Seasonal Wellness Tips for Gu Yu - Grain Rain

Gu Yu is the sixth of 24 two-week solar terms that make up the ancient Chinese agricultural calendar. It begins between April 19th and April 21st each year.

Gu Yu is the last solar term of spring, and as the temperature increases, we expect a period of rainfall, which is essential for the growth of crops.

Overwintered cereals now stretch their stems, reaching what is known as the "jointing" stage, while the spring sowing begins to sprout, turning the fields to emerald green.

Other plants also enter a phase of rapid growth and maturation. Yellow catkins sway in the breeze and apple trees blossom pink, producing the vibrant colours of late spring.

As we approach another pivotal point in the year, we must adjust the way we take care of ourselves significantly. Read on for my top wellbeing tips for Gu Yu.

Nourish Heart and Kidneys

Gu Yu represents a critical juncture between spring and summer, and a period of rapid change. Whereas spring is associated with the wood element and nourishing the Liver, summer is all about fire and nourishing the Heart.

By nourishing the Heart, we nourish Blood and shen, the spirit-mind in traditional Chinese medicine. However, when nourishing the Heart, we must not forget the Kidneys.

While the Heart represents fire, the Kidneys represent water, and the two organs rely on a constant state of balance to prevent the body from becoming too hot or cold.

Chronic illness, excessive work without rest, and emotional issues can all upset the balance between the Heart and Kidneys. Therefore, this is an excellent time to carve out some time for relaxation and selfcare.

In terms of diet, heart and kidney meat are often recommended to benefit these organs directly. If that seems unappealing, eggs are another good option, as are legumes, especially aduki beans and lentils, which nourish both the Heart and Kidneys.

Invigorate Blood and Free the Vessels

The Heart is said to govern Blood and control the vessels, meaning that it is responsible for the quality of our Blood as well as its circulation.

Here, Blood is spelled with a capital "B" to distinguish it from blood in a biomedical sense. This is because, in Chinese medicine, Blood is seen as far more than just a transportation system. It is responsible for nourishing, warming, and moistening the body as well as anchoring the shen.

Therefore, the Heart and Blood have vital roles in maintaining the health of the body, mind, and spirit, and if they become disordered, we may experience both physical and psychological symptoms.

In terms of Blood, it is essential that it is able to flow freely in order to reach every corner of the body.

This relies partially on the motivating force of qi, which is controlled by the Liver. Therefore, the Heart and the Liver must both be functioning well to ensure the uninhibited circulation of these vital substances.

It also requires clear passage through the vessels, and any obstructions preventing the free flow of Blood can result in stasis. This might be physical obstructions, such as injuries, or pathogenic factors like heat or cold, which cause Blood to "congeal" and stop flowing.

One of the key symptoms of Blood stasis is pain. As the saying goes, bu tong ze tong, or "without free flow, there is pain." Delayed and painful menstruation with clots is another common sign.

The best remedy for Blood stasis will depend on the cause, but generally speaking, lotus root, aubergine, wood ear mushrooms, longan fruits, and peaches are all considered beneficial foods.

Herbs like Dang Gui (Chinese angelica), Jiang Huang (turmeric), and Hong Hua (safflower) might also be helpful additions to the diet.

Clear Heat, Cool Blood

As well as ensuring the Blood is flowing freely, we must also prevent it from getting too hot. This is especially important when the weather warms significantly, as it does around Gu Yu.

Heat in the Blood can cause skin conditions with redness and itching, bleeding, heavy menstruation, and, in some cases, anxiety and mood swings.

Mild cases may be alleviated by spending time outdoors in nature and consciously breathing in the fresh air to discharge accumulated heat in the chest area.

In addition, some beneficial foods and beverages include:

• Bamboo leaf tea or congee

• Chrysanthemum green tea

• Mung beans

• Buckwheat

• Job's tears

• Spinach

• Water chestnut

• Cucumber

• Mushrooms

These foods can help to clear interior heat, soothe the Liver, and cool the Blood.

However, the best approach will depend upon each individual's constitution, and professional guidance should be sought, especially for more severe cases.

For more personalised seasonal wellbeing advice, you can book a holistic health coaching session via the contact page.

References

• 买雯婷 (2011) 第一养生药膳 - Tangmark Publishing and Distribution, Beijing

• Leggett, D. (2005) Helping Ourselves (second edition) - Meridian Press, Totnes