December 21st-22nd, 2011, "Winter Solstice", the 4th small Winter season arrives

      In 2011, the season of "Winter Solstice" occurs at 5:30:01am UTC on December 22nd, that is 12:30:01am December 22nd Eastern time and 9:30:01pm December 21st Pacific time. Celestial longitude: 270 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

      Here are some additional information.

      So how do we nourish the precious newborn Yang energy? Actually, if we follow our energy’s own movement without interfering it, it will automatically appear, grow and take care of itself. Therefore the basic rule of nourishing the Yang energy is not to overuse it.

1. Less physical workout, stay calm. Even if you are very active, try to do less during this season. 
2. Try to go to bed earlier. This is not a new topic. But if you are not able to go to bed early, at least try to do less physical and mental activities. And definitely do not stay up overnight. Also, try to get up later as well. Ideally don’t get up until sunrise. On the other hand, some people may have hard time stay awake during winter time. According TCM theory, this can be the sign of low in Yang energy. Yang energy is like sunlight, only when the earth has enough sunlight, will there be life. Same thing for our body, if the Yang is low, then other life activities will be low as well. This is why normal sleep and rest is very important.
3. Let the sunlight warm your back. As sunlight is the main Yang energy source and the back is the Yang side of the body. 

      Here are the food remedy recommendations for different group:

1. For those who are low in Qi, signs include weak limbs, low voice, and easy to sweat: Eat food that are warm, include chestnut, carrot, beef, lamb, sea cucumber, shrimp, chive, black date, hazelnut, and walnut. 
2. For those who are low in Blood, signs include pale face, dizziness, palpitation, insomnia, and tinnitus: Eat food that nourish the blood, include longan, white wood fungus, duck, lily, and Chinese yam. 
3. If you are healthy and balanced, then simply stay balanced, and eat food that are balanced in energy as well such as pork, egg and bean product. 

      But don’t forget, at this moment our Yang energy is as young as a newborn baby. We cannot force it to grow fast, therefore don't over nourish but find your own energy rhythm and follow it.

      During the Yin-est time of the year, those who are low in Yang energy, especially middle-aged person and seniors need more care than usual. We talk about senior often, and here we will give more suggestions to the middle-aged. This is an in-between generation who needs to take care both the upper and lower generation. They live under more pressure, meanwhile their physical body and energy starts to wane. Therefore, how to live through the middle-age years has become more important to our senior life quality and longevity.

1. Cultivate the “spirit” and treasure the “heart”: Stay optimistic, don’t force life or constantly worry about personal gain and losses. Use the brain and body reasonably, and live a balanced life between active and dynamic. Learn to appreciate others, get a positive hobby such as music, reading, or art work outside the daily job. Also pay reasonable attention to your personal appearance. Look younger makes you feel younger.
2. Don’t over use the body: Although may be still in great shape, but you have to face the reality that your body is different from 20 years ago. Start to adjust yourself into a new life style that fits your physical age. 
3. Heath does not consist with intemperance. Not abstinency, but control, be the master of your own body. 
4. Food wise, follow the rules of “3 more and 3 less”: More protein, more vitamin and more fiber. Less sugar, less fat and less sodium. Eat regular amount of food at regular time.

      Again, depends on which time zone are you in, rest well on this day. If you are in day light when the solstice moment occurs, at least pull out one hour at this moment for yourself to just rest or meditate, give your new born Yang energy a easy transitional time to grow healthy into a fresh year.

December 7th, 2011. "Heavy Snow", the 3rd small winter season arrives

     In 2011, the season of "Heavy Snow" arrives on December 7th, same as last year. Celestial longitude: 255 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.
     
      As the outside temperature gets lower, we naturally wear more to keep us warm, but meanwhile, we also make the indoor temperature much higher. This can cause our body “fired-up”, in TCM this means symptoms like dry mouth, oral gum, skin breakout, constipation and sore throat. These are all caused by the harmful heat, but in TCM this heat is categorized differently as “excessive-heat” and “weak-heat”.

      “Excessive-heat” is the result of our energy loses its balance because of too much Yang energy, whereas “weak-heat” is the result of our energy loses its balance because of not enough Yin energy. Apparently, since the cause is different, they need to be treated differently. Usually if you feel very weak and tired while you are having the “fire” symptoms, you have the “weak-heat”. In that case, follow the rules of nourishing the Yin energy. For both kinds of “fire”, the same rule is to eat less or no hot and spicy food. White radish and Chinese cabbage (napa) are the ideal food to take.

       Drinking water is another essential and effective way to nourishing the Yin energy and reducing the “fire” in the body. Because every individual is different, there should not be a fixed amount of water we have to drink each day. But besides the water you drink when you are thirsty, it is recommended to drink some water during these time periods of the day particularly:

      1. When you wake up, for moisturizing the intestine.
      2. Around 5pm, for nourishing the kidneys Yin energy. 
      3. Around 9pm, for nourishing the heart Yin energy.

     I have mentioned and recommended white radish many times, here are just some information of why it is the great choice for this season:

1. White radish contains great amount of Vitamin C, it will help us to remove the body “waste” and improve the metabolism. It also contains lots of enzyme that absorbs the starch, helps with digestion and prevents stomachache and ulcer.
2. Radish has the natural spicy taste and natural anti-inflammatory function. Radish juice and its smell can help with sinus. Simply dip a Q-tip or a small cotton ball into the radish juice and put it inside of your nose for 5 minutes, 2-3 times per day.
3. For those who are going to celebrate the holiday with lots alcohol, radish is also one of the best food remedy for treating hangover. Peel the skin and eat it raw is the way.
4. Radish skin is good “pain killer”. For those who has joint or muscle pain, you can gather the radish skin then wrap them with a large piece of gauze, heat it up then place them at where your pain is.

      This is also the season when we start to get some strong wind. Two major diseases that usually related to the wind in some ways are rubella and urticaria. Although they are caused by different reason but they are both contagious and in a way connected with wind. Therefore, not only make sure you are dressed warm enough, but also “wind-proof” enough. Neck is the area where often got overlooked. A nice and warm scarf is just as important as anything else that keeps you warm. Many respiratory issues often start from the throat area. Use a long scarf to cover the neck, front and back of the chest area, where the lungs are, as well.

When "snow" meets "summer".

      As we are entering the season of "light snow", we are also entering the 6th section of the year, just a reminder if you have not read this article regarding the energy pattern of this year: 


      6th section (late November to late January 2012): Main energy is "cold water",guest energy is "young fire". Insects will not hibernate, water won't freeze, weather appears to be warmer and it can be another warm winter. People will also feel comfortable and will not get sick easy. But some may get too "excited" and not dress or behave accordingly.These people need to be very careful about getting the flu caused by the warmth (as the virus is hanging out around us in the nice weather as well). Eat more food that can put down the "heat", the best one is balsam pear （bitter cucumber）.


      Noticing the guest energy for the 2nd half of the year is also "young fire", therefore we are under influence of one "cold water" and two "young fire". As I have been feeling more south and east wind in the WNY area recently, we also had a rain storm on the "light snow" day, from the east. These are all signs of the guest energy "heat" is affecting us. And in general this applies to most of the temperate zone in northern hemisphere. Heat is the right and good energy pattern in the summer and spring, but if it shows up unexpected we need to be smart about it and act accordingly.


      The heart and the liver systems are two main "victims" of this strong guest energy pattern. Instead of resting and allowing the kidney doing the "storing" job, the liver and heart will get "excited". Our energy can "leak" out easy, and our lungs may gets too hot. This is when we catch the cold that caused by the warmth. Sounds crazy but this is the kind of cold or flu we catch usually in early spring or summer time. Signs are often sore throat ,yellow phlegm or nasal mucus, and red tongue fur.


      To prevent that. First make sure to maintain a calm mind, don't be affected too much by the weather change, even sometimes it seems to be a "good" change. Then eat less or no hot and spicy food, instead eat some foods that I recommended for fall seasons. I know some of you guys love outdoor exercises, but make sure do NOT force it when there is a windy day, no matter where is the wind come from and what's the temperature is.

November 23rd, 2011, "Light Snow", the 2nd small winter season arrives

      In 2011, the season of "Light Snow" arrives on November 23rd. Celestial longitude: 240 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

      As the weather is not too cold yet, many of us would not realize that it’s time to wear hat and scarf to protect our head and neck area. Head is called the “meeting area of hundreds of Yang energy”, in TCM. Our body heat “leaks” out from the head, and without the right protect of the head, our body is like a thermos water bottle without the cap. Therefore when going out, make sure to protect the head area, especially for seniors.

      The word “spirit”, which I have mentioned in various articles, is a direct literal translation of the Chinese character “神”, which may has many other meanings depends on the context. Here it refers to out mental and emotional activities. Most of our physical activities during metabolism requires regulations from our “spirits”, therefore makes our “spirits” easily “over-worked”. The best way to nourish and rest the “spirits” is to be calm and find the peace of your “heart” (mind). When the “heart” is at peace, our “spirits” are clear and in order, this will make our physical activities (blood and energy circulation) smooth and not being bothered or interfered by external harmful factors, so we are healthy. The theory is that simple. When comes to actual actions, it really depends on the individuals, but here some basic rules we all should follow:

1. Less desire. Desires, especially selfish desires toward things like money, fame and other external material, are root of so many harmful emotions such as frustration, anger, jealous, hatred, disappointment, desperation, etc. These emotions are causes of most of our physical problems. We all should learn how to “detach” from those unnecessary “goals” and “ wishes”, stop competing and comparing with others, realize what the true value of life is, try to understand the reality of gaining and losing, and appreciate what we have. Keep in mind that often our happiness is in others’ eyes. 
2. Learn to concentrate and be the master of our own mind. This colorful world takes our “spirits” away often. Lack of concentration has become so “popular”. How many times we actually realize our own existence? Do things that keep your occupied with your own minds, and do activities that require concentration to remove the harmful emotions and mental activities, so the right “spirits” will stay in your “heart”. 
3. Simply, make yourself happy. Easy to say, and not hard to do. Stop reading dramatic novels or depressing news. Instead pick up a funny movie and enjoy that.

      

      Here are also some tips for daily life not only for this small season, but also the entire winter season:

1. Cold water to wash the face. In cold days, our capillary vessel in the face contracts more. Using hot water to wash the face will open these capillary vessels. This will make us feel warm and comfortable, but when the heat is gone, these vessels will close again. The repetitive of “open-close” and speed up the aging process of the skin. 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) is the ideal temperature. Do that in the morning, it will clear our mind, increases blood circulation in the face and nose area, protect us from catching cold and make the skin more flexible. 
2. Warm water to brush the teeth. Oral mucosa is very sensitive to temperature. Extreme water temperature will harm gum and teeth in a long run. Using water same as our body temperature to wash the mouth and brush teeth is recommended. 
3. Hot water to bath the feet. This is an old topic and I have talked about it for many times. Too many benefits to mention. (Please check my other articles for detail). 

      Winter is the kidney season, besides those I have mentioned in previous articles, take more foods that nourish kidney in general include black sesame, seaweed, black rice, black bean, black wood fungus, all other black color foods, whole grain bread, spinach, mushroom, fermented food.

      Dry season has ended and now we are entering the 1st “cold season”, so the basic rule is clear, stay warm and balanced.

November 8th, 2011, "winter commences", the 1st small Winter season arrives

       In 2011, the season of "winter commences" arrives on November 8th. Celestial longitude: 225 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.
  
      Winter is the season when Yang energy starts to sink and hide, and Yin energy starts to rise and dominate. As part of the universe, our body energy will do the same. How well do we preserve our energy determines how good will our health condition be in the following spring. So in order to merge into the universal energy, we need to follow the rule of “close” and “store” to protect the Yang energy and nourish the Yin energy, so our energy can “born” and “rise” again next spring without any problems.


       In Chinese traditional folk culture, the day of "winter commences" is the best time to “intake” or eat great stuff for a day in plain saying. People believe that to eat the best you can in this day can benefit you for the entire winter. Because when we enter the cold winter, our metabolism will slow down and our body “burn” less energy. Therefore the nourishing food can be processed into human energy and stored in our body. The extra energy we store will strengthen our fundamental energy and immune system. Also, high energy food can be balanced by the cold energy of winter thus cause less or no “fire” issue. The “winter commences” day is considered as the transitional moment between Yin and Yang energy. This is the day when our body can process and absorb easy, therefore the “winter nourishing” starts from the “winter commences” day. But in reality we need to be smart about the "intake". We often see people eat a lot of things that considered "nourishing", but get ill from them instead. Because just like everything else, there are basics “rules” for winter nourishing as well. In general, before we start the high energy food, we need to prepare our digestion system. Without the healthy digestion system, you will become a victim of a common concept as “too-weak-to-nourish”. If you have been following our seasonal health tips for a while then you should be ready. Otherwise, drink some hot soup that made of meat, and some millet soup as the “lead” of the winter nourishing process. 


According o TCM theory, there are four aspects can be nourished:

1. Qi-nourishing: This is for people who are low in Qi. Symptoms include short breath, sweat easy after simple movements, low voice, drowsiness, cannot concentrate or focus. Food remedies for these people include rice, sticky rice, peanut, Chinese yam, jujube, carrot, soy milk and chicken.
2. Blood-nourishing: This is for people who are low in blood (quality and quantity). Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, heart-throb, insomnia, face shows yellow and earthy color, pale lips, and period issues for women. Food remedies for these people include animal liver, longan, lychee, mulberry, black wood fungus, spinach, carrot, pork, and fish.
3. Yang-nourishing: This is for people who are low in Yang energy. Symptoms include cold hands and feet (always), very low in cold tolerance, lower back soreness, getting up often during sleep to urinate, weak and low in sexual desire and functions. Food remedies for these people include lamb, shrimp, deer meat, walnut, chive, goji berry (lycii), and eel.
4. Yin-nourishing: This is for people who are low in Yin energy. Symptoms include red and warm cheeks, hot palms and sole centers, night sweat, afternoon low fever, increase of leukorrhea for women. Food remedies for these people include white and black wood fungus, pear, milk, egg, grape, napa.

      Here please be informed that the food mentioned above are just recommendations, you must choose wisely according to your own health condition. For those who are healthy and strong, excessive nourishing can cause negative effects such as dry mouth and nose bleed. For those who have cold, fever or coughing symptoms, make sure to treat these issues before even considering additional nourishing. For senior, be extra careful on foods that are high in fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate and stay with mild food. Also, for TCM, the term nourishing usually means “to add”. However, people today usually are not low in nutrients, but off balanced. Using food remedies to adjust the nutrient balance can be done all year round. So for winter nourish, the basic principle is to balance, follow the rules of “nourishing the Yin energy”, “do not disturb the Yang energy”, “add what you are low in, and warm up the body”. Make sure the “targets” are clear and you must remember, more does NOT equal to good. Before you take anything new to you, consult your doctor or dietitian to make sure the food will not cause any issues for you. 


      Besides eating enough fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, the main directions for winter food in northern areas (cold areas) are high energy food, also known as “warm-nourishing”. The purpose is to add more Yang energy to prevent cold related symptoms. Eat food such as walnut, large jujube, longan, animal liver, eel, sea shrimp, potato, beef and lamb (lamb is my personal favor all year round, although for sure it works the best in cold season); On the other hand, in southern areas (warmer areas) it is better to take foods that are fresh, clear, mild and warm, also known as “mild nourishing”. "Mild nourishing” has two meanings, one is to use foods that are not too hot or too cold to nourish, such as brown rice, corn, fruit, vegetable, bean, napa, pork, chicken, duck and fish; It also means to use foods that nourish both Qi and Yin, or both Yang and Yin energy such as Chinese yam, honey, and goji berry. Also, another main factor in the southern area is high humidity mixed with heat. Observe your tongue fur to identify, as “yellow fur” indicates you are high in heat, and “thick white fur” indicates you are high in fluid (humidity). When seeing either of these symptoms, do NOT do food nourishing, instead go do some physical exercise to sweat the body to release the excessive heat and humidity.  For High land or mountain areas, since there is less rain and the air tends to be dryer, use “lite nourishing” food that are mild, cool, and moistening such as radish, white gourd, millet, apple, pear and rock sugar. No matter where you are , it is always safe and effective to eat foods that are grown locally.
   
  We have been talking about “intake”, now you can probably guess that what we should avoid is the opposite of it, “release” or over-use. Again, the key of winter is “storing” or “hide”, so here are some daily life tips we also need to follow:

1. Basic rule, do not make yourself too tired in any way, including working, playing and thinking,
2. Avoid heavy exercise and work, and try not to sweat too much,
3. Wear the right clothes according to day to day weather,
4. Drink (alcohol) less and reduce sexual activities,
5. Avoid detail orientated works (brain-hands works) such as typing, gaming, long driving, carving, knitting, etc. to rest the brain,
6. Follow the rule of “3-more, 3-less”, that’s more sleep, more calming, more peace, and less dysphoria, less shouting, less anger.

      Do not make your room temperature to high, if you sweat indoor, when you step out, there is a higher chance for you to catch a cold because your skin (pores) were wide open. In general this means to maintain a reasonable temperature difference between inside and outside, and do not “surprise” your body. This is especially important for seniors. Common cold and flu may not be server issues themselves, but they can lead to other fatal illness like ammonia, asthma and bronchitis. In general, use cool water to wash face and hot water to bath the feet is a method to maintain a good immune system for seniors and everyone else in the winter. Also, protect your back. TCM sees the back (Bladder meridian) as the main Yang energy section, and it is the “shield” of the body. If the back is harmed by cold, Yang energy is damage then many cold related symptoms may appear. So besides wear the right clothes to cover the back, when there is a sunny day, “bath” your back in the sun, this will help with strengthening our Yang energy and keep us warm and healthy in the cold days. 

A nice article to share

      We Received this article couple days ago, and I did a rough translation from the original Chinese text. This is a short article contains many aspects that I believe we can all somewhat relate to in today's life, so I feel it's worthy sharing.
      
      Like water becomes the shape of the container, I will simply "pour" this into your "cup". Hope you can enjoy, and get your own shape out of it.


" 'Someday', maybe not"
by Yue Sun
Translated by Cedric Q. Sun


Today, our house is getting bigger, but family is getting smaller;
Life is getting more convenient, but we have less and less time;
We earn higher degree, but lose more common sense;
We have more knowledge, but worse judgement;
There are more experts, and more problems;

We have more medicine, but worse health;
We spend more, enjoy less;
We drive faster, get angry faster;

We go to bed later, but read less, too much TV, less prayer;
We own more properties, but less value;
Too much talking, less caring, and more lies;
We learnt how to make a living, but didn't establish a life;
We add time to our life, but don't add life to our time;
Our building gets taller and taller, our EQ gets lower and lower;
Roads are wider, views are narrower;
We buy more, own less;
We purchase more, enjoy less;
We can go to the moon, but cannot visit the neighbor next door;
We can conquer the outer space, but cannot manage our inner mind;
We can fission nuclear, but cannot dissolve prejudice;
We do more writing, but less study;
More plan, less accomplishment;
We learnt to be busy, bot not to wait;
Our income increases,but morals decreases;
We produce more computers, control more information, make more copies, but lose our communications;
Our quantity increases, but quality decreases.
This is the era when fast food causes indigestion;
Superior body coexists with inferior character;
More leisure but less happiness;
More food but less nutrient;
More double income family, and more divorces;
More luxury mansions, and more broken families.
I suggest, in a era like now, do not reserve yourself for special occasions only, as every day is a special occasion for you.
Read more, pursue knowledge,enjoy the view from your porch，don't be indulged in fulfilling your desires.
Spend more time with your family and friends, enjoy good food, and visit places you like.
Life is not only to survive, but a chain of enjoyments.
Take your goblet out, don't save your best perfume, use it whenever you want.
Remove "someday", "one day" from your vocabulary.
Go write the letter that you thought you would write "someday", now.
Tell our family and friends how much we love them, now.
Don't pull off anything that brings happiness and joy, do it, now.
Everyday, every hour, every minute is special, and you never know if that may be your last moment.
If you are too busy to share this article with your loved ones, you tell yourself, I will do that "someday".
Trust me, "someday" you may not have the chance anymore.

The following is the original Chinese text:


"等到有一天" 你或許沒有機會
 - 作者：孫越


在今天，我們的房子越來越大，但是家庭越來越小。
生活越來越方便，但是時間卻越來越少。
我們的學位越來越高，常識卻越來越少。
知識越來越多，判斷力卻越來越差。
我們有更多的專家，但是也有更多的問題。
醫藥越來越好，但健康越來越少。
我們花費太多，歡笑太少。
車開得太快，火氣上來也更快。
睡得太晚，閱讀太少，電視看得太多，而且禱告太少。
我們所擁有的資產倍增，但是價值卻遞減。
我們學習如何經營生活，但沒有建造生命。
我們在生命中加增歲月，卻沒有在歲月中增長生命。
我們有越來越高的建築，但也有越來越低的EQ。
有更寬廣的高速公路，但有更狹窄的視野。
我們花費得更多，但擁有的更少。
我們買得更多，但享受得更少。
我們可以登陸月球回來。但是卻無法拜訪對街的鄰居。
我們可以征服外太空。但是卻無法掌控內心世界。
我們可以分裂原子核，但是卻無法挪去心中的偏見。
我們更多書寫，卻更少學習。
更多計畫，卻更少成就。
我們學會忙碌，但學不會等候。
我們的收入更高了，但道德更低了。
我們生產更多電腦，掌握更多資訊，複製更多拷貝，但我們的溝通卻更貧乏。
我們的數量提高了，品質卻降低了
這是快速食品充斥卻消化不良的時代。
高大的身軀與低劣的性格並存的時代。
更多休閒卻更少歡樂。
更多食物卻更少營養。
更多雙收入家庭，但更高的離婚率。
更多千萬豪宅，但卻更多破碎的家庭。
我建議，在今天這樣的世代，你不要保留任何事情到特殊的場合才做，因為你活著的每一天都是特殊場合。
勤加閱讀，追求知識，坐在你家的前廊上欣賞自然美景，無需汲汲營營於生活需要。
多花時間與家人及好友在一起，享受喜歡的食物，到你喜愛的地方去遊覽。
生命不只是為了存活，而是一連串愉快事件組成的的鏈條。
將你的水晶高腳杯拿出來，不要將妳最好的香水存起來，任何時候你想要用的時候就用它吧。
把「有一天」「將來的某一天」，從你的字典中刪除。
現在就去寫那一封，你曾經想過要等到「有一天」才來寫的信。
讓我們現在就告訴我們的家人我們多愛他們。
不要將會帶給你歡笑及喜樂的任何事情拖延到未來。
每一天，每一小時，每一分鐘都是特別的，而且你不知道那是否是你的最後一刻。
如果你太忙，以致於無法將這封信傳給你所愛的人，你告訴自己說，「等到有一天」我再傳。
那請你相信我 "等到有一天" 你或許沒有機會傳了。

October 24th, 2011, "Hoar Frost", the 6th/last small Autumn season arrives

      In 2011, the season of "Hoar Frost" is arriving on October 24th. For most of the seasonal information please read this article.

      Here are some additional information:


      In this small season, people who have or had asthma need to be extra cautious. According TCM theory, asthma usually started from the cold-wind or hot-wind damage, if the patient was not treated correctly or in time, there will be cold left and hide inside of the body, and that is considered as the root of asthma. When temperature drops in this season, the cold air can “trigger” the asthma easily. Naturally, to prevent cold from harming the body energy is a must. For asthma patients, the major area to be protected is the upper back (lower neck and shoulder blades area). Make sure to adjust the clothes according to the weather so you don’t catch cold either. Meanwhile, to fully treat asthma, you also need to work on removing the internal cold from the body. So eat less or no cold food or drink, make sure drink more warm water. The lungs, spleen and kidney are the three organs that related to asthma, Chinese Yam, walnut and chestnut are the three major foods that nourish these three organs. Chinese yam can be steamed just like other vegetable and I’m sure you know how to eat walnut and chestnut. 

      Asthma is not the only issue that is caused by cold, so are many other common symptoms. I have mentioned in the past season that to “challenge” the cold in early fall is a good way to prepare yourself for the winter, this theory has expired in this season. If you have done that in the past seasons you have already done you job, if you have not then you need to be extra careful on add enough clothes. Also:

1.  Train and improve your immunity system by doing proper exercise such as walking, Tai Chi, yoga; 
2. Keep the internal warm by taking warm drink and food; 
3. Know the “vulnerable” body parts, which include feet, shoulders, belly, neck and knees, and keep them warm.

      Regarding food remedy, peanut is one of the great choices on warming up the stomach energy, when being used as remedy, they are better to be eaten with the red skin as it nourishes the blood and hair. But peanut is NOT recommend for people who

1. gets bruise and blood spots easy,
2. had partial or full gall bladder removal,
3. gets allergy from it.

      In traditional Chinese culture, autumn and winter are considered as seasons to “nourish” or “add”, meaning to eat nourishing food to store energy. “Hoar frost” is considered as one of the best small season to do so. People believe doing nourishing in this season is like building a strong foundation for winter nourishing, only if we have a solid foundation, can we do winter- nourishing and energy storing effectively. There are many foods we can choose from (see the linked article), but no matter what we choose, we must have a strong and healthy digestive system to process them. Again, back to the stomach-spleen system, there are many food remedies for the stomach-spleen system such as millet, barley, Chinese Yam, dates, string bean and beef. For this particular season, we also highly recommend Gordon Euryale Seed, as I mentioned earlier that we are in a transitional season between late autumn (stomach) and winter (kidney), and Gordon Euryale Seed nourishes both the stomach-spleen and the kidney system. Simply cook it as you do with oatmeal, but make sure to cook it long enough to make it “well done”. And as usual, even it is a good remedy for now, do NOT over eat, we recommend less than 50 gram per serve. Also, because it is somewhat puckery and has strong force of withdrawing, it is NOT recommended for people who is constipated and woman who just gave birth.

October 8th, 2011, "Cold Dew", the 5th small Autumn season arrives

      In 2011, the season of "cold dew" is arriving on the same day as last year. For most of the seasonal information please read this article.

      Here are some additional information:

      From this season, the cold energy often enters our body system from our feet. Therefore to keep the feet warm and healthy become important. One activity we can start to do from this season on is the foot bath. There are many benefits from the method include:

1. Remove the cold, warm up the entire body 
2. Increase body blood circulation, allay the tiredness. Especially after long time standing or walking, use this method can help the body to recover rapidly 
3. If you do morning exercise, use this method after your exercise
4. Do it before you go to bed will improve the quality of your sleep 
5. Helps with healing of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) 

      Although foot bath is great, here is also something else you need to know:

1. Find a good length for yourself. Usually 5-10 minute each time with one time hot water refill is suitable for almost everyone. You can do more refill and stay longer if you like, but do not exceed 30 minutes. As the blood circulation increase, the heart rate increases too and this may add too much work to the heart. Also as much more blood runs towards the lower body, it may decrease the blood amount in the brain, and this may cause dizziness or nauseous. If any of these symptoms occur, stop the foot bath immediately and rest in bed.
2. After dinner wait at least one hour before the food bath. Our blood needs to run to the digestion system after meals. If you do the foot bath too soon, the blood will run to the lower body instead. In a long run this will affect our digestion and absorption
3. The temperature of the water should not exceed 42 Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit). 

       Another simple way to exercise the feet is walking. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and walk in the nice weather till you feel warm. If possible this is also the best time of the year to hike. Hiking will not only provide exercise for your feet, it also helps you to eliminate the “autumn sadness” because it will cleanse the lungs energy in general. But make sure protect your knees as they are the vulnerable parts in these kinds of activities.

      Also, Eat more “soft and moisturizing” food such as sesame, sticky rice, honey, chicken, duck, beef, pork liver, fish, dates, yam and some dairy product. Meanwhile eat less dry and hot foods such as hot pepper, raw ginger root, garlic and scallion.

September 23rd, 2011, "Autumn Equinox", the 4th small Autumn season arrives

      The Autumn Equinox occurs at 9:04am UTC, that's 5:04am Eastern Time in US, on September 23rd, 2011. For general  information regarding this small season please see this article.


      Here are some additional information for the season of this year:


      I have been mentioning "dryness" for couple seasons, some of you might have already experienced some of the symptoms. If they were not severe enough to bother your daily life, then you don't have to worry too much about them. As our body needs some "challenge" to become stronger.


      There are in general 2 kinds of dryness, one is "warm dry", and the other is "cold dry". Dry symptoms that happen before the Autumn Equinox day are often caused by "warm dry", and those happen after the day are often caused by "cold dry". Different cause requires different solution. Food remedy is usually my first choice. For symptom caused by "warm dry", use pear as the solution. Pear is known for its functions of "reducing the heart fire, and moisturizing the lungs". Raw pear removes the harmful heat from the 6 Fu (hollow organs)and cooked pear nourishes the Yin energy of the 5 Zang (solid organs).

However because pear is cold in nature, it may not be suitable for everyone anymore after Autumn Equinox. So the solution for post Equinox day will be white radish.

White radish is warm in nature, juicy and slightly spicy. It "runs" the Qi (air/gas) inside of our body, so its juice will be carried around by the running Qi to moisturize our whole body. Most people can eat it except those who are very ill because the gas it generates may has negative effects for those people.


      Several major dry symptoms include coughing, constipation and dry skin.


      Like the dryness being different,autumn cough is also categorized into warm dry cough and cold dry cough. The easiest way to identify the difference is by observing the tongue fur. In general, white fur indicates the cold, and yellow or red fur indicates the warm. Easiest food remedy for cold cough is garlic water. Simply mince or smash the garlic and boil them (you can put a small piece of rock sugar if it's too spicy), drink the water while it's still warm. 2-3 times a day in small portion. Use coffee or tea (preferable U-Long tea for this season) to remove the smell in your mouth if needed. For warm dry cough, use cooked pear,preferable steamed pear to preserve the juice.


      Autumn constipation is considered as "seasonal", which is usually caused by dry lungs. Treating the lungs will be the solution for it. The number one food remedy for this will be "yin-er", often known as "white fungus" or "white wood mushroom".

I may have to say this is not a common American food, but you can find them easy in most the Asian markets, and they are very low at cost. They are dry before cooking and you can simply soak them for several hours then boil them with rock sugar till the white fungus becomes soft and the soup become sticky.


      So far, noticing that all the food I mention are in the same color---White, the color of "metal" and lungs. While you are eating them to help the lungs, make sure to eat less or no spicy foods such as hot pepper, onion, other strong spices or deep-fried food.


      The last part I want to mention is the skin. No surprise that the skin is also connect with the lungs. And skin quality depends on the "vaporization"  function of the lungs, which is a unique TCM term that includes many body functions. It is hard to explain, but at this moment we can understand it as: drinking the water-->absorbing the water-->transporting the water into our cells. Drinking is easy, but how much water actually is being "absorbed" then "transported" is the question. Therefore, the specialist who told you and your whole family to "drink a lot water" may NOT be right at this moment, it may even cause opposite effects (too much toilet-runs that makes you lose more water actually). Instead, moisturizing the lungs is preferred . Besides the food remedies I just gave, another simple method to directly "water" the lungs is "Inhale the Steam". Simply pour some hot water into a cup and inhale the steam, 10 minutes per session is enough. Of course, choose the right skin product for yourself is also necessary, I'm not knowledgeable in this field so I'll leave that part to you.

     Autumn is the season of "balance", and Autumn Equinox is in the center of the season. So keep yourself "balanced" is the general goal, which includes eating/drinking, physical activities and mental/emotional condition. It is also the season of harvest and storing. Starts now if you have not been doing so, trust me, you will need that extra "saving" for the winter.

September 8th, 2011, "White Dews", the 3rd small Autumn season arrives

      Happy "Anniversary"!
   
      I started my season blog last year at the same time, and "White Dews" was the first article I put down.

      This year, the season of "white dews" is arriving on the same day as last year. For most of the seasonal information please read this article.

      Here are some additional information I'd like to add.

      The name "white dews" came from the appearance of the dew on the ground and plants in the morning, this is the sign that the cold has arrived. This is a high season for allergy. The energy change is a big factor, also the food and drink. According to TCM theory, many allergy symptoms are rooted from the hidden "cold" inside the body. Therefore the simplest solution is to drink warm or even hot water instead of ice cold one. Also if you like tea, this is the good time to start drinking some black tea (actually black tea in western market is usually red tea, so you are drinking red tea), which is warm and nourishing in nature.

      Also, just a reminder,protect your belly area, day and night, in and out.Drink more warm drinks, cover yourself well at night and do not expose your belly anymore. Some ladies like to wear the sports bra during workout and jogging. Let me emphasize that we have past the time (especially in northern area) of using that. Change your gear into something that fits in the colder season. Our stomach cannot talk, so when it is cold, it will show by giving us some unpleasant trouble such as stomachache, flu and diarrhea.

August 23rd, 2011. "The End of Heat", the 2nd small Autumn season arrives

      "The End of the Heat" is the 2nd small Autumn season and the turning point for temperature. This is when the celestial longitude reaches 150 degree. Also this is the main harvest season, not only for farmers, if you have been taking care of yourself for the past half an year; it will be your season to "harvest" as well. 


      Although being the "end of the heat", when there is a bright day the highest temperature will be not less than in summer, this is also being called "autumn tiger" in China as well, because the heat will still "bite" like a tiger. However, during late night and early morning, we can really feel the "end" of the heat. The temperature difference will be greater and greater. Also as the farmers hate to see this season being too rainy, so does our body. Because as the heat is leaving us, the humidity is still around, we need to make sure to kick the excessive harmful fluid out of our body, so we will not be bothered by them in the winter. It may sounds contradicting, but this is also the season of dryness. Meaning we may get some health issues that caused by low moisture condition. So how does this make sense? Well, one simple example I often use is the question of "can a sailor thirst to death in the ocean?" Apparently the answer is "yes". Although being surrounded by water (salty), the sailor can still die by not having water (fresh). Got the idea? The "water" we mention here is different from one to another. 


      So the main points of this small autumn season are:

1. Greater temperature difference and unstable weather.
2. Excessive fluid from the past season in the body and harmful dryness from the new season.

      We have talked about the Autumn being the season that connects to our lungs energy, the foundation of a healthy body is the strong and healthy lungs (and large intestine) energy. So the basic principle is still making sure to protect the lungs energy. Here are some simple things we can do to reach that goal:

• Do NOT add too much clothes to fast. The purpose is to maintain a lower body temperature (not catching a cold, please) in this season.This will not only prepare you for the colder season that is coming, also help you with preserving and withdrawing the Yang energy. If the body is too hot, the heat (Yang energy) will have to exit, when there is heat exiting, there must be cold to replace it. However, as we mentioned, during late night and early morning or when the temperature drops, DO add clothes to protect yourself. Always, stay balanced.
• Protect the belly. Cover your belly well during sleep, even if the night happens to be warm. Cold air harms the stomach and spleen energy easy if you let them. I'm sure you have heard or experienced the consequences of stomach cold. Well known common sense, just a friendly reminder.
• Time to shut off the air conditioner, at least in your own room. Don't let "turn on the AC" becomes a habit. Turn is off at night is a must. During day time try not to use it, just open the windows and you will not only have the natural cool air, but also will have the fresh autumn energy to "air-cleanse" and remove the leftover harmful humidity and heat in your room from the past season.

      You can see all we trying to do is to make the body remain balanced. We also usually know this point as strong immune system. And another thing that can never be replaced is good sleep. Especially during this transitional season, mid-night sleep, and noon-nap if possible, becomes especially important as noon and midnight is the transitional time of the day. Some of us may not be able to fall asleep by midnight, I recommend you at least just go to bed and close your eyes. This way even though you are not asleep, you are not wasting or hurting your precious transitional energy either. 


      I have listed many kinds of food to take in autumn, please check my older posts for detail. Here I just want to repeat the main rule is, less spice and hot, more sour and smooth. During this small season some Chinese (especially for original Beijing resident, like myself) has the tradition of eating duck dish on the "End of the Heat" day (August 23rd for this year). I know duck is not a common dish for many people, but being a very nourishing kind of food I still recommended it. Right now is the good season to eat it as duck nourishes Yin energy well and the season of autumn and winter is the season to nourish the Yin energy (on the other hand, spring and summer is time to nourish the Yang). With strong Yin energy you will have what it takes to balance the dryness, it will not only smooth your body and energy, also your mind, there will be less frustration or sadness if your whole system is balanced and strong against the harmful energy. If you really have problem with the duck meat itself, duck soup is the alternative, of course if you can find them. 


      So, during this dry and unstable small fall season, maintain a stable mood, enjoy your moment of peace as the summer party is ending. So bring the energy back in to take care of it, so you can have more fun next year!

August 8th, 2011. "Beginning of Autumn", the 1st small Autumn season arrives

      From August 8th on, we have entered the season of Fall 2011. This is the first small fall season and the second rain season of the year. Fall is the season of harvest and withdrawing, in body organ it is connected with the lungs. The main character of the season is dryness.


      Being in between of summer and winter, fall contains energy patterns from both seasons and its own as well. In general it can be divided into 3 parts: early fall, mid fall and late fall.

• Early Fall: Also being called "prolonged summer", it carries the heat from the summer, mix with the humidity. During this time period the temperature is still high, lots rains, so we still need to make sure to avoid the harmful heat, make sure to hydrate the body, meanwhile be careful of the high humidity.
• Mid Fall: Less rain and dryer. Hot during the day but cold at night. The main harmful energy is dryness. Dryness hurts the lungs easy, therefore the important thing to do is to nourish the Yin energy, to moisturize the lung and strengthen the stomach. This is the time we will have dry skin, dry mouth, dry cough, hair fall or constipation. Make sure to maintain good humidity level indoor, drink enough water, avoid strenuous actives or over-working.
• Late Fall: Cold air arrives, combines with the harmful dryness. There may be cold wave to drop the temperature suddenly. It is a high season for many health issues such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, arthritis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Make sure to add clothes, especially for seniors and chronic patients. Also need to keep a positive mind and mood to avoid depression.

      Fall and winter are the seasons to nourish and preserve the Yin energy. In a sense, Yin energy can also be understood as all types of body fluid. Therefore in this dry season the first step to protect the Yin energy is to maintain a good body fluid level. We can reach that goal by drinking enough water. Also, fall is the time when mother earth offers us all the fruits, so this is the best time to eat some fruit to help the body as well. Many foods also helps with that goal, we will talk about that later on. Another simple way to acquire Yin energy is taking deep breath facing north, as the ancient Chinese believe South is Yang and North is Yin, so energy from north is also Yin.


      The autumn organ is the lung. Lung is like the autumn, which has the metal energy character. According to TCM theory, besides breathing, lungs' main function is controlling dispersing inward and outward, AKA "to rise" and "to drop". "To rise" is shown as sweating, coughing, tearing etc.; and "to drop" refers to the energetic function of lungs to help with urinating and defecating. The energy behind lungs' function comes from the "middle-Qi" or "central energy", which include the lungs and spleen energy.We acquire them through eating and breathing. Therefore to nourish and improve the lung energy becomes obvious and essential.

• Laughing and singing helps lungs to "rise": The emotion of sadness hurts the lungs. Therefore, try to maintain a happy mood, to laugh and sing can "open" the lungs and make the breathing system stronger and healthier.
• Cold training strengthens the lungs: This is strictly depends on the individual's health condition. Stronger people can do exercise in the cold weather, such as run and hike, to training the lungs and make it more durable. But this does not apply to anyone who is vulnerable to cold.
• Shower helps moisturizing the skin and lung: Since lung is connected with skin. To shower right will help to promote blood circulation and communication between lung and skin. The water temperature should be around 25 Celsius, and do not scratch or rub the skin too much.

      There is an old saying that "Cool wind arrives on the day of the beginning of Autumn". Although it is still going to take about another month for the heat to leave, we can start to sense the change of the nature. During this small season, the weather is unstable, one day can be hot and the next is cold. Even during the same day, there may be some cold and hot hours. Therefore make sure to be prepared. The wind is indeed cooler, and there will also be mist in the morning. We should start to adjust our daily schedule by going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Going to bed earlier will help Yang energy to withdraw better and getting up earlier will help the lungs energy to rise. 


      As the weather being unstable, so will be human emotions. This is the beginning of "gloomy season" to some people. Human is part of the universe, so universe changes will affect human regardless. In autumn, human immune system will be weaker, plus the weather change, it makes us to get sick easier. Emotionally, when seeing the falling leaves and fading flowers, feeling the cold wind and rain, we simply become sad. No one wants to feel sick and sad at the same time, but if we don't do the right things this may happen. This is the risky time for depressed people. Therefore besides stay healthy and strong physically, to do activities that bring good mood is also the important part of autumn health preservation.


      Food wise, to fit into the withdrawing energy pattern, we want to eat food that helps the body to "close" and withdraw, instead of "open" and release. Sour taste is the taste to go after, many fruits offer that. Hot and spicy foods open and dry the body; they are the food to avoid. Also eat foods that nourish the Yin energy to fight the dryness.

• To Eat: Warm water, juice, light tea, soy milk, pear, orange, grape fruit, cucumber, tomato, radish, lotus root and seed, tofu, honey, sesame, sticky rice.
• To Avoid: Hot and spicy, bitter taste, garlic, scallion, onion, greasy food, hard liquor, deep fired food, puffed food. Also eat less melons, like water melon or honeydews, because melons in autumn are too cold for the stomach, overeating can cause gastro-intestinal issues like diarrhea and stomach cold.

      

Tea and the Body

              In the past several months I have been exposed and involved in Chinese tea ceremony. Although grew up drinking tea, not until recent did I really start to feel the spirit of it.

              But as a new Tea Drinker I do not have enough credit to talk about the ceremony itself. Here what I really want to share is the health benefit that I have experienced and concluded according to the 5-element system, and how it connects and affects human body.

             

In general, regular Chinese tea is divided into 6 types.

1.    Green Tea: Fresh, not fermented

2.    White Tea: Very slightly fermented

3.    Yellow Tea: More fermented than white but still very slight

4.    U-Long: About half-fermented

5.    Red Tea: Fully fermented

6.    Black Tea: Fully fermented and aged

The chart below is self explanatory:

Element	Color	Tea	Season	Organ (Meridian)	Nature
Wood	Green	Green Tea	Spring	Liver/Gall Bladder	Cool
Fire	Red	Red Tea	Summer	Heart/Small Intestine	Warm
Earth	Yellow	Yellow Tea, U-Long	Last 18 days of every season/all year	Stomach/Spleen; Triple Energizer/Pericardium	Neutral
Metal	White	White Tea	Autumn	Lungs/Large Intestine	Cool
Water	Black	Black Tea	Winter	Bladder/Kidneys	Warm

              My point here is that if we know our health type or condition, we may be able to help ourselves by using the right type of tea as a beverage remedy. Sometimes TCM is like art, there are basic principles but no rigid rules. So when comes to how to choose the right tea we still need to be flexible or even creative.

              There are many aspects in tea drinking but here I only want to point out the basic principle, which is to balance the body using the nature of the tea. In general, people who were born and live long enough in northern area tend to have more cold inside the body system. So choose warm tea like red tea or black will help to balance the energy. Obviously, people from the south can drink more cooler tea like fresh green tea and white tea to reduce the excessive heat inside. But these days people travel and move often. In that case we need to learn and feel more about ourselves, so we can figure out what type of body energy we have, and then take advantage of the gift that the Mother Nature offers us. Many modern research has shown how benefit tea is scientifically, but that is only 50% of the picture, only if we choose the right tea for the body can us really benefit from it.

              For WNY local friends, I have started to run small tea ceremony session at my little classroom to experiences the healing effects of tea for our body. Due to the size limitation we can only hold small group of people. If you are interested feel free to call me or email about details.