Ancient healing practices and their relevance today in Mongolia.

In Mongolia, springtime can be a bit tricky. The weather changes its mind a lot – one day it's cold, the next it's warm again. This back and forth can make our bodies tired as they try to keep up. When our bodies are busy adjusting, our natural defenses, what we call our "immune system," might not be as strong as usual.

Because of this, Mongolians have learned ways over many years to help their bodies stay healthy during springtime. These old ways of healing are still important today.

Helping People Stay Strong the Old Way

One big way is using herbs. Mongolia has many special plants that people have used for a long time to feel better and stronger. For example, they might use sea buckthorn berries, which are full of good things that help our bodies fight off sickness. Other herbs like licorice root can soothe throats that might get sore from the changing weather. People make these herbs into teas to drink or sometimes use them in other ways.

Besides herbs, there are other old ways to help the body:

• Acupuncture: This involves putting very thin needles into certain spots on the body. It's believed to help the body's energy flow better and can make people feel healthier overall. This practice came from other parts of Asia but has become a part of Mongolian tradition.

• Moxa: This is when they burn a special dried herb near certain points on the body. It feels warm and is thought to help with blood flow and make the body stronger against sickness, especially when the weather is unpredictable.

• Traditional Massage: Special ways of rubbing and pressing on the body have been used for a long time to help muscles relax, improve blood flow, and just make people feel better in general. This can help the body deal with the stress of changing weather.

• Warm Drinks and Foods: Mongolians often drink warm teas and eat warm, nourishing foods, especially when it's still cold in the spring. This helps keep the body warm from the inside and gives it energy to stay strong. Soups with meat and sometimes herbs are common.

• Keeping Warm: Even when the sun comes out, the mornings and evenings can still be cold in spring. Dressing in layers to stay warm helps the body save its energy instead of using it all to stay warm.

Taking Care of Animals Too

It's not just people who feel the changes in spring. Herders in Mongolia, who look after animals like sheep, goats, cows, and horses, also know this time of year can be tough on their animals. Just like people, the animals' bodies have to work hard to adjust to the changing temperatures.

So, herders have their traditional ways to care for their livestock in the spring. This might include giving them special foods or herbs to keep them healthy and strong during this time when they might be more likely to get sick. They watch their animals closely to make sure they are doing well as the weather shifts.

Old Wisdom for a Healthy Spring

The traditional ways of healing in Mongolia show how much people understand their land and how it affects their health, and the health of their animals. By using simple, natural methods like herbs, acupuncture, moxa, massage, and warm foods, both people and their animals can get the extra support they need to stay healthy and strong during the up-and-down weather of springtime. This old wisdom is still a valuable part of life in Mongolia today.