January 21th, 2012, "Severe Cold", the 6th small Winter season,last small season of the year, arrives

      In 2012, the season of "Severe Cold" arrives on January 21st. Celestial longitude: 300 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

      Here are some additional information:     
      During this cold season, many people often have cold hand and feet, and very sensitive to cold. In most cases this is a normal reaction our body has. But if the symptoms remains or become more and more severe, then it requires our attention. According to TCM theory these are due to low Yang energy in the body. Yang energy is like the sun that warms every organ and system, when Yang energy is low it can cause many pathological conditions such as bad digestion, low metabolism, swollen, early aging of cells and organs, and lassitude. We have been talking about how to protect and preserve Yang energy in the past seasons, here are just several more tips for the last season, coldest time of the year, and for the coming new year:

1. Spiritual and mental cultivation is very important. Be temperate in all the emotions is a very effective way to preserve the Yang energy. Extreme emotions harm not only the Yang energy but also the spirit and vitality.
2. Many cold symptoms we feel during the winter are often rooted from the summer. Keep in mind to try to avoid cold air, such as air conditioner, in the summer. And in the winter time try to do more sun bath.
3. "Movement raises the Yang energy”. Moderate exercise all year round is the ultimate way to preserve the Yang energy. But again, during this cold winter season, do mild exercise only and do not sweat too much.
4. Eat the Yang food such as rice, flour, beans, lamb, beef, chive, ginger, fennel, dates, apple and orange to support.

      We have been talking about winter nourishing for the past seasons, and now it’s time to make change from high nutrient food to light food, to prepare our body for the spring. Spring nourishing is known as “light and mild nourishing”. Therefore we should start add more fresh and light food into our meal to make the transition from high protein to high fiber for our stomach smoothly. White radish and Chinese cabbage (napa) are still the best choice. Mix them with some meat or high protein food to balance their coolness.

    Chinese new year day is January 23rd this year, it's the year of the dragon. Dumplings are a must have food for the tradition. Not only because it symbolizes good fortune for the new year, but also provides good nutrient combinations. 

     Best wishes for everyone! May good luck, good health and cheer be with everyone all year round!