Guyu, as the sixth of the 24 solar terms, coincides with the annual period between April 19 and 21 of the Gregorian calendar, which is the end of spring and the prelude to summer. At this time, the earth is warm, the rain is abundant, the vegetation is lush, and the land is full of life. The arrival of Gu Yu not only indicates that agricultural activities have entered a busy stage, but also a critical period for people to adjust their life rhythm and carry out health care.
1. Astronomical and climatic characteristics of the Guyu solar term
"Yi Zhou Shu Shi Xun Interpretation" records: "On the day of the rain in the valley, Ping was born, and on another five days, the dove brushed its feathers, and on another five days, the hoopoe fell on the mulberry. "Gu rain, Dou Zhichen, the yellow longitude of the sun reaches 30 degrees, usually in the Gregorian calendar from April 19 to 21 every year. At this time, the earth warms up, the rain is abundant, the spring flowers are splendid, the willows are still around, and all things grow vigorously. "The climate of Guyu is characterized by a significant increase in temperature, increased precipitation, and increased humidity, presenting a typical late spring scene.
2. The intrinsic relationship between Gu Yu and the theory of acupuncture and moxibustion in traditional Chinese medicine
TCM acupuncture follows the idea of "heaven and man correspond", believing that man and nature are an organic whole, and human life activities should conform to the laws of nature. It is advocated to adjust the treatment plan according to the changes in solar terms. When it rains in the valley, the liver qi in the human organs is vigorous, and the spleen and soil are helped by the wood qi. "Suwen Jin Kuizhen's Remarks" pointed out: "The orient is blue, and it enters the liver. "At this time, we should focus on regulating the liver qi, so that it can be discharged to a certain extent, and the qi of the whole body should be smoothed. "Su Wen: Tai Yin and Yang Ming Theory" Zeyun: "The spleen is also the soil, and the central government is often treated for four long times and four Tibetans, each for 18 days. "Acupuncture and moxibustion should take into account the spleen and stomach during the rainy season, help it to be transported, and prevent the endogenous growth of dampness.
3. The application and practice of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in the rainy season
1. Regulate liver depression. "Lingshu Meridians" says: "The liver is the foundation of the extreme, and the dwelling of the soul." "When the liver qi is in season when it rains, it is easy to have symptoms such as liver qi stagnation and emotional discomfort. Acupuncture and moxibustion can be used to take acupoints from the original acupoints of the liver meridians, Taichong, Liver Yu, Period Gate, etc., to relieve depression and regulate emotions. If it is accompanied by chest and flank swelling pain, it can be matched with Wuzhong, Neiguan and other acupoints; if irritability and insomnia are also seen, you can add Shenmen, Sanyinjiao and other acupoints. In terms of diet, you can appropriately eat foods that have the effect of soothing the liver and relieving depression, such as rose tea, chrysanthemum tea, bergamot, etc.
2. Strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness. The valley rain is rainy and moist, which is easy to cause dampness and evil to invade, affecting the function of the spleen and stomach. "Lingshu: Nine Needles and Twelve Originals" cloud: "If you fall into it, you will moxibustion." "For dampness and sleepiness of the spleen and stomach, warm acupuncture or ginger moxibustion can be selected to strengthen the spleen and dampness, and stop diarrhea. If the dampness turns into heat, and there are symptoms such as bitter mouth and yellow urine, you can add acupoints such as thorn qu chi and large vertebrae to clear dampness and heat. In terms of diet, we should focus on light, reduce the intake of fatty, sweet, thick and cold foods, and eat more foods that strengthen the spleen and promote dampness, such as barley, red adzuki beans, yams, poria cocos, etc. At the same time, you can do appropriate physical exercises, such as Baduanjin, Tai Chi, etc., to help the body expel moisture.
3. Reconcile qi and blood. "Lingshu Function" says: "The key to using needles is to know the tone of yin and yang." "When it rains, the yang energy rises, and the activity of qi and blood tends to be vigorous, but it is easy to lead to an imbalance of qi and blood. You can choose to use the Qi Hai and Guan Yuan of Ren Mai, the life gate of Du Mai, as well as strong acupoints such as Zusanli and Sanyinjiao, and reconcile yin and yang and nourish qi and blood through gentle moxibustion or tonic acupuncture. For those with blood stasis constitution or existing symptoms of blood stasis, Xuehai, Diaphragm, and Weizhong can be used as appropriate to activate blood and dispel blood stasis points.
4. Nourish your mind and calm your mind. In the later stage of Gu Yu, the heart is gradually hot, and mood swings may intensify. "Su Wen: Yin and Yang should be like the Great Treatise" cloud: "The heart is the main bloodline, and its splendor is in the face." "You can choose the original acupoints of the Heart Sutra, Shenmen, Xinyu, Jiyin Yu and other acupoints, supplemented by Yongquan, Taixi and other Yin and fire points, and use the technique of flattening and calming the mind to calm the mind and stabilize the mood. For patients with severe insomnia, it can be treated with auricular acupoints (Shenmen, Xin) or head acupoints (Baihui, Sishencong). In terms of diet, you can eat foods that have the effect of clearing the heart and calming the nerves, such as lilies, lotus seeds, etc. In addition, relaxing activities such as meditation, listening to soft music, and soaking your feet can help relieve your heart.
In the rainy season, TCM acupuncture and moxibustion, with its unique seasonal therapy, skillfully integrates the time, place, and people, and helps people adapt to the changes in solar terms, prevent and improve various diseases through the regulation and treatment of liver, spleen, heart and other viscera, as well as the balance of qi, blood, yin and yang. Following the wisdom of the ancients and using acupuncture therapy in a timely manner can not only prevent and cure diseases, but also help the harmony of body and mind, and achieve a healthy state of "harmony between nature and man".
Author: Wang Xiaopeng
Source: Shenyang Fifth People's Hospital
Editor: Wang Yumiao
Proofreading: Chai Yang, Chen Zeming
Preliminary review: Li Qiushuang
Review: Xu Jiang