To nourish the spleen and stomach after the frost, Chinese medicine is here to help!丨Seasonal terms and health

As the frost season arrives and temperatures begin to drop, how should we care for our spleen and stomach?

After the frost, there’s a noticeable chill in the air, making it easy to catch a cold, especially if we consume too many raw or cold foods or don’t dress appropriately. This cold can affect the yang energy of the spleen and stomach. Those with already weak digestive systems are particularly vulnerable, often experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and digestive issues. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of nourishing the spleen and stomach during this time. Proper nutrition during the winter can enhance the body’s ability to absorb and utilize essential nutrients, as individuals with weaker spleens and stomachs may struggle with “failure to absorb nourishment” due to internal imbalances of cold and heat.

During this season, it’s advisable to avoid raw fruits and cold salads. In everyday cooking, incorporating warm spices such as bay leaves, perilla, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg can enhance flavor while also helping to strengthen the spleen and stomach. A recommended dish is pumpkin and yam porridge—the yam is known for its ability to nourish the stomach, strengthen the spleen, and support kidney health, while pumpkin provides warmth, nourishment, and energy.

When eating, it’s crucial to ensure that food is well-cooked and to chew thoroughly. Traditional Chinese medicine advocates for this as a form of both “fire transformation and mouth transformation,” meaning that effective cooking and chewing can significantly aid those with weak spleens and stomachs.

In the practice of the Eight Brocade exercises in Chinese medicine, one particular movement focuses on “solely lifting for spleen and stomach adjustment.” This involves raising both arms to the sides and crossing them over the center of the abdomen, stimulating the spleen and stomach channels, which can promote gastrointestinal motility and regulate the yang energy of these organs. Additionally, warming your palms and massaging the center of the abdomen can enhance spleen and stomach function and replenish vital energy. Start with gentle abdominal massage and gradually increase pressure until warmth is felt for optimal effectiveness.