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.