When spring arrives, so does that overwhelming drowsiness. Some of us reach for an iced coffee, while others hit the gym to shake off the fatigue. But these modern solutions only offer temporary relief. If we truly want to stay energized, why not take a page from ancient wisdom? From the traditional lifestyle of "rising with the sun and resting at dusk" to the proactive health philosophy of "preventing illness before it arises," our ancestors mastered the art of well-being. Let's explore their secrets through ancient artifacts and uncover seasonal health tips that still applies today.
Spring: Wake Up Your Body with Daoyin Exercises
The Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), an ancient Chinese medical text, states: "In the three months of spring, one should go to bed late and rise early, take walks in the courtyard, and embrace the vitality of the season." This advice highlights the essence of spring wellness—waking up early and engaging in physical activity to rejuvenate the body.
Over 2,000 years ago, people already practiced a form of breathing-based exercise known as Daoyin (导引), an early form of qigong. The Daoyin Tu (导引图), an ancient scroll excavated from the Mawangdui (马王堆) Han tombs, depicts 44 figures performing various poses, illustrating a well-established fitness routine among commoners. The images show people in diverse attire—some in long robes, others in short skirts or shorts, and even a few bare-chested—all sporting traditional hair buns or headscarves.
Each of these 44 movements serves a unique purpose in promoting health. Take the "Looking Up and Breathing" pose (仰呼 yǎng hū), for example: the chest expands as the practitioner leans back, raising their arms while inhaling deeply. This movement strengthens the heart and lungs, aligning perfectly with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "guiding energy through physical form."
Summer: Beating the Heat with Ancient Refrigeration
While spring is about movement and awakening, summer is all about cooling down. The Chu Ci (楚辞), an ancient collection of Chinese poetry, vividly describes how the nobility of the Chu state (楚国) enjoyed chilled drinks in the sweltering heat: "Cold beverages, refreshing and pure, soothe the summer's heat." But how did they manage to keep drinks cool without modern refrigeration?
The answer lies in two remarkable bronze artifacts: the Ice Chest with Dragon Handles (错金嵌松石龙耳铜方鉴) and the Bronze Wine Vessel (铜方罍). These two items worked together as an ancient cooling system. Ice blocks were placed inside the ice chest, while the wine vessel sat within it, chilling the liquid inside. Imagine the sheer pleasure of sipping an ice-cold drink on a scorching summer day, long before the invention of refrigerators. This ingenious method of cooling beverages offers a glimpse into the resourcefulness of our ancestors.
Autumn: Nourishing the Body with Lamb Dishes
As autumn arrives, the air turns crisp, and it's time to shift from cooling down to nourishing the body. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes "autumn and winter nourish the yin" (秋冬养阴), and lamb has long been prized for its warming properties.
Evidence of this dietary tradition is found in the burial records of the Mawangdui tombs, which document various lamb dishes, including lamb soup, cured lamb, and marrow cakes. The Han Yangling (汉阳陵) mausoleum also unearthed over 400 ceramic models of sheep, highlighting the importance of this ingredient in ancient cuisine.
One of the most iconic cooking vessels of the time was the Tao Li (陶鬲), a clay pot with three hollow legs. Its design allowed for even heat distribution, making it perfect for slow-cooked stews. As flames flickered beneath the pot, lamb and other nourishing ingredients simmered into a rich, aromatic broth. This wasn't just food—it was a tangible expression of the seasonal wisdom recorded in classical texts like the Book of Rites (《礼记》), which emphasized eating in harmony with the seasons.
Winter: Embracing the Seasonal Rhythm
Spring for outings, summer for shade, autumn for study, and winter for cozy gatherings—this natural rhythm is beautifully illustrated in Four Seasonal Landscapes (四景山水图), a Southern Song (南宋) painting from the Palace Museum (故宫博物院).
In the Spring Scene, two travelers chat cheerfully while leading a donkey along a riverside path, surrounded by blossoming flowers and willow trees swaying in the breeze.
The Summer Scene depicts a scholar reclining in a pavilion, enjoying the cool shade as lotus leaves float gently in the water below.
In the Autumn Scene, a scholar sits by a window, gazing at distant mountains while a delicate incense burner and books lie on the table—an embodiment of deep contemplation.
The Winter Scene showcases a snow-covered courtyard. A woman peeks outside, seemingly wondering whether the snowfall will intensify.
These simple yet profound images capture the essence of seasonal living, reflecting the ancient belief in "harmony between humans and nature" (天人合一). Their wisdom reminds us that wellness isn't about resisting nature but flowing with it—like a river that breaks through ice in spring and slows to a quiet stream in winter. By embracing the rhythm of the seasons, we, too, can find balance and vitality in our modern lives.
