March 5, 2024 Yin Fire Rabbit Month

 

March 5, 2024, marks the beginning of the Yin Fire Rabbit 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. The Yin Fire Rabbit month extends till April 4, 2024.

The Yin Fire Rabbit refers to the 50th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. The Yin Fire Rabbit represents a "Caldron". Its image is Wind below, combining the Wood element with its nature of wind and Fire above, with its nature of heat. Thus together they stand for the flame kindled by wood and wind, which likewise suggests the idea of preparing food. Energetically, this is a strongly energetic hexagram. Its nature is one of Wind and Heat. Even though the last few months have been veiled in deficiency patterns, this month breaks that streak and suddenly introduces excessive patterns of disharmony.

The Yin Fire Rabbit hexagram:

The Yin aspect of the Fire element represents the Heart organ and meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Rabbit represents the Yin aspect of the Wood element in TCM or the Liver and Pericardium organs along with their meridians. It's helpful to review some of the basic theories about this hexagram. 

Heart (HT):

Functions:

Governs blood circulation and houses the mind (Shen).

Controls the blood vessels.

Manifests in the complexion.

The Heart Channel runs from the heart to the hand and connects with the Small Intestine channel. The heart channel primarily affects the chest and heart region but also influences the arm and hand.

Pericardium (PC):

Functions:

Protects the heart and assists in regulating emotions.

Influences heart functions, especially concerning emotional balance.

Regulates the circulation of Qi and blood in the chest.

The Pericardium Channel originates from the chest and travels down to the hand, connecting with the San Jiao (Triple Burner) channel. The pericardium channel mainly affects the chest and heart region, as well as the arm and hand.

Liver (LV):

Functions:

Stores blood and ensures the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and Fluids

Regulates the emotions, particularly anger.

Governs the tendons and manifests in the nails.

The Liver Channel starts from the liver, runs through the abdomen, and ends at the foot, connecting with the Gallbladder channel. The liver channel primarily influences the abdomen and lower ribcage but also affects the inner thighs and genitals, as well as the feet.

Wind & Heat

Each of these 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.

This month's central pathological theme combines Wood and Fire's characteristics: Wind or reckless erratic movement along with Heat. This is how the Spring season is characterized. This type of nature has the effect of initiating inflammation and infection or fever. 

Chinese medicine recognizes two types of inflammation. One is Yang type, and the other is Yin type. The Yin Fire Rabbit is an example of mostly, yang-type inflammation that eventually depletes the yin aspect of the heart and liver. 

The Yin Fire Rabbit month marks the beginning of early Spring. Springtime is a very active season marked by Wind and Heat. Be careful to protect yourself from Wind-Heat Invasions as this is the typical external pathological scenario during this season. The Yin Fire Rabbit also warns us of potential internal pathologies. Internal pathology affecting the Heart and Liver begins in the lymphatic system, and digestive tract, specifically the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach. During this season the diet should shift to lighter foods. During the winter months, we consume heavier foods, which should not be eaten during the springtime. Doing so initiates internal toxicity and inflammation. These organs and tissues are prone to developing inflammation this month. The focus with meals is to use simple combinations, fewer spices, and foods easy to digest.

Common problems during the Yin Fire Rabbit Month are: 

Upper Jiao (above the diaphragm)

headache, migraine, vertigo, tinnitus, tremors, epilepsy, deafness, neck rigidity, scapular region pain

eye redness and congestion, eye pain and swelling

cardiac pain, palpitation, pain in the chest, and hypochondrium

depression, mania

sore throat

Middle Jiao (between the diaphragm and umbilicus)

gastric pain, nausea or vomiting, abdominal distention, hiccup,,

Lower Jiao (below the umbilicus)

enuresis, irregular menstruation, hernia, 

weakness, numbness, and lower leg pain, difficulty in walking, lumbar pain

diarrhea, dysentery

Many of the signs and symptoms of symptoms in the Yin Fire Rabbit month will over-stimulate the nervous system and the body as a whole. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

Springtime that coincides with the Yin Fire Rabbit month is characterized by external pathogenic Wind-Heat. This manifests as allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis, headaches, ear problems, neck and upper back pain, cough and eye problems. The key this month is to eat lighter, easy-to-digest meals. Once your health returns and you want to undertake a maintenance dietary program, I recommend patients schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for them as most diet programs miss the mark. Michelle offers patients an opportunity to help with identifying those foods that will boost your immune system and designed especially for you. Schedule with her here.

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