Spring Time according to Unani Tibb

As the vibrant colors of spring blossom around us, it's essential to tune in to the rhythm of nature and understand how this season influences our well-being. In Unani Tibb, spring brings an increase in the presence of the humor "Dam" or blood humor. This increase affects individuals differently based on their constitution.

Here's a glimpse of how spring's arrival impacts different temperaments:

• Melancholics: Spring brings a boost in vitality for melancholics, who typically have lower levels of blood humor. It's a time when their spirits are lifted, and they feel a renewed sense of energy and optimism.
• Sanguines: On the flip side, sanguines, who naturally have higher levels of blood humor, might find spring challenging. The abundance of this humor can lead to feelings of restlessness or overstimulation.

But fret not! With the right approach to nutrition, hydration, and exercise, everyone can harness the rejuvenating power of spring. Here's how:

Diet & Nutrition

Eat Light and Refreshing Foods:

As nature blossoms with new life, our diets should mirror this rejuvenation by incorporating light and refreshing foods.

• Eat leafy greens, citrus fruits, and sprouts, to invigorate the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• For sanguines and cholerics especially, eat more cooling foods. As the spring comes, the weather becomes warmer. Cool your body with cooling food. This does not mean only eating cold food but incorporating more of it into your diet.
• Eat smaller meals - this will help your liver detoxify further.
• Incorporate liver-loving foods into your diet also - remember, spring is the "real" New Year. Help your liver strengthen gracefully with these protocols and not overburden it as the majority of people do with help set you on track for the year to come.

Fasting

Following the theme of rejuvenation, fasting is the best way to go.

Fasting can help improve metabolic health by regulating blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. By giving your digestive system a break during fasting periods, you allow your body to reset and optimize its metabolic processes, promoting better energy utilization and fat metabolism.

Also, by creating a calorie deficit during fasting periods, your body taps into stored fat for energy, leading to gradual and sustainable weight loss over time. In addition, Fasting triggers autophagy, a cellular repair process in which damaged or dysfunctional cells are broken down and recycled.

Chronic inflammation is common among so many people sadly. It is the root of so many conditions too, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

Fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation markers in the body, leading to decreased inflammation levels and improved immune function.

For science nerds, fasting helps cognitive functions by promoting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and increasing the availability of ketones as a fuel source for the brain. Fasting truly helps protect against age-related cognitive decline.

Hydration

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas. Hydration is crucial for flushing out toxins and maintaining optimal bodily functions. Herbal teas I recommend during springtime are dandelion, chicory root (also a fantastic coffee substitute), green tea, chamomile, and nettle tea.

Exercise

Focus on physical activity that aligns with the season. Outdoor activities like walking, jogging, or yoga in nature can invigorate the body and mind, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. This is important because it helps rejuvenate your body, helping you in all areas of your health from metal, and metabolic to fitness and overall wellbeing.

New Years

Spring, you could say, is the true New Year. It's where your body brings up new blood, your cells grow faster, and your mood uplifts after a dark winter. Embrace it and make it your own. Following the health tips and advice above will help you on your journey of becoming a better YOU and fostering a brighter version of yourself. Use the natural energy supply rejuvenating your body to rejuvenate your mind and heart and let it become a great start to your year ahead!

By Shifaa Khan

DISCLAIMER: Shifaa Khan's content is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship, nor a consultant-client relationship, nor a practitioner-client/patient relationship between Shifaa Khan and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. No presentation or communication shall expressly or implicitly bind any person or entity to any contract, agreement or course of conduct, or waive any part of this disclaimer and no one should rely on unverified claims that Shifaa Khan is part of any endeavor and all such reliance is expressly disclaimed.