March 20th, 2012. "Spring equinox ", the 4th small Spring season arrives

      In 2012, the season of “Spring equinox" arrives on March 20th. Celestial longitude: 0 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.
    
      Here are some additional information:

      This small season is the balanced season, but after this season when the balance starts to shift, much old health issue we had in the past may appear again. Why is that? Because as we have been talking about, Yang energy started to move outward when spring started, and now it has reached the very middle point, where half is outside and half is inside. As Yang energy keeps moving outward there may be “traffic jam” during this process. When energy flow is “jammed” at where you have had problems before, they show up again. Like traffic jam during rush hours, this is the “rush season” for our body. So how to direct the “traffic” is the key. Here liver has to come to place again not only because it is the organ for the season, also liver is in charge of “catharsis” function of the body. So to make sure liver functions right is the key to the healthy flow of blood and energy. Here are some tips for a healthy liver:

1. Maintain a balanced emotional state. Here we are talking about moderation. Meaning when you are angry we let the anger out but not causing damage; when you are happy you laugh but don’t laugh like you have lost your mind; when you are sad you can cry but don’t faint. No matter which emotion, it can all be harmful when it passes the limitation. 
2. More fresh and lite food rather than heavy and rich food. Liver in color is green, so green color foods enter liver system. After the winter nourishing, our system is high in nutrients but also high in “waste”. Using fresh green foods to cleanse the liver system before we try to nourish the liver is necessary. 
3. Moderation in working and playing. Too much “movements” will harm the body, but too little will slow down the energy and blood flow. Again, moderation is the key to keep our body and energy in balance. Liver system is also connected with the eyes, and spring season is also a high season for eye related issues. So make sure do not over use your eyes and sleep right. When you take care of your eyes, the livers get a “break” from it, so it is also a way to nourish the liver system. 
4. Take a slow after meal. Liver is also an important organ for digestion. People with liver system issues usually have digestion issue as well. So take a walk after meal, especially dinner, will not only help the liver system with digesting, also help with smooth the mood and emotions.

March 5th, 2012. "Insects awaken", the 3rd small Spring season arrives

      In 2012, the season of "Insects awaken" arrives on March 5th. Celestial longitude: 345 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this (part 1) and this (part 2) article from last year.
    
      Here are some additional information:



      Being the organs of the Spring, the liver-gall bladder system is always the major topic. During this small season, the liver Yang-energy will rise, but relatively the liver Yin-essence is low. Spring is a windy season (and 2012 is a windy year!), and wind affects liver energy strongly. Therefore, those who have high blood pressure may experience some up and down during this season. Make sure to avoid 4 emotions - anger, tension, worrying and depression, since they can worsen the symptom. On the other hand, since liver system is becoming more active, it may harm the liver yin-essence and causes symptoms like dizziness, weakness, back pain and sore muscle. Drink less alcohol but more warm water or some Goji berry. Also, TCM believes heavy usage of eyes also hurts the liver. So for those who are always on the computer or paper, make sure rest your eyes and sleep right.

      Some other liver system related symptoms include lower rib pain, dry eyes, top part of the head pain, bitterness in the mouth, excessive burping, diarrhea, cramp, and some allergy. However, spring being a high season for liver system issues; it is also the best time period to take care the liver system. Because when all liver issues can be seen, we can better treat them. To adjust the liver system, on one hand we need to nourish it to make it strong, but on the other hand we also need to make sure it’s clean, smooth and free of stagnation. Those who always overuse their body and brain spend lots of blood and energy, which is stored in the liver. These people need to focus on nourishing the liver. Eat more food like dry fruits and greens but avoid too much sweet especially artificial ones. For those who experience “heat in the liver” symptoms like acne, low heat tolerance and sweet easy, or long menstrual period for women should focus on cleaning and cool down the liver “fire”. Avoid smoking, drinking, heavy food, and the best remedy, again, is chrysanthemum tea. Chrysanthemum carries the energy of autumn and it is the perfect energy to balance the excessive liver “fire”.

      Spring is a lively season, but some people feel often sleepy and tired. This is known as the “Spring sleepiness” and in general it’s because the blood which was used for supplying the brain is sent out to the skin level therefore cause blood and oxygen shortage in the brain. This is a normal symptom. But if it lasts too long or becomes too serious, it may be a sign of energy imbalance. Several tips to treat it:

1. Touch: Use cold water to wash the face or flavored toothpaste to brush the teeth in order to stimulate the senses; 
2. Vision: Add more colorful items and decorations, or some plants in your room and office. When sleepy, stand up and move them around; 
3. Taste: Eat a little bit sour or spicy snacks, or drink tea or coffee. But do not go over; 
4. Smell: Smell some herbal or aroma oil can help boost your energy as well. 

      I have mentioned pear during the autumn seasons, but pear is also well-known for its benefit in this particular small season. Since this is a season when Yang (heat) starts to grow faster, many people are not able to adjust their body condition to match the change. Symptoms like dryness, sore and itchy throat are very common. Pear is cool and sweet in nature, it nourishes the Yin energy, moisturize the lungs and cool down the harmful heat. And it can be eaten in many ways include raw, steamed, juiced, baked or boiled. Raw pear can ease the symptoms related to upper respiratory tract and lungs such as dry, itchy, sore throat, and constipation. Pear juice lowers the body heat and nourishes the Yin essence. Add some honey to it will heal chronic dry cough that caused by excessive heat in the lungs. But since it is cool and sweet in nature, there are also restrictions. Tips: 

1. Those who are low tolerance in cold food should eat less; 
2. Pear is also high in tartaric acid so those who has acid reflux should eat less; 
3. Do not eat before going to bed; 
4. People who feel cold often should eat it cooked; 
5. Pear is high in sugar for diabetic patient; 
6. Use less sweet pear as remedy for helping stop coughing and dissolving mucus. 

      Our Yang energy is like a new born baby at this moment and it requires extra delicate care. Physical exercise is recommended but only mild ones like walking, hiking, jogging and Tai Chi. Also, flying kite is known as a very proper activity in the spring season.