mental illnesses often recur in spring. As the saying goes, “The plan for the year lies in spring.” Thus, we must prioritize spring health preservation to lay the foundation for a healthy year.
Be Cautious When Temperatures Rise and Fall: Early spring features alternating warm and cold spells, unpredictable weather. Mornings may be sunny and warm, but afternoons or evenings can suddenly turn cold with strong winds and sharp temperature drops—even snowflakes may fall. During winter, most people stay indoors, reducing their adaptation to external changes. Spring is also when bacteria and microorganisms multiply and revive, making infectious diseases prone to spread.
If clothes are removed too early, cold pathogen invades easily. Cold damages the lungs. Meanwhile, the skin has begun to loosen, reducing resistance to cold. Thus, people are prone to catching flu, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases. Though these illnesses relate to bacteria and viruses, timely prevention and proper “spring wrapping” (wearing extra layers) can significantly reduce incidence, especially in those with strong constitutions.
Regular Routine to Prevent Spring Drowsiness: “Spring sleep knows no dawn”—spring seems to offer endless sleep. During the day, people often feel drowsy and lethargic—this is “spring drowsiness.” Why does this happen in such a vibrant season? Because rising temperatures cause skin and muscle capillaries to dilate slowly, blood flow slows, increasing blood supply to the skin while reducing cerebral blood flow. This weakens central nervous system stimulation and enhances inhibitory functions, leading to spring drowsiness.
To avoid spring drowsiness disrupting daily life and work, we should actively overcome it. First, maintain regular routines. Second, increase physical exercise—do morning exercises in parks or fields daily. Third, balance diet—eating more fresh vegetables and fruits can effectively prevent spring drowsiness.
Spring Outings Boost Vitality: In March, the weather is pleasant, nature renews, and life abounds. In this beautiful season, escape urban noise and immerse yourself in nature—whether hiking, mountain climbing, or leisurely strolling is deeply enjoyable. Spring air is exceptionally fresh, rich in negative ions—ideal for air baths and sunbaths. This enhances immunity and uplifts spirits. Increased exposure to sunlight and fresh air strengthens respiratory and circulatory systems, improves heart and lung function; regulates the central nervous system, enhances cognitive abilities; promotes intestinal movement, increases appetite, and improves digestion; strengthens leg muscles and makes joints more agile.
Avoid Flowers to Prevent Allergies: Spring is the peak season for pollen release. Some people develop pollen allergies upon contact with flowers—mild cases involve eye itching, nasal congestion, runny nose; severe cases may trigger bronchial asthma, allergic dermatitis, laryngeal edema, urticaria, or neurovascular edema.
Modern immunology explains that normal bodies have protective immune responses. When foreign substances (antigens) enter, immune lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins (antibodies) to neutralize or eliminate them. In allergy-prone individuals, the immune response exceeds normal limits, damaging normal cells, tissues, or organs, causing local or systemic functional disorders and allergic diseases. Therefore, those with allergic tendencies should wear long-sleeved clothing and shoes/socks during spring outings, wear goggles and masks, and avoid areas with blooming flowers. If pollen allergy occurs, seek medical help promptly and take antihistamines under doctor’s guidance.