Health Preservation and Four Seasons

In ancient medical classic, Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, there are discussions on the health preservation in accord with the four seasons.

In spring, everything is growing and flourishing. During this period, let things grow and do not kill them, give not take away, and give reward but not punish. After a night of sleep people should get up early and take a walk briskly around the yard; they should wear comfortably, loosen their hair and slow down their movements to relax their body. This will promote your liver energy and balance the emotions.

Summer is the time of luxurious growth and flourishing. Everything is in bloom and begins to bear fruit. The energy of the heaven and earth intermingles and Yang qi of the body moves outward. At this time, emotions should be expressed out but not angry and important plans should be carried out. People should go to bed early and get up early and try to get some warmth from the sunlight. In this way, the energy of the heart can be strengthened.

Autumn is the period of tranquility and reaping. The qi of the heaven is cool and the qi of the earth is clear and falling. People should have a peaceful mind in order to lessen the killing power of the autumn. Soul and spirit should be gathered together to nourish lung and improve the immunity of the body.

Winter is a period of closing and storing. Everything had withered and scattered about. The nature is as if in a state of hibernation. People should go to bed early and get up late to wait the sun to rise and they should try to escape cold and seek warmth. This will help the g rowing of Yang qi of the kidney. In winter, people should suppress and conceal their wishes as though they had no internal purpose, as though they had been fulfilled. Their life and work should not be stressful, and they should relax themselves for gathering energy for the next year. It is not good to perspire upon the skin in winter because sweating will disturb Yang qi of the body.

This is some thought in Neijing on health preservation in accord with the four seasons. Don’t you think one’s whole life, from youth to middle-aged, to old-aged, is also like these? (By Tiger, Lic. Ac. OMD)