Duan Bianhong, Song Xueping, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Edited by Liu Yan/Cui Yan, Medical Science Popularization Center
In spring, nature is full of life, with everything reviving and temperatures warming. However, as the seasons change, people often feel an irresistible sleepiness, commonly known as "spring sleepiness". In this article, we'll explore the causes of spring sleepiness and provide a series of practical health tips to help you stay energized during the spring.
Causes of spring sleepiness
The occurrence of spring sleepiness is related to the unique climate and physiological changes of the human body in spring. "The Yellow Emperor's Neijing" mentions that in spring, if the rise of yang qi is insufficient, it may lead to a decrease in blood supply to the brain, and symptoms of hypoxia appear, which are manifested as yawning, drowsiness and fatigue. In addition, in spring, the liver qi is vigorous, and the liver prosperity may restrain the spleen and soil, affect the spleen's transportation function, lead to the endogenous growth of dampness and evil, and the phenomenon of spring sleepiness.
Spring sleepiness countermeasures
(1) Adjust work and rest: According to the suggestion of the "Yellow Emperor's Neijing", you should go to bed early and get up early in spring, and increase outdoor activities to promote the rise of yang qi and the discharge of liver qi, so as to alleviate spring sleepiness.
(2) Dietary conditioning: choose light and easy-to-digest food, avoid greasy and cold food, so as not to increase the burden on the spleen and stomach. At the same time, proper consumption of foods that have the effect of strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, such as yams, lentils, red dates, etc., can help improve spring sleepiness.
(3) Emotion regulation: maintain a good attitude and avoid excessive mood swings, so as not to affect the excretion of liver qi. Appropriate relaxation and stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, etc., can help regulate mood.
(4) Moderate exercise: Appropriate exercise can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach and promote the flow of qi and blood. Spring is a good time for outdoor activities such as walking, tai chi, etc., which can help improve physical vitality and combat spring sleepiness.
(5) Traditional Chinese medicine conditioning: Under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine, some traditional Chinese medicine that strengthens the spleen and dispels dampness, such as Poria cocos, Ze Yuan, etc., can be used appropriately to regulate the body and relieve spring sleepiness.
Spring sleepiness is a common physiological phenomenon in spring, and it can be effectively alleviated by adjusting work and rest, diet, mood and moderate exercise, keeping the body comfortable and full of energy. Spring health, conforming to nature, harmonizing yin and yang, these are the keys to maintaining health, let us use wisdom and action in spring to welcome a season of vitality and health.
(The picture comes from the Internet)