Preparing For The Seasons

Water never rests, neither by day nor by night. When flowing above
it causes rain and dew. When flowing below, it forms streams and rivers.
Water is outstanding in doing good. If a dam is raised against it, it stops
If way is made for it, it flows along that path.
Hence it is said that is does not struggle and yet it has no equal in destroying
that which is strong and hard.
Lao Tsu

In Traditional Chinese Medicine each of the five seasons is associated with an element in nature. Each of the five elements is associated with a different pattern of balance and imbalance.

Spring                  Wood
Summer                  Fire
Late Summer         Earth
Fall                       Metal
Winter                   Water

We are heading into winter, the time of Water. December 21 is the Winter solstice. It is believed that placing needles at certain points on the water channels will help your body-mind-spirit prepare for the change. Preventive medicine is the best kind.

Things that you may notice changing, appearing, or worsening during the time of Water are:

• Bones, bone marrow, the brain and spinal cord
• Knees
• The teeth
• The ears. Earaches, tinnitus, hearing problems and loss of hearing
• Loss of head hair, graying, brittle hair
• Lower back problems
• Water metabolism, edema (swelling) and the need for frequent urination

Things you can do to help conserve and nurture your energy during the winter months:

• Going with the natural flow of the season. Sleep later, go to bed earlier. Rest more. Don’t overwork yourself now.
• Having sex in moderation. Excessive sexual activity can deplete Qi.
• Eating well. By keeping the source of daily energy strong and balanced, energy is saved because the spleen and stomach can extract more Qi (energy) from food and drink. What Qi the spleen and stomach cannot manufacture has to be pulled from an irreplaceable store.
• Doing an energy practice. Practices like Qigong tune up the organs and balance the entire body, helping to heal health difficulties. By making the organs function more efficiently, Qigong reduces the amount of Qi your body uses on a daily basis.

Take care of yourself, keep warm during this time of change and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Call today to make your appointment for a seasonal treatment during the weeks surrounding December 21.

During the winter months, all things in nature wither, hide
return home, and enter a resting period, just as lakes
and rivers freeze and snow falls.
Nei Jing

When nature rests, so should we. Following natures’ lead
allows our energy to emerge balanced and harmonious in springtime,
the season of Wood.