May 6, 2022, is the first day of the Yin Wood Snake month in the Chinese calendar. 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. What does this mean regarding how Meridian Harmonics approaches health and treatment strategies?
The Yin Wood Snake refers to one of the sixty-four hexagrams described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Wind over Fire and signifies a family relationship. Wind generates Fire. Both the upper and lower trigrams are of a high energetic state. However, weakness occurs in the second and fourth lines, corresponding to the Jueyin and Shaoyang energetic states of Chinese medicine. Both Jueyin and Shaoyang are related to the Wood element. These generally correspond to imbalances in the Lymphatic, Endocrine, and Circulatory systems.
This hexagram is occurring during a time of the year when the season is strongly transitioning into summer. It warns us to be particularly careful of the heat pathogen. As of this writing the current weather, locally, is forecast to be very hot for the next seven to 10 days. In general, summer is a time that environmental pathogenic factors can be very detrimental to our health. Overexposure to the heat of summer and the constant back and forth exposure of outdoor heat and indoor air-conditioning sets us up for what is called Wind Invasion in Chinese medicine. Wind Invasion brings climatic pathogenic factors into the body. During this time Wind-Heat from the hot summer and Wind-Cold from air-conditioned buildings can affect our bodies if we don’t properly prepare for them. This hexagram is the image of Wind moving downward against the rising energy of Fire. Wind fans the flames of Fire.
Common disorders during this month are:
Headaches, fever, tinnitus, scanty dark urine, dizziness, stiff neck, nosebleeds manic psychosis
Toothache in the upper jaw, sore throat, dry mouth, abdominal distention, constipation, gastric pain, eye redness, and pain
Asthma, cough, coughing blood
Uterine prolapse, irregular menstruation, bloody leukorrhea, trismus, diabetes, foot swelling and pain, palpitations, chest pain, genital pain and redness, hernia, diarrhea, constipation
Chest congestion, rib pain, cardiac pain, hiccoughs, depression, vertigo, stroke, hemiplegia, arm spasms or pain, irritability
The transition from the spring season into summertime can be characterized by a wildly changing climate. The climate is often very windy and changes very quickly. During the writing of this post, there have been two more derivatives of the COVID-19 Omicron variant found in Africa. It’s still a good time to remain vigilant against unexpected changes in the environmental pathogenic factors such as Wind cold or Wind heat which trigger the various conditions listed. This month allergy problems arise including sinus issues, pain around the eyes, earaches, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, and skin problems, including rashes, eczema, and pimples.
Here at Meridian Harmonics, during this month we will supplement our treatments to support the Yin Wood Snake month for each patient. This can be accomplished using specific acupuncture and herbal therapies. Each patient is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient. We will assess each patient, individually, on what strategies are best suited for them.
Modifying one’s lifestyle can support this period and the summer season. This transitional period in the year brings varying weather patterns. Climatic pathogenic factors are always transported by this prevalent windy pattern. It’s important to protect yourself from the wind as it is the carrier of pathogenic factors. This season typically sees a huge uptick in allergy symptoms with common symptoms of headaches, facial pain, asthma, sinusitis, and rhinitis.
This transitional period allows us to be more flexible with our meals while remaining mindful that the undercurrent of the summertime encourages us to consume different foods than what is recommended during the winter months.
Reduce or eliminate intake of dairy foods (i.e., milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, ice cream), as they create dampness and increase mucus production.
Drink plenty of distilled water throughout the day to promote drainage.
Make sure the diet is adequate in supplies of vitamin B and C.
Avoid raw or cold food and beverages such as sashimi, sushi, salads, steak tartar, and seared meat. Eat cooked vegetables and nothing straight from the refrigerator.
Avoid fried or greasy foods as they create dampness and phlegm.
One more recommendation involves activity. Summer is a time that is characterized by an abundance of heat. Engaging in activities that are in harmony with this attribute will encourage the body to begin building cardiovascular strength and endurance. Activities like power walking, vinyasa yoga, tennis, jogging, or casual cycling are more beneficial for the body. The key is to work up slowly to a particular cardiovascular level and not overdo and become injured.
Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30
Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon
Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
www.mhaom.com
