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Feeling Tired? It’s the "February Roller Coaster" (San-kan-shion)

Do you feel like your body can't keep up with the weather lately? For many foreign residents, February in Japan feels like a temperature roller coaster.

In Japanese, we have a specific word for this chaotic weather: "San-kan-shion" (三寒四温).

What is "San-kan-shion"?

It literally means "Three Cold Days, Four Warm Days." This is the rhythm of the Japanese spring. Cold winter air and warm spring air clash against each other, causing the temperature to swing wildly every few days.

While this phenomenon signals that spring is coming, it acts as a severe "stress test" for our bodies. Our internal thermostat (the autonomic nervous system) gets confused by the constant changes, leading to physical and mental instability.

Symptoms of "Spring Fatigue"

Just like "Summer Heat Fatigue" (Natsubate), we also have "Spring Fatigue." Common symptoms include:

• Headaches and dizziness

• Stubborn stiffness in the neck and shoulders

• Feeling heavy or unmotivated all day

• Catching a cold easily

• Feeling irritable or anxious

How to Survive this Season

Your autonomic nervous system is exhausted right now. Here is my advice as an acupuncturist to help you recover:

1. Dress like an Onion (Layering) Don't rely on just one thick coat. Wear layers so you can adjust to the temperature changes immediately. Also, the neck is a sensitive spot. Keep it warm with a scarf or muffler to prevent chills.

2. Take a Bath, Not Just a Shower I know many of you from Europe or other regions prefer showers, but in Japan, soaking in a tub is crucial for health. Unlike the dry climate of Europe, Japan is a humid country. To adapt your body to this environment, soaking in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes is very effective. The water pressure and heat help relax your nervous system deeply.

3. The "Ear Massage" Many people suffer from headaches due to barometric pressure changes (low pressure) in February. Try gently pulling and rotating your ears while in the bath. It improves blood flow around the head and feels very refreshing!

Summary

February's environment is harsh, reflecting the strict side of Japanese nature. However, beyond this harshness waits the beautiful Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season.

Let's take good care of our bodies now so we can welcome spring with a smile. If you are feeling unwell, let's get through this Japanese winter together!