May 5, 2024, in the Chinese calendar, marks the beginning of the Yin Earth Snake month. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. The Yin Earth Snake month extends till June 4, 2024.
The Yin Earth Snake refers to the 36th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Earth trigram above, and the Fire trigram below. The Yin Earth Snake represents "Darkening". From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram:
"In a time of darkness, it is essential to be cautious and reserved. One should not needlessly awaken overwhelming enmity by inconsiderate behavior. In such times one ought not to fall in with the practices of others; neither should one drag them censoriously into the light. In social intercourse, one should not try to be all-knowing. One should let many things pass, without being deceived."
Overall, the Yin Earth Snake is considered a weak/stagnant hexagram. The Yin Earth Snake has a nature that is damp from a deficiency in the Yang channels/organs, and heat depleting the Yin channels/organs. These pathologies occur when stagnant energies within the body dominate the body's health. This month coincides with the late stage of the Spring season. When the Yin Earth Snake occurs in Spring the influence from Winter's stagnant and deficient nature bleeds over the warmth of Spring, initiating the development of dampness which congests the Yang meridians and organs. In addition, the environmental heat of Spring depletes the Yin channels and organs. Energetically, this hexagram is a complex combination of pathogenic factors. It combines the yang aspect of warmth with the yin quality of dampness from deficiency.
From our earlier discussion of the Chinese New Year, the current year is a Yang Wood-Dragon. When Yang Wood Dragon combines with Yin Earth Snake, a buildup of toxic damp metabolic waste results.
The Yin Earth Snake hexagram:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen/pancreas is considered one of the most important organs in the body. It is one of only two organs that produce all the energy (Qi) our body needs. According to TCM principles, its functions extend beyond just digestion, as it plays a significant role in overall health. Here's a breakdown of its functions along with its related meridians, channels, and collaterals, as well as its connections with other organs:
TCM functions of the Spleen:
Governing Transformation and Transportation (Qi and Food):
The Spleen is responsible for transforming food and fluids into usable Qi (vital energy) and transporting them to the body.
It extracts essential nutrients from food and fluids and distributes them to organs and tissues for nourishment and energy production.
Dysfunction of the Spleen can lead to poor digestion, fatigue, and weakened immune function.
Controlling Blood:
In TCM, the Spleen plays a role in regulating blood circulation. It also is responsible for keeping the blood within the blood vessels.
It ensures that blood is adequately produced and circulated throughout the body to nourish tissues and organs.
Spleen deficiency may result in symptoms such as anemia, bruising easily, or menstrual irregularities.
Ruling the Muscles and Limbs:
The Spleen governs the muscles and limbs by providing the necessary Qi and nutrients for their strength and function.
Muscle weakness, fatigue, limb heaviness, or lack of strength may indicate Spleen Qi deficiency.
Opening into the Mouth and Manifesting in the Lips:
The health of the lips and mouth is closely related to the Spleen.
Spleen Qi deficiency can manifest as pale lips, dry mouth, or a tendency for mouth sores or ulcers.
Housing Thought:
In TCM, the Spleen is associated with the intellect and the ability to concentrate.
A healthy Spleen supports clear thinking, concentration, and memory.
Spleen deficiency may lead to symptoms such as mental fatigue, foggy thinking, or poor memory.
Transforming and Transporting Body Fluids:
The Spleen regulates the distribution of body fluids, ensuring proper moisture balance throughout the body.
Dysfunction of the Spleen may result in symptoms such as edema (fluid retention), excessive thirst, or urinary problems.
Overall, the Spleen is crucial for digestion, energy production, blood regulation, and the health of muscles and limbs in TCM. Maintaining the Spleen's functions is essential for overall health and vitality.
Other conditions in the Yin Earth Snake month to be aware of are thyroid conditions, bursitis, prostate problems, low back pain, sciatica, and adrenal fatigue.
Each of the body's organs plays a vital role in TCM theory, not only in physical health but also in maintaining emotional balance and overall well-being. The meridians and channels associated with them are pathways through which the body's vital energy flows, affecting various physiological and psychological functions.
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