October 8th, 2012, "Cold Dew", the 5th small Autumn season arrives

    In 2012, the season of "cold dew" arrives on October 8th,same as last year. Celestial longitude: 195 degree. For most of the seasonal information please read this article.

    For readers from where I am (WNY area), we have had a unusual warm autumn so far, which is nice as it appears but not ideal for our energy to withdraw and store for the winter. The warm weather mainly causes 2 major health (energy) issue to the body:
    1. It makes us sweat too much. Sweat is the the body fluid that connects with the heart system energy, over-sweat cause dryness to the body system. When the real dry cold comes, our body may not have enough good moisture to balance it. 
    Solution: Eat and drink sour, like seasonal fruits, juice and food that are in white color. Try not to exercise too much to over sweat. But meanwhile do not go the other extreme by using air conditioner or fan. Stay balanced, but towards the cool side.

    2. Liver system energy being over active. Spring-like wind and energy directly activate the liver energy, which is totally the opposite energy we need in this season. This can cause symptoms like shoulders and neck tension and pain, high blood pressure, headache, digestion issue, irritability, or other emotional discomfort. 
    Solution: Eat less spicy food, again, stay on the sour side and add some sweet as well. Cultivate the emotional condition, avoid argument with others and try to understand the aggressive attitude of the others. 

    For other readers, if your area is also being warmer than usual, you can apply the rules above as well. If the weather pattern seems to be normal, simply follow the seasonal tips.

July 7th, and July 22nd, 2012. "Light Heat" and "Severe Heat", the 5th and 6th small Summer season arrives

    In 2012, the season of "Light Heat" arrives on July 7th. Celestial longitude: 105 degree. The season of "Severe Heat" arrives on July 22nd. Celestial longitude: 120 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

    Here are some additional information:  


    Speaking of drinking water, we do it every day and it seems to be too simple and even hasty. Good thing is that there have been more and more researches and discussion done on this topic. TCM always has opinions about how to and what to drink. Here are some tips for these couple hottest seasons:

1. Drink boiled cool or warm water. TCM advocates boiled warm water since ancient times and modern research results had also shown that boiled water has better structure (physical and chemical) for human body cells to absorb compares “raw” water. 
2. Plain water is the best drink in general. Everyone can drink plain water. Most people can also drink tea to take advantages of its health benefit. But different tea affects the body differently, so finding the right type of tea for you is as important. Juices also provide good amount of water for the body, but commercial juice products sometimes contains additives that are harmful. 
3. Temperature. If you have read enough of my writing then you know I’m all about warmer water. I do share this theory with people around me as well, but sometimes people just wondering what the actual temperature of warm water is. It is a tricky question because, again, everyone’s body condition is different so there is no fixed answer for it. Scientifically, or theoretically, for normal body condition the good temperature range is between 10-30 ℃. 
4. Salty water. When sweating too much, it is helpful to drink some light salty water. Commercial sports are usually salty is for the same reason, but again, additives can bring negative effects in a long run, it is always safer just drink you “homemade” salty water. 
5. Varieties. If you go to the water or drink sections of a supermarket, you always wonder, “What are the differences?” Well, I do the same so I’m not able to tell you exactly. But what I do recommend is drink various types of water or drink. Just like food, water from different source provides different energy force to the body, and we are working on creating a balance in our system.

June 21st, 2012. "Summer Solstice", the 4th small Summer season arrives

    In 2012, the season of "Summer Solstice" arrives on June 21st. Celestial longitude: 90 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.



    Here are some additional information:

    In TCM the Spleen-Stomach system is actually quite different from the Western medicine spleen-stomach system. Basically, the TCM spleen-stomach refers to the entire digestion system and spleen is related to body dampness the most. During the humid summer season, the spleen can be easily harmed. So during the rainy summer season we need to take extra care of the spleen system. The spleen-stomach system is considered as the “mother earth” for our energy system. After born, human’s life activities depends on how well does the spleen-stomach system process and transport the food and essence. Everyone was born differently, some are stronger than others. But if one takes care the spleen-stomach system well, one can still be as strong and lives a healthy life. For teenagers who are growing fast, eat more meat will help the system becomes stronger, but for seniors, massage the belly area (around navel area) works better. If you feel nauseous and have bad appetite in the hot days usually it’s because the spleen system is harmed by internal dampness. Mint and ginger root are the food remedies to go with, plus all kinds of beans. And again, spleen-stomach system likes to stay warm, but summer time most people would treat it in the opposite way. This is a common mistake we make. Try to stay on the warmer side, meaning if you have lots cold, you need to more heat to balance it.

    Since Yang energy reaches its highest level in this season, our body is affected in that way as well. Hypertension is one of the issues. There are too many information we can find about hypertension, here we will just share several simple tips from the TCM perspective: 

1. Avoid heavy physical activates and do not drink alcohol at noon time. Take a short nap and meditate if possible. 
2. Make sure to hydrate the body. We sweat more in the summer and this will make our blood thicker and flow slower. So make sure to drink good amount of water. 
3. Adjust your medication accordingly. Since the external temperature is high, our blood vessels sometimes expand and lower the blood pressure somehow. Also, when sweat we will lose more electrolyte. Many factors may change your needs for the dosage. Make sure to consult with your physician if you sense any difference. 
4. Sleep well. Try to follow a regular life schedule and make sure your mind and body rest enough. Remember noon and midnight is are the most important sleeping time.

June 5th, 2012. "Grain in Ear", the 3rd small Summer season arrives

    In 2012, the season of "Grain Fills" arrives on June 5th. Celestial longitude: 75 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

    Here are some additional information: 


    As the temperature and humidity keeps increasing, chances of people getting infectious diseases increases as well. In Chinese traditions, starting from this small season into the next 30 days is called “the hundred-poison month”. Some insects, especially mosquito start to become more active, along with the humidity and heat, people gets infected much easier. Although it sounds serious, the ways to avoid get it is not hard. First, maintain good personal hygiene. Make sure to take shower in time, change clothes often and clean the living area well. Second, eat light food and sleep well. Eat light and fresh food to give your body a clean and active condition; sleep well to make sure our immune system is in good shape. 

    During this humid and hot season, many of us, either actively or passively, tend to use air conditioner quite often. Air conditioner no doubt was one of the greatest human inventions, but just like everything that exists, if there is one side, there must be another side. Many health problems are also directly or indirectly caused by using air conditioner. But the true cause of our health problem is actually the decline of some our body mechanisms. As we have mentioned, spring and summer are the seasons to nourish our Yang energy, which will “surface” to skin level during summer seasons. Air conditioner creates a unnatural cold environment that will suppress and harm our surfaced Yang energy thus cause many internal issues such as cold, skin diseases, joint pain and digestion issues. TCM sees “air conditioner syndrome” being the result of harmful cold invades the body system. Therefore the way of treating it is very clear and simple, that is to remove the cold from the skin level and dampness from the internal organ system. 

    Here we recommend a very simple and effective food remedy, fresh ginger root tea (drink). Ginger root is known for its functions of sweating, removing cold, warming the stomach and detoxing. If you use or have to use air conditioner very often, make this drink by simply slicing the ginger root into small pieces and steeping them with boiled hot water. You can also add a little bit of brown sugar or honey. With this drink you will feel heated and start to sweat, but this is the process of both the internal virus and cold being removed. When you have a cold or stomach issue you can also use this drink as the food remedy.But please remember, although it is a nice drink itself, the best time to drink it is morning or before noon time, drink much less or not at all in the afternoon and evening, especially before you go to bed. Also if you surfers from joint or muscle pain, you can make a bigger portion of this drink but use a warm towel to apply externally to the painful area. After all, the basic rule is to try to use less air conditioner possible.“A cool mind makes a cool body” is the ancient saying. Maintain a balance emotional condition is just as effective as a nice breeze of cool air.

May 20th, 2012. "Grain Fills", the 2nd small Summer season arrives

    In 2012, the season of "Grain Fills" arrives on May 20th. Celestial longitude: 60 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

    Here are some additional information:

    As the heart (pericardium) being the seasonal organ, summer time is the season to nourish the heart system. The taste of the heart system is bitterness. In the hot summer days, bitter taste can enter and balance the heart system. In TCM this is known as “lowering the heart fire with bitterness”. When the heart system is cooled down in the summer, our entire body will feel right. This is the general rule but since bitter foods are usually cold in nature as well, so they are not recommended for those who has stomach issue (especially cold related).

    We love raw and cold food or drink in the summer as they make us feel cooled down and comfortable. But during early summer time as the weather and temperature has not stabilized yet, too much raw and cold will harm the digestion system and cause many related symptoms, especially for children and seniors. However, if we learn more about them and take them in the right way, these food and drink will then benefit us. First we need to know what are “raw” and “cold”. In general foods and drinks that are not cooked on fire are “raw”, such as fruit, vegetable, raw fish, raw meat and mineral water. Foods and drinks that have been stored in the refrigerator for a while, they are “cold” when being taken out of the refrigerator, such as leftover food, ice cream, cold drinks and yogurt. Here are some general tips about these foods and drinks.

1. Young children should not take “cold”, but some “raw” is ok. Young children are high in Yang energy, this strong Yang energy can help children to process the “raw” food without harming the digestion system. But “cold” food holds more cold energy therefore the chance of the cold staying inside the system and harm the spleen and liver system is higher. But if after heavy outdoor activity then take some “cold” drink or food is ok as the cold will be released with the sweat. 
2. One common mistake we often make is to drink “cold” during meal. It feels refreshing but internally it will lower the temperature of the stomach. Low temperature cause reduction of the stomach acid secretion and this can cause digestion related issues like bloating and chronic stomach diseases. Also, as the acid level decrease, more bacteria can survive then enters the intestinal system and cause diarrhea, typhoid and enteritis.

April 20th, 2012. "Corn Rain ", the 6th small Spring season arrives

    In 2012, the season of "Corn Rain " arrives on April 20th. Celestial longitude: 30 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.

    Here are some additional information:

    
    Again, as liver-gall bladder system being the organ system of the season, many symptoms are related to its condition. We have talked about the nature of the liver is “grow and express”, but the universal energy of this final spring season is usually very unstable. Caused by the quick switch between cold and heat or sun and rain, the liver system has to work hard to adjust itself in order to fit in. But due to many factors in life, especially emotional factors, our liver system often gets disturbed therefore interfered with its “grow and express” activates. When this happens, many liver system related symptoms will occur. Here we will just talk about more about depression. Like all the plants will grow with the spring energy, human energy shall be the same. However, when liver energy is “trapped” or “blocked” for whatever reason, it’s like a tree is being covered by a huge glass jar, many physical and mental symptoms will show. Depression is one the most common ones. TCM will treat depression through healing the liver’s “grow and express” function. Besides using herb or medications, here are some tips we can use in daily live to help ourselves with or at least prevent depression:

1. Look far. Literally, look into space or as far as possible. Sounds simple but as liver system opens at the eyes, adjust the eye can affect the liver system. We feel relaxed and refreshed when we do this, and this is the feeling when our liver energy is being “stretched” as well. 
2. Comb hair. Liver meridian energy ends at the very top of the head and all other Yang meridians also pass the head area. TCM call the head as “the meeting area of hundred Yangs”. Combing the hair often, using wooden comb or just your figures, is one of the oldest health preservation method in Chinese traditions. This simple activity can stimulate the meridians, increase the blood and energy flow, prevent common cold, brighten the eyes, improve sleeping quality and of course help the liver energy to function better. 
3. The figure tips. The very tips of all fingers are called “shi xuan” (ten dispersing points) in TCM. In acupuncture they are used in acute or emergency situations like restore consciousness (especially from heat stroke), epilepsy (excess wind type), coma and high fever. But by stimulating them often can also adjust our physical and mental energy flow, and release the “trapped” energy in our system 

    Back to the nature, in early spring seasons (Spring commences and Rain water) most of the health issues are often caused by wind and cold; In the middle spring (Insects awaken and Spring equinox) recurrence of old chronic is the main issue; Being the ending of the spring seasons, this is the season when people often catch cold that caused by heat and wind. Under warm and damp condition, many factors that can cause illness are being very active. Most diseases in this season are acute and heat-related, such as encephalitis and pneumonia. Everyone remembers SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which was related to high dampness and heat condition according to TCM) in the year of 2003, and this was the season when it was at its most severe stage. So during this season we need to be cautious about catching heat and wind related cold. Mint or chrysanthemum tea are the easiest food remedies and if possible, burdock root is one of the best vegetable we can take in this season.

April 4th, 2012. "Clear and Bright", the 5th small Spring season arrives

      In 2012, the season of "Clear and Bright" arrives on April 4th. Celestial longitude: 15 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.
    
      Here are some additional information:
      
     The name "clear and bright" is a description of the energy appearance of the universe in this season, as the "sky is clear" and the "earth is bright".To Human body, “Heaven is Clear” refers to the upper section of the body, or “upper Jiao” which includes Lungs and heart. “Earth is Bright” refers to the middle section of the body, or “middle Jiao” which includes stomach and spleen. So it tells us that during this season we need keep the lungs and heart “clear”, and the stomach and spleen “bright” to fit into the season. Here the word “bright” in Chinese it also indicates “balance”.
      
      In this “Balanced” season, to eat in balance is another key. There are many ways to be “balanced” in eating; here we will just talk about the different tastes. According to TCM theory, most food can be categorized into 5 major tastes: sour, bitter, sweet, spicy (hot), and salty. These 5 tastes are also connected with the 5 elements and 5 major organ systems in human. In general:

Taste:	Hot Spicy (tree)	Salty (fire)	Sweet (earth)	Sour (metal)	Bitter   (water)
Organ system:	Liver-Gall bladder	Heart-Small intestines	Stomach-Spleen	Lungs-Large intestines	Kidneys-Bladder
Nature:	Dispersing	Softening	Slacking	Contracting	Solidifying
Imbalance can cause:	Skin gets thick and wrinkled, peeling lips	Dry skin, skin hair loss	Bone pain, hair loss, loosened tooth	Cramp, dry skin, nail degeneration	Blood stagnation, chest pain, breathing hardness, bad face color

These tastes do not necessarily “add” or “reduce” anything from the system, they work more in an energetic balancing way. It is recommended to have all these 5 tastes in your daily diet, this way you really don’t need to worry about them as they will balance each other’s force and provide positive effects in your system. But depends on the individual’s condition, geographic location and time of the year, the balance of the 5 tastes need to be adjusted in order to fit into the condition better.
    
    As the weather starts to get better, people start to do more outdoor activities. Indeed this is right time to go out and enjoy what the nature is offering. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid wind and cold. The increase of rain add more humidity to the air, and since the temperature is not high enough yet, without proper rest or protection, those who are low in energy level may still catch cold or get joints pain and arthritis symptoms.
2. Be aware of allergy symptoms. This is the high pollen season. Enjoying the blooming is nice, but some flowers do release some harmful material. So be aware of how you react to different area and weather, and avoid them. 
3. Pay attention to the weather changes. Spring weather is like baby’s face, it is unstable and it changes quickly. Before going out, check the weather and bring extra clothes or umbrella just in case. If you do get caught in the rain, take a hot shower and drink hot water as soon as possible.

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.

Energy pattern analysis for 2012 according to "Huangdi Neijing" and how to act accordingly Pt.2

    The 6 Sections:

    Section 1, January 21^st – March 20^th : “First section, Zai Quan (second half year energy) energy moves away, air is warm, grass turns green early, people catch cold and virus, fever, headache, nauseous and vomiting, and some myocutanous.”

    Since the guest energy “old fire” supports the main energy “tree”, the main weather pattern of this section is considered as normal. But under influence of the year and the half year energy, the harmful wind energy is strong, and people tend to catch cold that brought by the wind. As liver system being over and spleen system gets weak, in general reduce some sour taste but add more sweet. Also reduce hot and spicy in your food to prevent internal heat. Instead eat more cool food like pear, orange, radish and water chestnut.

    Section 2, March 20^th – May 20^th : “Second section, cold comes back, people feels sad, grass gets frost, heat is held internally, people’s energy is trapped inside and cannot let it out.”

    Although it may sounds serious, but with the main year energy being “tree”, then the irregular pattern will be somewhat adjusted by itself. Although there will be some cold days comes back during this section, the main direct is normal as the weather gets warmer. But still, since the heart system (fire) being over heated, body essences will be harmed. People feels irritating as there are too much in their mind, thus cause issues like chest full and pain, insomnia, constipation, painful urinating, gum and teeth bleeding, nose bleeding, and dry mouth. To let the heat out, the best way is to lower the heat in the heart and smooth out the spleen system. Eat more salty food but reduce sweet. Drink enough warm water and do proper physical exercises. And very important and obvious, do not take off thick clothes too soon since the weather may surprise you.

    Section 3, May 20^th – July 22^nd : “Third section, Si Tian energy (first half year energy) starts to show its power, more cold comes, lot of rain, people catch external cold, but cannot release internal heat, lower body swells, heart burns and hard to breath, if not treated in time it may lead to death.”

    It is summer time but the heat may not seem to be as enough as it should be. Since the internal body heat is blocked by unusual external cold, it may be combined with body fluid and flow to the lower body, symptoms like hemorrhoid and swollen legs may appears. Also since the heat is held in the heart system, there will also be symptoms like irritation, dry mouth, over sweat, short breath, drossiness and fainting. The heat is in the Triple Energizer (San Jiao) system instead of one single organ, so the entire body may be overheated. Take advantage of the seasonal fruit like watermelon, drink enough warm water to help the skin open better and release the internal heat. Eat more bitter but reduce salty.

    Section 4, July 22^nd – September 22nd : “The fourth section, the wind mixed with the wet, the earth gets more rain, everything will grow to its max, people gets more heat but gets weak, muscle gets weak especially feet and legs, also diarrhea and dysentery.”

    The main weather pattern for the section is normal, and the weather becomes cooler with reasonable amount of rain. This may a bumper crop year, but people may get symptoms caused by wet-heat such as cold-heat feeling, body and head feels heavy, sleepiness, stuffy chest and stomach, nauseous, dry mouth but don’t want to drink water and joint pains. Make sure keep the air in the house fresh and flowing by using less air conditioner but opens windows more. This will help to remove the harmful wetness around us. Eat less sweet but more sour. And because of the internal heat, people tends to drink and eat more cold thus cause diarrhea. So it is still safer and heather to stay with warm drinks.

    Section 5, September 22^nd – November 22^nd : “Fifth section, Yang energy comes back, tree and grass grow more and harvest, people feels comfortable.“

    This sounds like the smoothest section of the year. The most serious issues we can get are dryness related symptoms like coughing, sore throat, light fever, sweat less, dry lips and mouth, craving for water and bad sleep. Taking all the fruits you can get for the season (seasonal fruit) because this is the time. With a better appetite and strong stomach energy, you are ready and able to take them to moisturize the body. But avoid strong sour food and eat more bitter instead to balance the system in general. Keeping the bowel movement smooth is the key.

    Section 6, November 22^nd – January 21^st, 2013 : “The last section, the Zai Quan energy (second half year energy) starts to show its force, strong wet force arrives, cold moisture air in the sky surrounds the earth, many open area are fogy and cloudy with less or no sunlight, people feels sad or even hopeless, if there is strong cold wind arrives, for those who are pregnant may not be able to deliver the baby alive.”

    Another scary picture we see here. The weather may be harsh with too much snow or rain, plus the cold-dampness. Under this energy pattern, people catch cold easy, also there may be muscle sore and pain, bad digestion, diarrhea, hernia, running nose, coughing, chest pain, headache and heavy body, lower back pain, joint pain, bloated belly, and vomiting. Although looks bad, but if there is Yin, then there must be Yang. To prevent all these, the basic rule is to keep the body warm inside out, meaning more clothes and more hot water, in order to balance the “cold water” energy and support the fire (heart energy). Because no one likes too much fogy and cloudy days in the winter, we can always do the best to adjust the physical body to bring a good mood as well. Eat some warm food (winter food remedy) such as lamb and beef, because winter is also the good time to nourish the body. But eat less salty but a little bit more bitter.

    In conclusion, section 1, 2 and 4 have normal weather energy pattern, but 3, 5 and 6 have unusual patterns. Combines with the main and half years energy, the main energy forces of 2012 are wind, cold and wet.

                                                                                                       

    So far I have done my awful interpretation from the ancient text for you. Please use your own wisdom to understand and utilize it. Here I also want to share something I have found interesting. It’s another analysis according to the energy pattern and the 9-star theory but more in the Yi Ching, Chinese astrology and Feng Shui aspect. I do NOT have enough knowledge about these but I can still try my best to do another awful translation. If you are interested, please continue:

South East Tree Wind, gallbladder. 5-yellow	South Fire, heart 1-white	South West Earth, spleen 3-jade green
East Water, liver 4-green	Center Earth, spleen 6-white	West Metal, lung 8-white
North East Mountain, stomach 9-purple	North Water, kidneys 2-black	North West Metal, large intestine 7-red

    Don’t worry if you don’t understand the chart, I put it here just as a fact. Here are the descriptions:

1. 1-white star represent frost and snow, it’s at the position of Fire. This indicates the south (fire) is threatened by water hazard. In human body this shows as strong heat-dampness inside, in the nature it indicates the flood in the south.
2. 2-black star represents the sickness. It lands north (kidneys). This may indicates 1, sickness in the north. 2, and it is caused by weak earth (spleen-stomach). 3, the root is in kidney and bladder system, and 4, related to body fluid or blood.
3. 3-jade green star represent the thunder or shakes. It moves to south west (Yin Earth) this year. It might indicate earthquake in the south west but with no other strong evidence to support this guess. Also this might indicates movement in earth-wood business but again it is just a guess. This is a very uncertain star so we can only go and see.
4. 4-green star represents the wind. It lands east where wind is already strong. Looks like there may be wind damage to the east. Here the “east” we talk about is a bigger term, not necessarily the east in one country or area.
5. 5-yellow star represents earth and disaster. It lands south east and indicates possible disaster in that direction of the earth. It can appear as earthquake, flood or fire depends on the other factors. But in general, any disaster on the earth is all somehow related to wind.
6. 6-white star represent water, it’s in the center. And the center represent the earth, and water invades earth may indicates water is overpowering the earth. OR, it can also mean the central earth is holding up the water like a dam. Since other factors shows 2012 has strong wind and water energy, more likely we may see the water overpowering the earth. If the dam cannot hold the water anymore, then we are looking at some dyke breaching or mud sliding. And next year (2013) this may be more severe.
7. 7-red star represents gun powder and metal, military, wars or fight. It lands in North West this year. We are hoping the best that it won’t show as war in that direction. But when history moves, we must follow.
8. 8-white star represents supports. It is a good star and lands in the west this year. In China (since this theory is based on the location of central China) it shows as the government starts to develop the west more and it is going strong. But are we also going to see more development in that direction in general?
9. 9-purple star represents the economy in a way. It reaches the north east this year. But in human body it represents the digestion system (stomach and intestine). When too much energy reaches the digestion system it may appears to be stuffed and accumulated. As a healer I personally want to remind everyone this may be MIS-diagnosed as tumor or even cancer. So, stay calm and look at yourself as a whole system.

    By now I have competed what I want to share. Again, these information are not necessarily correct and you should definitely NOT make them become the reason of worrying. Human has been part of the universe for years, diseases and disasters are simply part of life. Stay centered and balance, use your own internal universe to balance the external change.

Energy pattern analysis for 2012 according to "Huangdi Neijing" and how to act accordingly Pt.1

      First of all I must apologize that I was not able to post this New Year article soon enough, and for those who are not very familiar with this or didn’t read my post for last year, please read this article to have a quick warm up. This traditional energy pattern theory is a very complicated holistic theory that people have been using to explain and predict universal matters in order to survive and live better. Too many subjects such as astrology, geography, geometry, mathematic, chemistry, physics and of course medicine as well, are involved so it requires the user to be extremely knowledgeable in order to better utilize it in real life.

     Obviously I’m for sure NOT knowledgeable enough to draw a nice picture of it, but I will try my best to provide whatever I’m capable of to give a general idea of this year.

      AGAIN,Many words in the following article are my awful direct translation from the ancient text. And please be advised the original text was written more than 2000 years ago, and some details are NOT necessarily accurate. Ancient Chinese had their ways of understanding the universe and themselves. We are here to share their wisdom with our own feeling and conscious. Or let's put it this way: if we are seeing what the text is describing when the time arrives, we know what's going on and know what to do. If it doesn't happen, then enjoy the following as an article about ancient Chinese medical literature.

      Before we getting into 2012, let’s review the last section of 2011 and get a better idea of how the ancient energy pattern works. The main energy pattern for 2011 is “lack of water”, and for 2012 is “excessive tree wind”. When less water (winter) meets too much tree (spring), it gives us an early spring energy, AKA warm winter.

      However we have been reading news about many areas in the world have been getting extreme cold days. Let’s keep going through the year of 2012, we may get some ideas.

      The chart below shows the general energy pattern of 2012. (Please note that we are talking according to traditional Chinese seasonal year, so the year of 2012 is actually January 21^st,2012 to January 21^st 2013). We can see the main pattern is excessive Tree Wind; first half of the year we will under strong cold water energy, second half will be Wet Earth energy. The whole year is divided by small seasons into 6 sections.

Excessive Tree (wind)
Cold Water			Wet earth
Main：Tree Wind Guest: Old fire	Main: Young Fire Guest: Dry Metal	Main: Old Fire Guest: Cold Water	Main: Wet Earth Guest: Tree Wind	Main: Dry Metal Guest: Young Fire	Main: Cold Water Guest: Wet Earth
01.21/03.20	03.20/05.20	05.20/07.22	07.22/09.22	09.22/11.22	11.22/01.21.2013

Excessive Tree Wind (year):

    The Ancient text stated, when under excessive tree wind energy, wind is strong, spleen is the vulnerable organ. There will be symptoms like diarrhea, bad appetite, body feels heavy, stomach upset, intestinal issues, gas and fluid swollen, chest (rib) pain, nauseous, irritable, dizziness. Like the cloud moves fast, everything on the earth changes fast, grass and tress swings fast or even break. To prevent these, we should focus on supporting the spleen energy and spleen-liver relationship by cultivating our emotion, especial anger, to maintain a solid and balanced condition. Eat more yellow color grain, black color food and bitter taste food to help the body remove the excessive fluid.

    

    For business and profession, tree or wood related business like herb and lumber may do well. In contrast “earth” related fields such as land and property development or construction may be tough. But Since the second half of the year we will have strong earth energy back, there may be some improvement for these fields near the end of the year. Besides, “metal” business such as mining, stock market may be low.

    

    Tree Wind represents the East, so at least the Chinese people believe this will be a great year for China. For the USA, does that mean that the east coast will outperform the west? We’ll see.

    For the nature, if the Tree Wind “abuse” and press the Earth energy too much, whenever there is a chance, more like during the 5^th section when metal energy is strong enough to hold the tree wind energy back a little more, the earth will fight back hard. This may show as earthquake or flood.


First Half and second half (half year):
    First half we will be under Cold Water energy and followed by Wet earth in the second half. When this combination happens, the Spring of the year will arrives early but the winter may be colder and damper than usual, and this will directly affect the kidneys thus may cause kidney related issues. The cold weather can appear in any other seasons unexpectedly, even in spring or summer. Cold freezes the water, slows down people’s blood circulations, and it may cause blood related issues such as heart pain, carbuncle, nosebleed, hemafecia. Or sinus, running nose, sadness, vertigo, chest pain, hot flash, joint pain, or dry throat. These symptoms are rooted from the heart (pericardium) system. Also there will be aurally symptoms, throat pain, fluid swollen, lower belly pain and bloating, urinating pain, headache, pressure behinds the eyes, stiff neck and back, hip, knee and calf hardness. These are rooted from the kidney system. These can be treated by herb or foods that are mild hot, bittersweet, then using saltiness to remove the cold from inside through urine.


To be continued...

February 19th, 2012. "rain water, the 2nd small Spring season arrives

      In 2012, the season of "Rain water" arrives on February 19th, same as last year. Celestial longitude: 330 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.
    
      Here are some additional information:


      As its name tells us, this is a very damp season with strong harmful wet energy. The wet energy harms the spleen and stomach system the most. Plus when liver energy gets strong with the spring seasons energy, it will weaken the spleen-stomach system as well. In other words, this is a small season when we also need to nourish the spleen-stomach system, besides liver and lungs. Some food remedies include beef tripe, sweet potato, sticky rice, cherry, white bean, oat, squash, chestnut and dates. Also one food remedy I mentioned in the past is the Barley red bean soup. This remains as one of the most effective remedy for strengthening the spleen and removing excessive body fluid.


      Here are some tips to prevent from getting the common cold in this season: 

1. Start to do more proper physical exercises. I know that I have been holding everyone back from exercise during past seasons. But now I will do the opposite, it’s time. 
2. Follow the energy of the spring and keep a positive and optimistic mood. A worrier often has weak spleen-stomach energy as excessive worrying harms it. 
3. Eat right for your spleen-stomach as we mentioned earlier. 
4. Do not take off your thick clothes too soon. Wear loose, soft and warm materials. 
5. Open your windows when the day is nice to allow the sunlight in and exchange the air. 

      Regarding tip #4 above, this is a unique traditional Chinese health theory. In general we believe that we should adjust our clothes according to the weather at the moment. This is correct too, and sometime very important. But in a bigger picture, we need to not only see what is happening "now", but also what is going to happen "next". In early spring time, there are basically two other kinds of energy appears beside the spring warmth itself:

1. Cold air returning. Cold weather is no stranger during early spring, sometimes even mid or later spring. Therefore to keep the thick clothes on will protect your body from being surprised and harmed by the unexpected cold air. As spring is also a wind season, without good protection the wind will “open” our protective energy easy and other harmful factors will then follow right after. 
2. Summer heat coming. After the spring warmth we will be facing the summer hear. In order to adjust the body to that, we want to keep it warm and warm-er so our skin starts to open in order to release the extra heat inside. When real summer heat arrives, our body will be ready for that already. But if you leave your body cool during the spring time, the skin will stay closed instead. When the summer heat arrives it will be a big surprise to the body. 

      After looking at both situations, it’s clear that to keep the thick clothes on makes a lot sense for health purposes in the spring.

February 4th, 2012. "spring commences", the 1st small Spring season arrives

    Happy New Year and Happy new Spring! Many people knows this as the year of "Black Dragon" or "water Dragon", but from the universal health perspectives, this is the year of the "Tree Wind". We will be under strong influence of the wind energy. I will post an individual article about this year's energy pattern soon.


    In 2012, the season of "Spring Commences" arrives on February 4th, same as last year. Celestial longitude: 315 degree. For some of the seasonal information please read this article from last year.
    
    Here are some additional information:


   We have used up most of our Yang energy through the winter, and now we have much less left. So during this Spring to Winter transitional time, our body is considered being weak. But the good news is, Spring is also the best time for us to “renew” and “recharge” our Yang energy as well. The main goal is to take advantage of the natural energy, to make it easy to understand, we need to clean the cold out and restore the warmth. 


    Tips:

1. Take more sun bath: simply the best way to gain Yang energy for the body. 
2. Comb your hair (scalp) often: To increase the blood circulation in the head area and the neck area as well. Ideally use a good wooden comb instead of plastic one. If you cannot find a good, simply use your fingers. Meanwhile make sure still protect your neck, especially the back of your neck.

    For those who love vegetables, now is the best time to enjoy, especially greens. Chive, spinach, and all kinds of sprout are the best choice. Avoid strong sour taste food.

    And no matter what the harmful factors are, to maintain a strong immune system is the ultimate solution. This is a broad topic but let’s make it simple for this season – eat well, rest well and try get rid of all the bad life habits.