April 20th will usher in the Grain Rain solar term, which is also the last solar term of spring. Chen Ping, Deputy Chief Physician of the Pain Department at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated with Capital Medical University, reminds that health preservation at this time should follow the characteristics of the solar terms, with a focus on dispelling dampness and strengthening the spleen, in order to enter summer peacefully. Grain rain comes from the meaning of 'rain produces a hundred grains', symbolizing the nourishment of spring rain and the sprouting of five grains Chen Ping introduced that at this time, the south is rainy and humid, while the north is experiencing significant warming and an increase in air humidity. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that dampness can easily trap the spleen and stomach, block qi and blood, cause fatigue and weakness, joint pain, and affect sleep. Therefore, the key to Gu Yu's health preservation is to dispel dampness and strengthen the spleen. The spleen is responsible for transporting and dissolving water and dampness, and only with a good spleen and stomach can dampness be eliminated and qi and blood be nourished. In terms of diet conditioning, Chen Ping suggested following the principle of "light first, spleen first", eating more "red" and "green": eat more red bean and barley porridge properly, with poria cocos and yams, to help dispel dampness, and people with weak spleen and stomach can add some tangerine peel to regulate qi; Green vegetables such as celery and bitter gourd can clear heat and dampness, and help maintain a refreshing state of the stomach and intestines. At the same time, it is important to eat less cold and greasy foods such as iced drinks and fatty meat. Drinking ginger tea or jasmine tea appropriately can warm the stomach and relieve dampness. In terms of daily life, it is recommended to "cover moderately in spring". Chen Ping explained that during Grain Rain, there is heavy external moisture, which can easily accumulate in the body. It is not advisable to wear too thick clothing, and sweating appropriately can help to eliminate dampness. However, special attention should be paid to keeping the abdomen and feet warm at night to prevent dampness from taking advantage of the situation. At the same time, it is necessary to "combine movement and stillness". He suggests maintaining a moderate exercise for half an hour every day, such as walking or stretching, with slight sweating as appropriate. You can cleverly use mugwort leaves at home, soak them in water to wipe the ground or perform moxibustion, and use the warm nature of mugwort leaves to drive away dampness and dispel coldness. Acupoint massage is a wonderful way to dispel dampness. Chen Ping introduced that dampness can be eliminated by massaging two key acupoints: Yinling Spring and Zusanli. Yinling Spring is located at the bone protrusion point of the knee depression on the inner side of the calf. Pressing it for 3-5 minutes a day can invigorate the spleen and dispel dampness; Zusanli is located four fingers wide below the knee on the outer side of the calf. Using the same massage technique can regulate the spleen and stomach, replenish qi and blood, and relieve fatigue. Press the two acupoints once in the morning and once in the evening. If there is a significant feeling of soreness and swelling during the press, it indicates that there is heavy dampness in the body. Consistent massage can make the qi and blood more unobstructed. Regarding the joint soreness that Gu Yu is prone to, Chen Ping suggests soaking his feet in ginger water and massaging his calves to dispel cold and dampness. If insomnia symptoms occur, it is often related to the deficiency of qi and blood biochemistry caused by dampness stagnation in the spleen. Under the guidance of a physician, one can take Shenling Baizhu Powder or Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, combined with moxibustion at Shenque acupoint or Zusanli. If insomnia is accompanied by shoulder and back pain, under the guidance of a professional doctor, try needling acupoints such as Shenmen and Neiguan to calm the heart and mind. (New Society)