In the Chinese calendar, February 5, 2023, is the first day of Yang Wood Tiger 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 Yang Wood Tiger month extends till March 5, 2023.
The Yang Wood Tiger refers to the 51st hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Thunder over Thunder. The Yang Wood Tiger signifies "Arousing" or "Shock". It represents an image of thunder that bursts forth from the earth. Thunder has its source in the Wood element and has the property of movement due to Wind.
The Yang Wood Tiger hexagram:
From the perspective of the body and health, the Yang Wood Tiger hexagram represents a continuation of weakness that was observed from the previous month. The environmental influences continue changing resulting in Qi stagnation, Yang Deficiency, Food Stagnation, and Blood Stasis. The prevailing environmental influences are characterized by cold damp weather which can affect your health in various ways.
Whenever the Thunder trigram is located in both the upper and lower trigrams there tends to be a systemic stagnant and weak energetic state of the Yin channels and their organs. This leads to a buildup of toxins in the body resulting in inflammation in the lymphatic, circulatory, and urinary systems. Inflammation, over time, will weaken and fatigue the digestive tract. In addition to digestive problems, mental-emotional health can be adversely affected. During the Yang Wood Tiger month, it is recommended to be very vigilant with consuming an organic diet simple in ingredients and spices.
Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These energetic states will be reflected in nature and more importantly in our bodies. The influence of Yang Wood in the body represents Stagnant Toxic Dampness within the body. During this month Stagnant Toxic Dampness affects the endocrine organs and both intestines.
So, now that we have a picture of the nature of this month what can we do to optimize our health and wellness? In our family, there are various strategies we use to keep ourselves healthy throughout the year as the seasons change.
Over the last few posts, we began a discussion of the Yin-Yang theory and how to use it to maintain health and wellness. This month continues this topic with another strategy our family uses to optimize health. I want to continue discussing some more important characteristics of the Lungs.
Controls Wei (Protective) Qi. In Chinese medicine, the Lungs have a major function in protecting our bodies from external pathogenic factors or influences. The Wei (Protective) Qi is a layer of Qi within the epidermis and acts as a force field to protect us from outside climatic factors. Recently the weather in Texas turned bitterly cold with sleet, ice, snow, and freezing rain. I have seen people out with shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, and no coat or protective clothing. This is what will set a person up for what is called a Wind-Cold Invasion, in Chinese medicine. Wind-Cold is characterized by chills, stiffness (especially in your neck), headache, sneezing, and possibly cold feet. This typically is the first stage of a cold and can last a couple hours or a few days. If not correctly dealt with, Wind-Cold can progress into pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, or an upper respiratory infection.
During these winter months, it's especially important to wear clothing that can properly protect the body from Wind-Cold. This includes a scarf or gator around the neck, long sleeves, coats, shoes or boots to insulate the feet, a warm cap for the head, and ear muffs. Sure, we look like Eskimos all bundled up, but we won't get sick!
Wind-Cold symptoms can be corrected simply by consuming foods to protect the body from the external pathogenic cold along with foods best suited for your particular constitution. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine does not condone a particular diet. Instead, each person's diet is best suited for them when it is aligned with their own unique constitution. If you're unaware of your unique constitution then schedule a Free 20-Minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation with Michelle. She can help you get started to maximize the nutritional benefit of your meals.
One last note on the Yang Wood Tiger month is that, technically, it is the beginning of the Chinese New Year - the Yin Water Rabbit year. However, the celebration of the Chinese New Year actually began on January 22, 2023, two weeks before. The Yin Water Rabbit year brings a unique presence to the energetic nature of this year. One aspect of the Yin Water Rabbit year is rooted in a high-energy state reflecting more inflammation. The other aspect of the Yin Water Rabbit year reflects a weakness of the nervous system, digestive system, and hormones. As always, we recommend moderation in all areas of life.
If you are in need of remedies from our herbal compounding pharmacy, for any condition, please reach out to us. In most cases, we can schedule a telemedicine visit for you.
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Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Herbal Compounding Pharmacy
