December 7th, 2010. "Heavy Snow", the 3rd small winter season arrives

    Easy to understand that "heavy snow" is the upgrade of the last season "light snow". But here the word "heavy" means both the amount and area. Apparently it's going to be colder and more snow. We care more about how to live better in this season, and here are the "Yes" to go after and No"s to prevent for everyone.


    The 7 "Yes"s:

1. Stay warm: Common sense, winter is Yin season and we need to protect the Yin essence. It is necessary to stay warm but not too hot either. Especially do not sweat too much as sweat is part of the Yin essence and we need to keep it.
2. Work on the feet: keep the feet clean, change the socks often. Also it's the best time to do foot bath every night and work on the foot acu-pressure points you know. Walk some good distance everyday to give the feet some exercise. Also make sure to wear a right pair of shoes that are comfortable, light, warm and anti-moisture.
3. Drink more water: Although there is less water elimination in the winter, the brain and other body organ cell still need enough water in order to maintain it's function.
4. Balance the mind: It's the depressed feeling you need to avoid by doing some physical activities.
5. Keep the air fresh: As the windows are locked, the air in the house is more polluted. When there is a possible nice day, open a window and have some air exchange.
6. Congee-like type of food: Winter food should not be hard or cold. Congee or porridge are recommended. Eat warm congee-like food in the morning and less food for dinner to protect the stomach.
7. Go to bed early: Yang energy is precious in the winter, especially later at night. Try to sleep earlier and get up later. Sleep early for nourishing the Yang energy and get up later to solidify the Yin energy.

    The 10 "no"s

1. Falling: Especially for seniors and people with osteoporosis.
2. Stroke: Cold weather affects blood vessel and nerve system strongly. Plus in winter people sweat less, the volume of blood will increase, and this may cause higher blood pressure. If you happened to have any blood or heart related matter make sure be extra careful to maintain a good level, meanwhile be cautious about any foreboding of stroke such as acute vertigo, acute and sharp headache, blurry vision and numbness.
3. Heart attack: Similar to the reason for stroke, low temperature cause blood vessel contraction and increases blood consistency.
4. Stomach ulcer: Cold excites human nerve system. The autonomic nerve system stays "tight" often which may cause hyperacidity that damage the gastric.Therefore if you have had related symptom before, make sure to eat things are easy to digest, mild, warm and less greasy. 
5. Respiratory symptoms: This is a high season for common problems such as cold, coughing, and lung related issues.
6. Carbon Monoxide: if you use natural gas heating your home, make sure check the furnace regularly to make sure it functions well.
7. Hot shower: When it's cold we like to take a shower that is very hot. But long hot shower may cause collapse for someone who are already low in Yang energy, such as elderly and people who are recovering from illness. 
8. Outdoor activities: Make sure to warm up before you jump into the cold weather. The body needs some time to adjust itself for such a big temperature change, especially when you plan to do some exercise such as jogging.
9. Burns: Elderly and babies are less sensitive with temperature, if you are using things like electrical heating blanket or other similar items make sure they are comfortable with the temperature.
10. Inappropriate ways of  warm-keeping: Such as shutting all windows without enough air circulation or sleeping with your head covered.

    Everything I mentioned above are very general therefore not necessarily applies to everyone. I simply hope they can act as friendly reminders for you.

   Friends who live in the WNY area had already experienced some heavy snow in the "light snow" season. If our "prediction" about the warm winter is right, Lake Erie may stay open and provide more snow when the air travel from the west to the east. We don't know how heavy it will be in the "heavy snow" season, but it never hurts if you prepare for the worst.

  But no matter which part of earth you live, winter is always a season for "storing". The universe made the rule and we human beings are to work on how to fit in instead of going against.