Seasonal Wellness Tips for Yu Shui - Rain Water
Yu Shui is the second of 24 solar terms that make up the ancient Chinese agricultural calendar. It generally falls between February 18th and February 20th each year.
During Yu Shui, daylight and temperatures noticeably increase, the early signs of spring become more evident, and ice and frost are replaced by more frequent rainfall.
In all but the most northerly regions, temperatures tend to remain above freezing during Yu Shui, and we rejoice as we see blossoms budding, birds breeding, and the natural world awakening from its long slumber.
However, it is not unusual for there to be a sudden and severe cold snap at this time of year. Therefore, just as we must not plant seeds too early in spring, we must also not be too quick to shed our winter layers.
That said, the best ways to nurture our health are changing, so read on for my top wellbeing tips for Yu Shui.
Strengthen Stomach and Spleen
According to the yangsheng "nourishing life" tradition, the most important principle during Yu Shui is strengthening the Stomach and Spleen.
In Chinese medicine, the Stomach and Spleen are the key digestive organs and belong to the earth element; unsurprising, since most food needs rich and fertile earth to grow.
In five element theory, earth is controlled by wood. We can compare this to a plant's roots both drawing up nutrients from the soil and simultaneously holding it in place.
So, now, as we enter spring, the season associated with wood and all its vigorous growth and expansion, we must ensure that our earth is strong enough to hold its own. Otherwise, our digestive organs, the Stomach and Spleen, can suffer.
Some of the best foods for the Stomach and Spleen are cereal grains, root vegetables, and squashes. White rice is considered one of the most beneficial as it is easy to digest while nourishing, harmonising, and moistening the Stomach and Intestines.
In China, rice is often slow-cooked with plenty of water to make a thin porridge called congee, to which other nourishing ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, or red dates can be added. It makes a great breakfast accompaniment and is particularly suitable for children, older adults, and those recovering from illness.
Give Heat the Heave-Ho
Over winter, we can accumulate heat in our bodies due to warming our homes, wearing thick clothing, and eating a rich and heavy diet. But, by Yu Shui, the coldest part of the year has passed and it is time to start clearing away this heat to prevent it from becoming pathogenic.
This means eating more cooling foods, such as lettuce, leafy greens, and celery. However, we must take care not to eat too much raw food, which can put a strain on the digestive organs. Therefore, lightly cooking these foods by steaming or stir-frying is best.
Go Wild!
Historically, spring was a time when fresh fruit and vegetables were scarce as the overwinter crops had finished and the next season's harvest was not yet ready.
Of course, nowadays, we can visit the supermarket and get pretty much any food we want at any time of year. However, these foods have often been picked before ripening and transported for miles, meaning they lack the nutrition of freshly harvested, seasonal produce.
Therefore, spring is a great time to supplement our diet with wild foods, which are packed with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
For example, early spring is the best time to forage dandelion leaves, before they become too tough and bitter. These leaves can be added to salads or cooked in a similar way to spinach - they don't take long at all to wilt down.
In Chinese medicine, dandelion is typically used to clear excess heat and toxicity, making it an ideal addition to our diets in the spring. Furthermore, modern research suggests that consuming this humble plant could offer some protection against inflammation, diabetes, liver disease, and tumours. Amazing!
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