Welcoming Spring and Adapting to Climate Changes

2025 Febuary Live Online Sharing Session on Spring Health Preservation

Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Chinese Session: 7:00 PM (SGT) – Register Here

English Session: 8:30 PM (SGT) – Register Here

Welcoming Spring and Adapting to Climate Changes

Spring Begins (Lichun) falls on February 3, 2025, marking the transition into a new seasonal cycle. This year is the Year of the Snake (Yi Si, Wood and Fire elements), symbolizing flexibility, adaptability, and resilience. This reminds us to align with the seasonal changes, adjust our lifestyles, and enhance our physical resilience.

Climate Changes & Health Challenges

  • Singapore’s Seasonal Transition and Its Impact
    While Singapore does not experience four distinct seasons, the Spring Begins period (February to April) sees fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. Although daytime temperatures remain warm, evenings can be cool, increasing the risk of rheumatic discomfort, nasal allergies, colds, and respiratory issues.

  • Potential La Niña Effects: Increased Rainfall & Humidity
    Meteorologists predict that La Niña may influence Southeast Asia in 2025, bringing higher rainfall and elevated humidity. This could lead to increased dampness in the body, weakened spleen function, sluggish digestion, fatigue, and phlegm accumulation. As a result, supporting the liver, strengthening the spleen, and reducing dampness become crucial for maintaining health.

  • Higher Incidence of Respiratory Infections & Allergies
    Recently, there has been a rise in respiratory infections, including colds, flu, coughing, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. With wind and dampness increasing during this period, and La Niña potentially contributing to persistent moisture, the body becomes more susceptible to respiratory issues. Strengthening immunity and protecting against seasonal changes will be key to staying healthy.

Key Areas for Spring Health Preservation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring corresponds to the Liver (Wood element). However, with the Fire element being prominent in the Year of the Snake, excessive liver fire can weaken the spleen, leading to poor digestion, fatigue, and emotional instability. Therefore, this season calls for balancing liver energy, strengthening the spleen, reducing dampness, and protecting the respiratory system.

1. Acupressure Massage: Liver and Spleen Support, Immunity Boost

  • Rubbing the Rib Sides (Qimen Acupoint) – Soothing Liver Qi
    • Method: Place both hands under the armpits, rub along the ribcage towards the chest, and repeat 30 times.
    • Benefit: Helps alleviate stress, promote smooth liver energy flow, and prevent emotional imbalances.

  • Massaging “Zusanli” (Stomach 36) – Strengthening Digestion and Immunity
    • Method: Apply moderate pressure for 3-5 minutes in the morning and evening while taking deep breaths.
    • Benefit: Supports digestion, enhances immunity, and helps expel dampness from the body.

  • Pressing “Taiyuan” (New Addition) – Strengthening Lungs and Preventing Coughs
    • Location: On the wrist, near the base of the thumb.
    • Method: Apply firm pressure for 1 minute while taking slow, deep breaths.
    • Benefit: Supports lung function, relieves cough, and protects against respiratory infections.

tai

  • Brushing the Scalp (100-200 Strokes) – Activating Yang Energy and Refreshing the Mind
    • Method: Use a wide-tooth comb, brushing from the forehead to the back of the head while gently massaging the scalp.
    • Benefit: Promotes blood circulation, relieves headaches, and improves mental clarity.

2. Dietary Recommendations: Supporting Liver, Spleen, and Lung Health

Recommended Foods (Adjusted for Snake Year & La Niña Conditions)

  • Strengthening Spleen & Reducing Dampness: Yam, coix seed, lotus seeds, white lentils, pumpkin, poria
  • Moisturizing Lungs & Reducing Allergies: Lily bulb, pear, almonds, honey, monk fruit
  • Detoxifying and Cooling Liver Heat: Mung beans, goji berries, chrysanthemum, cassia seeds, yellow daylily
  • Supporting Yang Energy: Lamb, black sesame, walnuts, goji berries, polygonatum root

Recommended Medicinal Diet (Adjusted by 50%)

  • Yam & Barley Porridge (Supports Spleen, Reduces Dampness)
    • Ingredients: 100g yam, 50g Barley, 5 red dates

  • Pear, Lily & Almond Soup (Moistens Lungs, Relieves Coughs)
    • Ingredients: 1 pear, 10g lily bulb, 5 almonds, rock sugar as needed

  • Poria, Lotus Seed & Red Bean Porridge (Drains Dampness, Reduces Water Retention)
    • Ingredients: 30g poria, 15g lotus seeds, 50g red beans

  • Foods to Avoid: Spicy, fried, overly sweet, or excessively salty foods, as they contribute to internal dampness and hinder immunity.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments for Spring Health

  • Adjust Sleep Schedule: Sleep early and wake up early to align with rising yang energy.
  • Engage in Moderate Exercise: Practices such as Tai Chi, walking, and Baduanjin (Eight Brocades) help strengthen the immune system.
  • Enhance Immunity: Daily foot soaking and acupoint stimulation (especially Taiyuan) can help prevent seasonal illnesses.
  • Manage Stress: Avoid excessive emotions or irritability, as they can negatively impact liver and spleen health.
  • Prevent Dampness Accumulation: Wear breathable clothing, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated, and avoid staying in excessively humid environments for prolonged periods.

Summary

The 2025 Spring Health Preservation Guide integrates Singapore’s climate conditions, the potential influence of La Niña, and the characteristics of the Year of the Snake. The focus is on balancing liver energy, strengthening the spleen, reducing dampness, and preventing respiratory infections to ensure a smooth transition into spring.

Join our live Zoom session on February 4 to learn more!

Wishing everyone good health, adaptability, and a smooth journey in the Year of the Snake!

Dr. Clement Ng Shin Kiat

Edited: 02/02/2025

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