Chilly Minor Cold | A touch of spring replaces the year's fragrance

At 23:04 Beijing time on January 5, 2023, the "Minor Cold" solar term will arrive. The arrival of Minor Cold marks the beginning of the severe cold period with ice and snow in most parts of China, with frequent strong cold air activities and a significant drop in temperature. Although Minor Cold is cold, people can also feel the budding of spring. The ancients said: during the Minor Cold period, wild geese migrate north, magpies build nests, and pheasants call. The birds already know the atmosphere of the coming year; after this cold period passes, spring warmth will quietly arrive.

The old year is nearing its end, and the new year is about to begin. According to the Gregorian calendar, Minor Cold is the first solar term of the year. With the arrival of the cold winter, spring is no longer far away. At this time, strong cold air and cold waves are frequent, making it the coldest period of the year. Based on life experience, people believe: "Minor Cold is colder than Major Cold, often seen but not rare."

Many proverbs reflect people's habit of predicting the next spring's weather based on Minor Cold weather. For example, "Minor Cold is cold, Awakening of Insects is warm. Minor Cold warm, then comes the spring cold," and "Minor Cold and Major Cold with big sun, next spring will freeze the cattle to death." This means that only when Minor Cold and Major Cold are "thoroughly frozen" can the next spring warm up smoothly.

But the cold weather cannot stop people from enjoying life and preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival. As Minor Cold arrives, the festive atmosphere grows stronger. People start busy writing Spring Festival couplets, cutting window paper-cuts, going to markets to buy New Year paintings, colorful lanterns, firecrackers, incense, and so on, gradually preparing for the Spring Festival.

The reason for the cold around Minor Cold is that strong cold air and cold wave fronts are frequent, causing drastic changes in meteorological elements such as air pressure, temperature, and humidity. People often find it hard to adapt and may catch various illnesses. Dietary supplementation can help nourish the body.

Minor Cold Delicacies

As the saying goes, "Supplement in the three nines of winter, no illness next year." Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the coldest solar term is when yin evil is most vigorous, so the diet should focus on "warming and nourishing" to defend against the cold. Eating foods with higher calories can improve resistance and fend off the severe cold, with mutton being the most common; beef and various nuts are also favored Minor Cold foods. Radishes are rich in nutrients and have effects such as clearing heat, resolving phlegm, promoting fluid production, and relieving accumulation. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled, and stewed with mutton or ribs for a unique flavor. Additionally, a large intake of vitamins, trace elements, and dietary fiber is recommended. Cabbage, apples, and pears are also excellent choices on the Minor Cold menu.

Minor Cold Health Preservation

[Cold Protection and Warmth]

During the Minor Cold solar term, keeping warm is the most important, especially for areas prone to cold such as the shoulders, neck, and feet. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "cold causes stagnation and contraction." If people do not add clothes and bedding in time, their resistance may decrease, causing dysfunction in organs such as the heart, stomach, and lungs, and even triggering bronchitis, stomach pain, coronary heart disease recurrence, joint pain, cough, rheumatic arthritis, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Elderly people should also pay attention to ventilation while keeping warm.

[Appropriate Exercise]

A folk saying goes: "Move a little in winter, have less illness; be lazy in winter, take more medicine." The Minor Cold solar term is a good time for people to strengthen exercise and improve physical fitness. However, exercise should be moderate and gradual, avoiding excessive sweating; clothing should focus on warmth, lightness, softness, and fit; and it is best to pay attention to cold protection. Due to the cold weather, intense exercise is not suitable during Minor Cold. Recommended gentle-paced exercises include Tai Chi, jogging, and walking. Exercise time should be about one hour. It is suggested to exercise after the sun comes out.

[Optimistic Spirit]

For mental health, try to maintain smooth and optimistic moods, avoid forcing fame and fortune, use the brain reasonably, always stay happy, keep a peaceful mindset, uplift the spirit, and find joy in daily life.

Minor Cold has arrived, the weather is cold but people are warm-hearted. Together in the warmth of everyday life, we cherish the purity and warmth of life. Wishing you health and well-being!