The Clinic of Meridian Harmonics: April 2025

The Chinese calendar marks April 5, 2025, as the beginning of Yang Metal Dragon Month and the third month of the Yin Wood-Snake Year. 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 Metal Dragon month extends until May 5, 2025.

The Yang Metal Dragon references the 33rd hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Heaven trigram above, and the Mountain trigram below.

Hexagram 33, known as "Retreat", is composed of the Yang Metal (Heaven) trigram above the Yang Earth (Mountain) trigram. This configuration symbolizes a time of strategic withdrawal, reflection, and consolidation of energy. The Heaven trigram represents strength, clarity, and leadership, while the Mountain trigram signifies stability, stillness, and grounding. Together, they suggest a period of retreat to preserve strength and prepare for future action.

Strategic Withdrawal and Wisdom:

Hexagram 33 emphasizes the importance of knowing when to retreat to avoid unnecessary conflict or depletion. It reflects the wisdom of self-preservation and the ability to recognize when external circumstances are unfavorable

This retreat is not a sign of weakness but a tactical move to regroup and prepare for future challenges.

Heaven Over Mountain:

The Heaven trigram represents clarity, strength, and leadership, while the Mountain trigram symbolizes stillness, stability, and introspection. They suggest a balance between action and contemplation, urging individuals to pause and reflect before moving forward.

The Cave Symbolism:

Some interpretations liken Hexagram 33 to the image of a hermit retreating to a mountain cave, symbolizing a period of solitude and inner work. This retreat allows for self-discovery, healing, and renewal.

Health and Pathologies

Northern Hemisphere (Spring)

Seasonal Context:

In spring, the energy of growth and renewal is rising. However, Hexagram 33 advises against overexertion and encourages moderation to avoid burnout.

The retreat energy aligns with the need to detoxify and cleanse the body after winter stagnation.

Health Implications:

Digestive Health: The Yangming channels (large intestine and Stomach) are emphasized, making it important to address dryness in the large intestine and damp heat in the Stomach.

Respiratory Health: Seasonal allergies may affect the Lungs, which are connected to the Large Intestine through the Taiyin system.

Emotional Health: The retreat energy may bring feelings of introspection or withdrawal, which can benefit mental clarity but may also lead to temporary melancholy.

Pathologies:

Excess Heat: Overactivity in the Yangming channels can lead to inflammation, bloating, or skin issues.

Qi Stagnation: Failure to harmonize the retreat energy may result in stress or frustration.

In April 2025, during the third month of the Chinese New Year (Yin Wood Snake), this hexagram's energetic influences align with the Yang Metal Dragon, emphasizing resilience, determination, and transformation.

Southern Hemisphere (Autumn)

Seasonal Context:

In autumn, the energy begins to contract, mirroring the retreat energy of Hexagram 33. This is a time to conserve resources and prepare for the colder months ahead.

The focus shifts to nourishment and immunity to support the body during the seasonal transition.

Health Implications:

Lung Health: The Lungs, as the organ of autumn, are particularly vulnerable. Hexagram 33's retreat energy encourages practices that strengthen respiratory function, such as breathing exercises or herbal tonics.

Digestive Health: The Spleen and Stomach, which are linked to the Taiyin and Yangming channels, require warming and grounding foods to prevent dampness and cold accumulation.

Emotional Health: The introspective energy of autumn aligns with the retreat theme, fostering a sense of calm and reflection.

Pathologies:

Dampness: Excess dampness in the Spleen and Stomach can lead to bloating, fatigue, or loose stools.

Dryness: The retreat energy may exacerbate dryness in the Lungs and Large Intestine, causing dry skin, constipation, or respiratory irritation.

Cosmic and Energetic Influences

Yin Wood Snake Year:

The Yin Wood Snake brings a soft, flexible, and strategic energy. It encourages adaptability and introspection, complementing the retreat-oriented nature of Hexagram 33.

The Snake's association with transformation and wisdom supports the idea of using this time to reassess priorities and let go of what no longer serves.

Yang Metal Dragon Month:

The Yang Metal Dragon is bold, assertive, and ambitious. Its energy contrasts with the retreat-oriented nature of the hexagram, creating a dynamic interplay between action and reflection.

The Dragon's connection to the Yangming channels (Large Intestine and Stomach) highlights the importance of digestion, elimination, and internal energy balance during this time.

Influence on the Human Body

Meridian and Organ Connections

Yang Metal (Large Intestine Channel):

The Large Intestine channel is linked to the Stomach, Liver, Lung, Kidney, and Spleen. It governs the elimination of waste and is associated with dryness and inflammation when imbalanced.

The Large Intestine's internal pathways reach the face, throat, and nose, making these areas susceptible to dryness or irritation.

Yang Earth (Stomach Channel):

The Stomach channel connects to the Large Intestine, Pericardium, Spleen, and Lungs. It governs digestion and the transformation of food into energy.

Damp heat in the Stomach can manifest as bloating, acid reflux, or skin issues.

Taiyin Channels (Lungs and Spleen):

Both the Large Intestine and Stomach channels share internal connections with the Lungs and Spleen, which belong to the Taiyin system.

The Lungs govern respiration and skin health, while the Spleen oversees digestion and the production of Qi (vital energy).

Imbalances and Patterns

Excess Patterns:

The Large Intestine may experience dryness and inflammation, leading to constipation, dry skin, or respiratory issues.

The Stomach may develop damp-heat, causing bloating, indigestion, or acne.

Pineal Gland and Vertebral Segments:

Hexagram 33 is associated with excess patterns in the pineal gland, potentially disrupting sleep and circadian rhythms.

Imbalances may also manifest at C1 (neck tension), T2 (upper back stiffness), and T10 (digestive issues).

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

Northern Hemisphere (Spring)

Focus on light, cleansing foods to support the Large Intestine and Stomach:

Include leafy greens, asparagus, celery, and radishes to clear heat and promote detoxification.

Avoid heavy, greasy, or overly spicy foods that can exacerbate damp-heat.
Engage in gentle outdoor activities like walking or yoga to harmonize with the rising Yang energy of spring.

Southern Hemisphere (Autumn)

Emphasize warming and nourishing foods to support the Lungs and Spleen:

Incorporate root vegetables, squash, ginger, and cinnamon to strengthen digestion and immunity.

Avoid cold or raw foods that can weaken the Spleen.
Practice breathing exercises or meditation to enhance Lung function and promote relaxation.

Interplay of Yangming and Taiyin Channels

The Yangming channels (Large Intestine and Stomach) are responsible for processing and eliminating waste, while the Taiyin channels (Lungs and Spleen) focus on nourishment and energy production. During this month:

Imbalances in the Yangming channels may lead to digestive and respiratory issues, such as constipation, bloating, or dry cough.

Weakness in the Taiyin channels can result in fatigue, poor immunity, and dampness-related conditions.

Common Medical Conditions in April

Seasonal allergies affecting the Lungs and Large Intestine.

Digestive disturbances like bloating or constipation.

Skin issues, such as dryness or acne, linked to the Large Intestine and Stomach.

During the Yang Metal Dragon month, the energetic and physiological influences on the body emphasize the Yangming channels (Large Intestine and Stomach) and their connections to the Taiyin channels (Lungs and Spleen).

Treatments from the premier clinic of Chinese medicine in North Texas, Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Compounding Pharmacy provide several advantages:

1. Expertise in Balancing Seasonal Energies

Meridian Harmonics tailors treatments to align with the seasonal and cosmic influences of the Yang Metal Dragon month. This includes addressing dryness and inflammation in the Large Intestine and damp heat in the Stomach, which are common during this time.

Their practitioners use acupuncture and herbal formulas to harmonize the Yangming and Taiyin channels, promoting balance between digestion, elimination, and respiratory health.

2. Comprehensive Meridian-Based Treatments

Acupuncture treatments at Meridian Harmonics target specific points along the Large Intestine, Stomach, Lung, and Spleen meridians to:

Relieve digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or acid reflux.

Address respiratory concerns such as dry cough or seasonal allergies.

Support overall energy flow and reduce stagnation

The use of moxibustion or other adjunct therapies can further enhance the effects by warming and tonifying the affected meridians.

3. Customized Herbal Compounding

The pharmacy's ability to create customized herbal formulas ensures that treatments are tailored to individual needs. This personalized approach ensures that the formulas are aligned with the patient's constitution and the energetic influences of the month.

4. Focus on Preventative Care

TCM emphasizes preventative care, and Meridian Harmonics provides guidance on diet, lifestyle, and seasonal practices to maintain health during the Yang Metal Dragon month.

For example:

Recommendations for light, cleansing foods in the Northern Hemisphere (spring) or warming, nourishing foods in the Southern Hemisphere (autumn) to support the Spleen and Stomach.

Breathing exercises or Qi Gong to strengthen the Lungs and improve Qi flow.

5. Holistic Approach to Health

Treatments at Meridian Harmonics integrate the mind-body connection, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and energetic imbalances.

The Yang Metal Dragon's bold and transformative energy may bring emotional challenges, such as stress or overexertion. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help calm the mind and restore emotional equilibrium

6. Addressing Specific Imbalances

The Yang Metal Dragon month is associated with excess patterns in the pineal gland and imbalances at the C1, T2, and T10 vertebral segments. Meridian Harmonics offers:

Acupuncture or manual therapies to relieve tension in these areas.

Herbal support regulates sleep and circadian rhythms which are affected by pineal gland imbalances.

7. Longstanding Tradition and Expertise

With TCM's foundation in thousands of years of practice, Meridian Harmonics draws on this rich tradition to provide effective treatments for a wide range of conditions. Their use of evidence-based protocols ensures safety and efficacy while respecting the holistic principles of TCM.

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Compounding Pharmacy offers a unique combination of seasonally aligned treatments, customized herbal formulas, and holistic care. These advantages make it an excellent choice for addressing the specific health challenges and energetic influences of the Yang Metal Dragon month and every season throughout the year.

Health and Wellness Coaching & Consultation:

Sharpen your diet and schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct Ayurvedic and TCM recommendations for your constitution, as most wellness programs are inappropriate. Michelle is a Mayo Clinic-trained health coach who offers patients an opportunity to learn the most suitable path to boost their immune system and maintain overall health.

Schedule with her here.