The Chinese calendar marks February 4, 2025, as the beginning of Yang Earth Tiger Month and the beginning of the Chinese New Year, the Yin Wood-Snake. The 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 Earth Tiger month extends until March 4, 2025.
The Yang Earth Tiger references the 27th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Mountain trigram above, and the Thunder trigram below. The Yang Earth Tiger represents the "Corners of the Mouth". Of the twelve Chinese animals, the Tiger represents the third of their sequence. From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram:
The 27th hexagram of the I Ching, also called "Providing Nourishment" (Yi), is associated with themes of sustenance, balance, and the way we support life. With Yang Earth (Mountain) above Yang Wood (Thunder), this hexagram speaks to grounded support (Earth) fostering dynamic growth (Wood), making it especially resonant with questions of nourishment and structure. Here's the analysis and recommendations based on the channels, meridians, and cosmic influences in February 2025:
Cosmic Influences
February 2025 (Yin Wood Snake Year) & Chinese New Year:
The 27th hexagram of the I Ching called Yi (Nourishing), is associated with themes of nourishment, sustenance, and how one cultivates both the body and spirit. It is represented by the trigram Yang Earth (Mountain) above Yang Wood (Thunder). In this configuration, the Mountain (Yang Earth) symbolizes stability, containment, and introspection, while Thunder (Yang Wood) represents dynamic energy, growth, and the stirring of life forces.
Energetic Influences of Yang Earth Tiger
Yang Earth (Mountain): Represents the Stomach channel (Foot Yangming) and relates to digestion, grounding, and physical sustenance. Its role is to provide a stable foundation for nourishing the body and spirit.
Yang Wood (Thunder): Represents the San Jiao (Triple Burner) channel (Hand Shaoyang), which governs the movement and transformation of fluids and energy throughout the body. Thunder symbolizes activation, growth, and distribution of resources.
Together, the hexagram reflects the balance between stability (Earth) and dynamic growth (Wood). It emphasizes the importance of nourishing the physical body through proper digestion (Earth) while ensuring the smooth distribution of energy and resources (Wood).
Influence of the Yin Wood Snake on Yang Earth Tiger
February 2025 Energetics: February 2025 is marked by the Yin Wood Snake year and coincides with the Chinese New Year. The Snake, associated with Fire and transformation, interacts with the Wood-Earth dynamic in the Yang Earth Tiger month:
Yin Wood Snake Chinese New Year
Yin Wood supports slow, deliberate growth and deep rooting, aligning well with the Mountain’s contemplative nature.
The Snake’s Fire energy can transform and refine the nourishment themes of the hexagram, focusing on metabolism and spiritual transformation.
Yin Wood Snake brings introspection, creativity, and transformative energy, complementing the growth-oriented energy of Thunder.
The Snake’s Fire element amplifies the digestive functions of the Stomach (Yang Earth), while its Yin nature harmonizes with the San Jiao’s regulation of energy flow.
Characteristics of Yang Earth Tiger in the Human Body
Physical Nourishment:
Stomach (Yang Earth): Emphasizes the need for appropriate physical sustenance, focusing on balanced nutrition, proper digestion, and grounding practices.
San Jiao (Yang Wood): Highlights the role of fluid and qi regulation in maintaining vitality, ensuring that nourishment reaches all levels of the body.
Energetic Nourishment:
The hexagram reflects the interplay between grounding and activation. It encourages harmonizing dynamic growth with inner stability, suggesting practices such as qi gong, mindfulness in eating, and attention to emotional nourishment.
Potential Imbalances:
Excess Earth (Stomach): May manifest as stagnation, overthinking, or sluggish digestion. Countered by activating the dynamic qualities of Thunder.
Excess Wood (San Jiao): Could lead to restlessness or erratic energy flow. Grounding through the Mountain’s stability balances this tendency.
The lower trigram of the Yang Earth Tiger is Thunder and represents the San Jiao in Chinese Medicine. The San Jiao (Triple Burner) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a functional concept rather than a physical organ, representing the coordination and regulation of vital processes in the body. It is often correlated with Western medicine's lymphatic and endocrine systems due to its role in fluid metabolism, energy distribution, and hormonal regulation. Below is an exploration of its functions and connections to these Western systems and related TCM organs:
Functions of the San Jiao in TCM
Regulation of Qi and Fluids
The San Jiao is divided into the upper, middle, and lower burners, each responsible for distinct physiological processes:
Upper Burner: Governs respiration and distribution of fluids through the lungs and heart.
Middle Burner: Handles digestion and transformation of food and drink through the spleen/stomach.
Lower Burner: Manages the excretion of waste via the kidneys, bladder, and intestines.
Harmonizing Organs and Systems
The San Jiao ensures smooth communication between organs, supporting their interdependent functions.
Pathway for Yuan Qi (Source Qi)
Acts as a conduit for Yuan Qi from the kidneys to distribute energy and support the entire body's physiological activities.
Western Medicine: Correspondence with the Lymphatic and Endocrine Systems
Lymphatic System
Fluid Regulation: Like San Jiao's role in fluid distribution, the lymphatic system maintains interstitial fluid balance and immune defense.
Upper Burner Correlation: The lymphatic vessels in the thoracic region (linked to the lungs/heart) resemble San Jiao's function in fluid movement and protection against pathogens.
Endocrine System
Hormonal Regulation: The endocrine glands (hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, etc.) produce hormones that mirror the San Jiao's coordination of systemic energy and metabolic processes.
Middle Burner Correlation: The pancreas (endocrine function) aligns with San Jiao's middle burner in digestion and energy regulation.
Lower Burner Correlation: The reproductive and adrenal glands link with the San Jiao's role in reproduction and excretion.
Internal Connections to TCM Organs
Gallbladder
The gallbladder aids in bile storage and decision-making, echoing the San Jiao’s middle burner role in metabolizing fats and distributing resources.
Kidneys
The San Jiao facilitates the movement of Yuan Qi originating from the kidneys, supporting their role in water metabolism and reproductive health.
Pericardium
Protecting the heart (upper burner), the pericardium reflects the San Jiao's function in emotional regulation and circulation.
Spleen/Pancreas
The spleen transforms and transports nutrients, aligned with the San Jiao's middle burner responsibility for digestion and fluid movement.
Liver
The liver’s role in blood storage and smooth flow of Qi complements the San Jiao’s overall regulatory functions, especially in the lower and middle burners.
Synthesis of the Systems
In essence, the San Jiao integrates the TCM understanding of Qi, fluids, and Yuan Qi with the Western perspective of lymphatic drainage and hormonal balance. Its connections to key organs highlight its central role in harmonizing physiological functions and maintaining homeostasis. This interconnected view bridges TCM with Western biomedical concepts, enriching our understanding of systemic health.
The upper trigram of the Yang Earth Tiger is the Mountain trigram and represents the Stomach in Chinese Medicine. The Stomach (胃, Wèi) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is known as the "Sea of Food and Water" and plays a central role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and fluid metabolism. Paired with the Spleen, it is part of the Earth Element and is considered the origin of Qi and Blood production. Below is a detailed discussion of its functions, meridian pathways, body regions reached, and internal connections to the Large Intestine, Pericardium, Spleen, and Lungs.
Functions of the Stomach in TCM
Receiving and Rotting/Ripening Food
The Stomach receives ingested food and drink and begins the process of decomposition, breaking them down for the Spleen to transform and transport.
Descending of Stomach Qi
The Stomach’s Qi should descend to facilitate digestion and the movement of waste to the intestines. If it ascends, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and belching may occur.
Source of Postnatal Qi
The Stomach plays a critical role in generating postnatal Qi through the digestion of food and drink, supporting overall vitality.
Regulation of Fluids
The Stomach aids in separating pure fluids (to be absorbed) from impure ones (to be excreted), contributing to fluid metabolism.
Pathway of the Stomach Meridian
The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming consists of external and internal pathways, with significant coverage of the body.
External Pathway
Originates near the lateral side of the nose and ascends to the inner corner of the eye.
Descends along the side of the nose, around the lips, and down the jawline to the neck.
Travels down the chest, abdomen, and thigh, ending at the second toe .
Internal Pathway
Begins at the stomach organ and connects to the spleen.
Branches ascend to the heart (Pericardium connection) and lungs, influencing respiration and emotional health.
Extends downward to the intestines, linking with the Large Intestine and supporting bowel movements.
Body Regions Reached
Face and Head: The nose, eyes, lips, and jaw are reached by the external meridian, reflecting its role in sensory and digestive function.
Neck and Chest: Regions of the throat and lungs, where the meridian influences breathing and Qi flow.
Abdomen: Reflects its role in digestion and nutrient transformation.
Lower Limbs: The pathway extends to the legs, indicating the Stomach’s connection to movement and grounding energy.
Internal Connections
Large Intestine
The Stomach’s descending function aids the Large Intestine in bowel movements and waste elimination. Dysfunction in either organ can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
Pericardium
The Stomach’s internal branch connects to the Pericardium, linking digestion with emotional and mental well-being. Digestive issues may contribute to anxiety or emotional disturbances.
Spleen
The Stomach and Spleen form a yin-yang pair within the Earth Element, working in tandem for digestion, nutrient absorption, and Qi generation. The Spleen transforms food into Qi and Blood, while the Stomach provides the raw materials.
Lungs
The Stomach’s fluid regulation supports the Lung’s role in distributing pure fluids throughout the body. Dysfunction in the Stomach may result in excessive phlegm or dryness affecting the lungs.
Summary
The Stomach serves as the foundational organ for digestion and Qi production in TCM. Its external and internal meridian pathways reach critical regions such as the face, chest, abdomen, and lower limbs, influencing diverse physiological and emotional processes. Internally, it maintains vital connections to the Large Intestine, Pericardium, Spleen, and Lungs, highlighting its centrality in digestion, fluid regulation, and overall health. This integration underscores its importance in maintaining harmony within the body.
Practical Applications
Northern Hemisphere (Winter Season)
Yin dominance: Winter embodies the energy of stillness, introspection, and conservation. This resonates with the Mountain (Yang Earth), emphasizing grounding and nourishment.
Cold temperatures: Greater focus on warming and stabilizing the body's internal environment.
Diet:
Prioritize warming foods to support the Stomach (Yang Earth) and enhance digestion:
Soups, stews, and congee with warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips), whole grains, and warming proteins (lamb, beef).
Avoid excessive raw, cold, or damp-producing foods (e.g., salads, smoothies).
Movement:
Engage in gentle, grounding practices to conserve energy while promoting qi flow:
Qi gong, tai chi, and restorative yoga.
Limit overly vigorous activities that might deplete internal warmth and energy reserves.
Mental-Emotional Practices:
Reflect on personal growth goals as Yin Wood Snake invites transformation. Journaling, meditation, and self-assessment align with winter's introspective nature.
Cultivate gratitude for nourishment (both physical and emotional) to balance Mountain’s grounding energy with Thunder’s growth.
Southern Hemisphere (Summer Season)
Yang dominance: Summer embodies outward expression, growth, and activity. This resonates with Thunder (Yang Wood), emphasizing dynamic energy and distribution.
Heat and activity: The body's energy is expansive, and cooling nourishment becomes essential.
Diet:
Focus on cooling and hydrating foods that support the San Jiao (Yang Wood) in regulating fluids and qi:
Fresh fruits (watermelon, cucumber, berries) and lightly cooked vegetables.
Cooling teas with peppermint, chrysanthemum, or hibiscus.
Balance the yang energy of summer with light, grounding foods like quinoa or steamed greens.
Movement:
Incorporate dynamic, yet mindful activities to align with Thunder's growth energy:
Swimming, brisk walking, and outdoor tai chi help harmonize qi flow while staying cool.
Avoid excessive exertion during peak heat, which may overstimulate Yang Wood.
Mental-Emotional Practices:
Embrace the Snake’s transformative energy by fostering social connections, creative projects, and self-expression.
Balance outward activity with grounding practices to maintain stability (e.g., evening meditation or journaling).
Northern Hemisphere: Emphasize warmth, grounding, and introspection to harmonize with winter's Yin nature and Mountain's stability.
Southern Hemisphere: Focus on cooling, hydrating, and balanced activity to align with summer's Yang expression and Thunder’s dynamism.
In both hemispheres, the key is harmonizing Earth's stability (Stomach) with Wood's dynamic energy (San Jiao), adjusted for seasonal needs.
Meridian Influences
Yang Earth: Stomach Channel and Organ
Governs digestion, transforming food into Qi and Blood, and nourishing the limbs.
Linked with internal meridians:
Large Intestine: Supports the elimination of waste.
Pericardium: Influences emotional balance and circulation.
Spleen: Governs blood production and Qi balance.
Lungs: Facilitates the distribution of refined Qi.
Yang Wood: San Jiao Channel and Organ
Regulates water pathways, metabolism, and communication between organs.
Linked with internal meridians:
Gallbladder: Assists in decision-making and detoxification.
Kidneys: Governs essence, water metabolism, and hormonal balance.
Pericardium: Emotionally harmonizes the Heart and spirit.
Spleen: Balances nourishment and transformation.
Liver: Facilitates smooth Qi flow, detoxification, and blood storage.
Body Regions Reached
Stomach Channel: Chest, abdomen, thighs, legs, mouth, and teeth.
San Jiao Channel: Head, ears, arms, chest, and ribcage.
Linked organ systems involve the chest (Lungs and Pericardium), digestion (Stomach, Spleen, Large Intestine), detoxification (Liver, Gallbladder), and water metabolism (Kidneys).
Health Characteristics in February 2025
The interplay of Yang Earth and Yang Wood suggests:
Digestive energy (Earth) will be strong but may experience stress from Wood’s dynamic growth energy, leading to possible digestive disruptions or abdominal tension.
Circulatory and detox functions (Wood) will benefit from grounding but may need extra support to avoid stagnation or overactivity.
Holistic Focus
The combination of Yang Earth and Yang Wood in the hexagram promotes the idea that a proper balance between nourishment (Earth) and growth (Wood) can be achieved through thoughtful dietary and lifestyle adjustments. February 2025’s Yang Earth Tiger energy enhances the need to address physical and emotional digestion, creating personal growth and renewal opportunities.
A final note on the Yang Earth Tiger month in February 2025 involves the thyroid and vertebral segments C4, T5, and L1.
The Yang Earth Tiger correlates with the thyroid gland and the vertebral segments C4, T5, and L1, which together influence metabolism, energy regulation, posture, and stability. These correspondences also link to the Stomach channel (Yang Earth) and its grounding, nourishing properties. Adjusting diet and lifestyle recommendations for the northern and southern hemispheres must respect seasonal influences while addressing the specific roles of the thyroid and the spine.
Thyroid and Vertebral Segment Connections
Thyroid Gland: Governs metabolism, growth, temperature regulation, and energy levels. It thrives on balanced nourishment, particularly iodine and selenium, and benefits from regulating stress.
Vertebral Segments:
C4: Supports the neck and thyroid region; tension here can affect energy flow to the thyroid.
T5: Affects the heart and lungs, emphasizing breath and circulation.
L1: Influences the lower back and digestion, connecting to the grounding nature of the Stomach channel.
Northern Hemisphere (Winter Season)
Diet Recommendations
Support the Thyroid:
Include iodine-rich foods: Seaweed, fish (salmon, cod), and eggs.
Add selenium sources: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and mushrooms.
Avoid excessive intake of goitrogenic foods (e.g., raw cruciferous vegetables like cabbage or kale) as they can interfere with thyroid function in sensitive individuals.
Promote Warmth and Digestion:
Emphasize warming foods: Bone broth, root vegetables, and warming spices (ginger, turmeric).
Incorporate healthy fats (e.g., ghee, olive oil) to stabilize metabolism and protect against cold.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Posture and Spine Health:
Practice gentle stretching or restorative yoga to support the cervical (C4), thoracic (T5), and lumbar (L1) spine segments.
Use heating pads or warming therapies to release tension in the neck and lower back.
Thyroid Energy Balance:
Prioritize rest and stress management through meditation or mindful breathing.
Exercise:
Favor low-impact activities like tai chi or walking to preserve energy during winter while keeping qi flowing.
Southern Hemisphere (Summer Season)
Diet Recommendations
Support the Thyroid:
Emphasize hydration and cooling iodine-rich foods: Seaweed salads, fish, and fresh greens.
Include selenium sources that are cooling, such as sunflower seeds and mushrooms, in salads or light dishes.
Regulate Heat and Metabolism:
Choose cooling foods: Cucumber, watermelon, celery, and mint-infused water.
Balance yang energy with light proteins like fish, chicken, or tofu.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Posture and Spine Health:
Engage in dynamic yet gentle exercises like swimming or pilates, which improve posture and strengthen the spine.
Perform spinal mobility exercises focusing on the neck (C4), mid-back (T5), and lower back (L1) to maintain flexibility.
Thyroid Energy Balance:
Manage summer’s yang activity by incorporating evening cooling practices, such as yin yoga or meditation, to calm the thyroid and reduce overstimulation.
Exercise:
Engage in outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day (morning or evening).
Practice breathwork (e.g., pranayama) to support the heart-lung connection governed by T5.
General Recommendations for Both Hemispheres
Thyroid-Specific Supplements:
If dietary iodine or selenium is insufficient, consider supplements but consult a healthcare provider for dosage.
Mind-Body Integration
Regularly practice mindfulness or qi gong to harmonize physical and energetic systems.
Spine Care
Regular Integrated Positional Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Qi Gong, acupuncture, or physical therapy may enhance alignment and energy flow related to C4, T5, and L1.
The Yang Earth Tiger during February represents digestive tract weakness, hormonal imbalances, inhibited circulation, and a toxic buildup in the lymphatic system. By aligning diet and lifestyle practices with the seasonal energies of the northern and southern hemispheres, one can harmonize hormones, stabilize metabolic functions and the structural health of the spine for optimal well-being.
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