Spring fatigue - why you're so exhausted right now
Ask the Yellow Emperor
Qí Bó | Dr. Weber | The Yellow Emperor Huangdi
The big yawn
The Yellow Emperor: „Qi Bo, a strange phenomenon: the days are getting longer, the sun is returning - and yet my subjects are complaining of leaden tiredness. Shouldn't they be flourishing like nature?“
Qi Bo: „Majesty, that is precisely the paradox of spring fever. Imagine a river that has been under ice all winter. Now the ice is beginning to melt. The water wants to flow - but the melting takes energy. The river is in motion, but not yet free.“
Dr. Weber: „That's a perfect metaphor! Scientifically, this is exactly what happens: the body has to change its entire hormonal system. It has been producing melatonin - the sleep hormone - all winter. Now it has to switch to serotonin - the happiness and wakefulness hormone. This changeover takes weeks and requires enormous amounts of energy.“
The Yellow Emperor: „So tiredness is a sign of change?“
Qi Bo: „That's how it is. In TCM, we call this time the transition from the water element to the wood element. The kidneys have given their all over the winter. Now the liver awakens and wants to move the Qi upwards and outwards. But when the reserves are empty, the awakening stops.“
Why now?
The Yellow Emperor: „Explain to me in more detail: what happens in the body during this transition period?“
Qi Bo: „Your Majesty, liver qi is like a young shoot in spring. It wants to grow upwards, spread out, flow freely. But after the long winter, this rising Qi encounters resistance: the cold has not yet completely disappeared. The kidney essence is exhausted. The center is weakened by the heavy winter food.“
Dr. Weber: „Science confirms every single point. After months with little sunlight, vitamin D stores are empty - this has a massive impact on energy and mood. The blood vessels, which have contracted in winter, now dilate - blood pressure drops, we feel listless. And the metabolism has to switch from winter mode to spring mode.“
The Yellow Emperor: „So the body is fighting on several fronts at the same time?“
Dr. Weber: „Exactly! Hormone changes, vascular adaptation, changes in metabolism - all at the same time. No wonder we're tired. The body is working hard right now, even if we're just lying on the sofa.“
Qi Bo: „The old masters knew that the transition is more exhausting than the state itself. It is not the deep winter that exhausts us - but the awakening from it.“
The two faces of spring fatigue
The Yellow Emperor: „Are there different types of this fatigue?“
Qi Bo: „Yes, your majesty. I see two patterns:
The first is the Empty-fatigue: The reserves are exhausted. The kidney jing is exhausted. The substance for awakening is lacking. These people are deeply tired, just want to sleep, have no strength for anything.
The second is the Stagnation fatigueQi wants to flow, but it is blocked. The liver qi accumulates. These people are tired AND restless at the same time. They want to, but they can't. They lie awake even though they are exhausted.“
Dr. Weber: „Fascinating! We make a similar distinction in modern medicine:
Some have a real State of exhaustion - Adrenal insufficiency, nutrient deficiency, the system is empty.
The others are ‚wired but tired‘ - Excited, but exhausted. Cortisol imbalance, the nervous system can't rest.“
The Yellow Emperor: „Two different problems that feel the same?“
Qi Bo: „Exactly. And they need different solutions.“
Freeing the river
The Yellow Emperor: „Good, now people need practical help. What advice do you have for this spring fatigue?“
Qi Bo: „Three things, Your Majesty: Move the liver qi, strengthen the center, and gently guide the body into the new.“
Dr. Weber: „I add: fill up on light, boost your metabolism and give your body time to adjust.“
🌱 The 3-way method against spring fatigue
🌅 MORNING PROTOCOL (awakening liver qi)
TCM: The sour taste gently moves the liver qi. It opens without exhausting.
Science: Citric acid stimulates digestion and supports detoxification. The liver works at full speed at night - in the morning it wants to be „flushed out“.
Practical: A glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon, a pinch of turmeric and some black pepper. Drink before breakfast. Moves the Qi and warms at the same time.
🌞 TAGS-STRATEGY (light and movement)
TCM: Liver Qi loves movement and hates stagnation. Gentle stretching opens the meridians.
Science: Outdoor exercise is doubly effective: daylight stops melatonin production, exercise stimulates serotonin production. 20 minutes is enough.
Practical: Get outside for 20-30 minutes a day - even when it's cloudy. Ideal: a walk with conscious stretching. Side bends open the liver meridian.
🌙 EVENING RITUAL (gently come to rest)
TCM: Acupressure point liver 3 (Taichong) is the most important point against stagnation. It releases what has built up.
Science: Stimulation of this point activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the relaxation system. Perfect before going to bed.
Practical: Back of the foot, between the big toe and second toe, two finger widths towards the ankle. Massage both sides vigorously in a circular motion for 60 seconds. Also during the day in case of stress.
The insider tip: the liver loves expression
Qi Bo: „There's something most people don't know, Your Majesty: The liver hates suppression. Every swallowed emotion, every unspoken thought stagnates the qi.“
The Yellow Emperor: „So spring fatigue is also a question of feelings?“
Qi Bo: „Absolutely. Spring is the time of the wood element - and wood wants to grow, express itself, take up space. If you suppress your feelings, you block this natural impulse.“
Dr. Weber: „This is highly exciting from a neuroscientific point of view! Suppressed emotions activate the sympathetic nervous system - the stress system. The body remains on alert, even if there is no threat of danger. This costs enormous amounts of energy.“
Qi Bo: „The solution is simple: expression. Write, speak, move, be creative. Giving the liver qi an outlet releases the stagnation.“
Dr. Weber: „Studies show that just 15 minutes of expressive writing a day lowers cortisol levels and improves mood. The old masters knew this intuitively!“
✅ Instant check: what type of tiredness are you?
Rather empty fatigue?
- You could sleep all day
- You feel empty and insubstantial
- Even small tasks exhaust you
- You need build-up and nourishment
Rather stagnation fatigue?
- You're tired but can't sleep
- You feel inner restlessness and tension
- Your thoughts revolve
- You need movement and expression
TODAY you can: The Liver 03 point (Le 03) massage (60 seconds per side) and go for a 15-minute walk - no matter how tired you are. The exercise won't exhaust you, it will liberate you.
📊 Your 14-day spring test
BEFORE the 3-wise method:
Energy level in the morning (1-10): ___
Energy level in the afternoon (1-10): ___
Sleep quality (1-10): ___
Overall mood (1-10): ___
AFTER 14 days:
Energy level in the morning (1-10): ___
Energy level in the afternoon (1-10): ___
Sleep quality (1-10): ___
Overall mood (1-10): ___
🌱 Spring fatigue has two faces
Qi Bo: „Not all tiredness is the same. Some are empty - they lack substance. Others are blocked - their energy is pent up. Recognize your type and choose the right support.“
Qí Bó & Wolfgang recommend:
For the empty type: You are deeply exhausted, feel empty and could sleep all day. Winter has used up your reserves.
1st product of the month:
I.M.Unity — The power of three medicinal mushrooms
Qi Bo: „When the stores are empty, the body needs rebuilding - not stimulation. These three mushrooms nourish what the winter has used up.“
The ingenious 3-mushroom synergy:
- Ling Zhi (Reishi) 50% - The „longevity mushroom“, nourishes all yin organs and calms the mind
- Cordyceps 25% - The „energy mushroom“, strengthens kidney yang and builds up vitality
- Agaricus 25% - The „immune fungus“, activates the body's own defenses
Who is it ideal for?
✓ Those who feel empty and insubstantial
✓ Those who don't get going after winter
✓ Those who fall ill frequently and recover slowly
✓ If you want to build up your reserves sustainably
For the stagnation type: You are tired but can't sleep. Your thoughts are spinning, you feel inner restlessness. The energy is there - but blocked.
Product of the month: Relax & Deep Sleep - When the engine has overheated
Qi Bo: „The liver qi wants to flow, but it is blocked. This formula opens the gates and releases the dragon.“
The soothing mushroom-herb synergy:
- Hericium (hedgehog spiny beard) 10% - The „nerve mushroom“, calms the mind and regenerates the nerves
- Ling Zhi (Reishi) 10% - The „longevity mushroom“, relieves Qi stagnation and promotes deep sleep
- Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10% - The „royal root“, strengthens the center and regulates stress
- Dang Gui (Angelica) 10% - The „Blood Queen“, nourishes and moves the blood
- Suan Zao Ren 5% - The „sleep bringer“, THE classic sleeping herb of TCM
Who is it ideal for?
✓ Those who are tired but can't get to sleep at night
✓ Anyone who suffers from circles of thoughts and inner restlessness
✓ Those who are stressed and exhausted at the same time („wired but tired“)
✓ Anyone who has the feeling: „I want to, but I can't“
Wisdom to take away
The Yellow Emperor: „So spring fatigue is not a weakness, but a sign of change?“
Qi Bo: „That's right, Your Majesty. The body is working hard right now. It is saying goodbye to winter and preparing for awakening. This tiredness is not your enemy - it is the price of transformation.“
Dr. Weber: „And the good news is that we can support the body with the right measures. Light, exercise, expression - and patience. The changeover takes about 2-4 weeks. After that, the energy comes naturally.“
The Yellow Emperor: „What do you say to the people who are suffering the most right now?“
Qi Bo: „Be gentle with yourself. You are not lazy. You are not weak. You are a human being in the most challenging time of the year.“
Dr. Weber: „And: go outside. Every day. Light is the best medicine we have.“
The Yellow Emperor: „Then may the liver qi flow freely and the spring tiredness disappear. Spring is coming - a little more every day!“
Preview:
The Yellow Emperor: „In March, we focus on spring allergies - when pollen becomes a nuisance.“
Qi Bo: „We're going to talk about the Wei-Qi and the lungs - your first line of defense against external intruders.“
Dr. Weber: „I explain the histamine system and why some people react and others don't.“
The Yellow Emperor: „Until then - may your Qi flow freely and your awakening be gentle!“
About our „3 Wise Men“ story
Who are the Yellow Emperor and Qi Bo?
The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi, 黄帝) is said to have lived around 2600 BC and is regarded as the mythical founder of Chinese culture and medicine. Qi Bo was his most important advisor and personal physician. Their discussions about health, illness and human nature were recorded in the most important fundamental work of TCM.
The book: Huangdi Neijing
The „Huangdi Neijing“ (黄帝内经), also known as „The Yellow Emperor - The Fundamental Work of Traditional Chinese Medicine“, was probably written between 200 BC and 200 AD. It is the oldest surviving work of Chinese medicine and consists of dialogues between the Yellow Emperor and his advisors - mainly Qi Bo.
This work is to TCM what the Bible is to Christianity: the absolute foundation. All the important concepts - yin and yang, the 5 elements, qi, meridians and acupuncture points - are systematically described here for the first time.
Our modern approach: The 3 wise men
In our series „The 3 Sages“, we bring the Yellow Emperor and Qi Bo together with the fictional modern doctor and microbiologist Dr. Weber.
Important note: All three characters and their conversations are purely fictitious and invented by us.
We use this narrative form, similar to the dialog form in the book Huangdi Neijing, to convey the often complex relationships of TCM in an understandable and entertaining way. When the 4000-year-old emperor is confronted with modern science, enlightening „aha moments“ arise which show that ancient wisdom and new research often speak the same language: Ancient wisdom and new research often speak the same language - just in different words.
This makes TCM lively, understandable and practically applicable for your everyday life.
The dialogs are creative interpretations - not historical documents. For medical questions, please consult a qualified TCM therapist or doctor.
Spring reveals what winter has hidden.
Chinese proverb
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