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Nourish yang in spring and summer, nourish yin in autumn and winter

Author: Dr. Richard Zeng (C.M.)
春夏养阳,秋冬养阴Nourish yang in spring and summer, nourish yin in autumn and winter

Nourish yang in spring and summer, nourish yin in autumn and winter

“春夏养阳,秋冬养阴” is a proverb in traditional Chinese medicine that describes the principles of health preservation throughout the four seasons. It means that in the spring and summer, one should focus on nourishing yang energy, while in the autumn and winter, the emphasis should be on nourishing yin energy.

In traditional Chinese medicine, yin and yang are relative concepts that represent the opposing and interdependent forces in the universe. Yang is associated with activity, warmth, expansion, and upward movement, while yin is associated with stillness, coldness, contraction, and downward movement.

Nourishing Yang in Spring and Summer

During the spring and summer seasons, yang energy is abundant in nature, with vibrant growth and ample sunlight. To align with the season and climate, individuals should focus on nurturing their yang energy. This can be achieved through appropriate exercise, consuming light and easily digestible foods, and getting plenty of sunlight. The goal is to adapt to the seasonal characteristics and promote the generation and circulation of yang energy in the body.

Why “Nourish Yang” in Spring and Summer?

“春夏养阳” emphasises the importance of nurturing yang energy during the spring and summer seasons. Despite the warm and hot weather during this time, the principle is based on several considerations:

Abundance of yang energy in nature

The spring and summer seasons are when yang energy is abundant in the natural world. Yang represents activity, warmth, and upward movement. During this time, the earth is teeming with life, everything is growing, and there is ample sunshine. It is easier for the human body to absorb sunlight and the yang energy present in the environment.

Adaptation to seasonal characteristics

The climate in spring and summer is warm and humid, with a relatively abundant yang energy. The human body should adapt to the changes in climate. The purpose of nourishing yang during this period is to adapt to the seasonal characteristics and promote the generation and circulation of yang energy in the body.

Preventing damage to yang energy

Despite the warm weather in spring and summer, excessive consumption of raw and cold foods, excessive fatigue, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can all damage yang energy. Therefore, nourishing yang during this time also means being mindful of avoiding factors that can harm yang energy.

Ways to nourish yang in spring and summer

Methods of nourishing yang during spring and summer may include appropriate sun exposure, engaging in suitable aerobic exercises, practicing tai chi or qigong, promoting blood circulation, and enhancing physical strength. It also involves avoiding excessively cold foods. These practices can help protect and strengthen the body’s vitality and yang energy, improve resistance, and promote balance and health.

Nourishing Yin in Autumn and Winter

During the autumn and winter seasons, yang energy declines, and yin energy becomes predominant in nature. At this time, it is important to focus on nourishing yin energy to maintain balance. This may involve prioritising rest and ensuring sufficient sleep, consuming nourishing and moistening foods, avoiding excessively hot indoor environments, and refraining from consuming spicy and drying foods. These practices help nourish and protect yin energy, adapting to the seasonal demands.

Why “Nourish Yin” in Autumn and Winter?

Although the autumn and winter seasons are characterised by cool and cold weather, traditional Chinese medicine emphasises the concept of “秋冬养阴” (nourishing yin) during this time. This principle is based on several considerations:

Abundance of yin energy in nature

The autumn and winter seasons are when yin energy relatively prevails in the natural world. “秋收冬藏” (autumn harvest and winter storage) reflects the accumulation of yin energy. Yin represents coldness, contraction, stillness, and conservation. During this time, sunlight diminishes, and the weather becomes colder. The earth enters a dormant state, and yin energy starts to accumulate.

Adaptation to seasonal characteristics

The human body should align with the seasonal changes and adapt to the cold and dry climate of the autumn and winter seasons. Yin energy is relatively abundant during this time. Nourishing yin aims to adapt to these seasonal characteristics, protecting and nourishing the yin energy within the body.

Preventing damage to yin energy

Despite the cold weather, excessive exposure to overheated or excessively dry indoor environments, excessive fatigue, and consuming spicy and drying foods can all damage yin energy. Therefore, nourishing yin during autumn and winter also means being mindful of avoiding factors that can harm yin energy.

Way to nourish Yin in autumn and winter

During autumn and winter, it is advisable to avoid excessive consumption of spicy and drying foods, particularly for individuals who already exhibit signs of yin deficiency. Instead, choose nourishing and moistening foods such as pears, radishes, black beans, black sesame seeds, walnuts, and glutinous rice. It is also important to maintain an appropriate indoor temperature, avoid excessive heat or dryness, stay hydrated, and ensure adequate rest and sleep. These practices of “秋冬养阴” can help protect and nourish yin fluids, maintain balance, and promote overall health.

阴平阳秘,精神乃治 In balance lies harmony; in moderation lies vitality

In balance lies harmony; in moderation lies vitality

The principle of “春夏养阳,秋冬养阴” is derived from observations and understanding of seasons and climate in traditional Chinese medicine. By following this principle, individuals can adjust their diet, lifestyle habits, and wellness practices to adapt to seasonal changes and promote a balance of yin and yang energies in the body. This ultimately aims to achieve a state of well-being where harmony is maintained, and vitality is preserved, as reflected in the phrase “阴平阳秘,精神乃治 ~In balance lies harmony; in moderation lies vitality.”

春夏养阳,秋冬养阴

作者: 墨尔本杏林中医曾医生

春夏养阳,秋冬养阴“春夏养阳,秋冬养阴”是中医理论中的一句俗语,用来描述四季养生的原则。它的意思是,在春夏季节应该注重养护阳气,而在秋冬季节则应该注重养护阴气。

在中医理论中,阳和阴是相对而言的概念,代表了宇宙万物的两个相互依存的对立面。阳性的特点包括活动、热、扩散、上升等,而阴性的特点则包括静止、寒凉、收敛、下降等。

春夏养阳

春夏季节阳气旺盛,自然界万物生长茂盛,阳气充沛。此时,人们在养生上注重保持身体的阳气,通过适当的锻炼、进食清淡易消化的食物、多晒太阳等方式来增强体内的阳气,以适应季节的特点和气候的变化。

春夏天气温暖炎热,但为什么春夏要“养阳“?

“春夏养阳” 强调在春夏季节要注重养护阳气。尽管春夏天气温暖炎热,但这个原则基于以下几个方面的考虑:

  1. 天地阳气旺盛:春夏季节是自然界阳气充足的时候。阳气代表着活动、温暖、向上的特性。在这个时候,大地生机勃勃,万物生长,阳光充足,人体也更容易吸收阳光和自然界的阳气。
  2. 适应季节特征:春夏季节的气候特点是温暖、湿润,阳气相对充足。人体应当与季节相应,适应气候变化。春夏养阳的目的是为了适应这种季节性的特征,促进体内阳气的生成和运行。
  3. 防止阳气受损:春夏季节由于天气温暖,人们常倾向于大量食用生冷食物,如冰镇饮料、冰淇淋、生凉水果等。这些食物具有寒凉性质,容易导致阳气受损,特别是对于那些脾胃虚寒、阳气不足的人来说更加重要。如果过多食用生冷食物可能影响阳气的生成和运行,导致脾胃功能受损、消化力下降,引起腹泻、消化不良、乏力、食欲不振等症状。所以“春夏养阳”在此意味着在春夏要注意“顾护阳气”, 特别是脾阳,以避免伤害阳气 – 这是“春夏养阳”的重要含义之一。

“春夏养阳”可以包括适当的阳光暴露、适合自己的有氧运动、太极拳或气功等活动,可以促进血液循环、增强体力,以及避免选择过于寒凉的食物等。这些都有助于顾护和增强体力和阳气,提高抵抗力,促进身体的平衡与健康。

秋冬养阴

秋冬季节阳气衰退,自然界万物凋零休眠,阴气逐渐占优势。这个时候,人们应该注重养护身体的阴气,以保持身体的平衡。这包括注意休息以保持足够的睡眠时间、进食甘凉滋润的食物、避免居住空间温度过热、避免过食辛辣干燥食物等方式来滋养阴气,以适应季节的需求。

秋冬季节气候凉爽寒冷,为什么秋冬季节要“养阴”?

秋冬季节的天气虽然凉爽寒冷,但中医强调“秋冬养阴”的理念。此原则是基于以下几个方面的考虑:

  1. 天地阴气旺盛:秋冬季节是自然界阴气相对充盛的时候。“秋收冬藏” – 阴气代表了寒冷、收敛、静止的特性。在这个时候,阳光逐渐减少,天气变得寒冷,大地进入休眠状态,自然界的阴气开始积聚。
  2. 适应季节特征:人体应当与季节相应,适应气候变化。秋冬季节气候寒冷、干燥,阴气相对充盛。秋冬养阴的目的是为了适应这种季节性的特征,保护和滋养体内的阴气。
  3. 预防阴气受损:尽管秋冬季节天气寒冷,但过度暴露在温度过热或过度干燥的居住环境中、过度疲劳、过度干燥等都可能导致阴气受损。另外,冬天人们习惯食用辛辣,而易造成阴气受损。冬天人们倾向于食用辛辣食物,如辣椒、生姜、葱、大蒜等。这些食物具有辛热性质,容易导致阴气受损而产生口干口苦,虚热,盗汗等不适。因此,秋冬养阴也意味着要注意避免这些因素对阴气的伤害。

所以,在秋冬季节要尽量避免过量食用辛辣食物,特别是对于那些已经有阴虚症状的人来说更为重要。取而代之的是,选择进食甘凉滋润的食物,如梨子,萝卜,黑豆、黑芝麻、核桃、糯米等,有助于滋养阴液、保护阴气。同时注意保持适当的室内温暖、避免居住空间温度过热或过度干燥、补充足够的水分、保持充足的休息和睡眠。 这些“秋冬养阴”的方法,可以有助于保护和滋养阴气,维持身体的平衡与健康。

阴平阳秘,精神乃治In balance lies harmony; in moderation lies vitality

阴平阳秘,精神乃治

“春夏养阳,秋冬养阴”的原则是根据中医理论中对季节和气候的观察和认识总结而成的。遵循这一原则,可以帮助人们调整饮食、生活习惯和养生方式,以适应季节变化,促进身体阴阳平衡。 以达到“阴平阳秘,精神乃治”的健康状态。

 

Pattern Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

What is pattern diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

 

TCM pattern diagnosisPattern diagnosis (辩证论证 Bian Zheng Lun Zhi )  is a fundamental concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the identification and classification of patterns of disharmony within the body, which helps guide the diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions.

In TCM, the body is seen as an interconnected system where imbalances or disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and other vital substances can lead to disease. Pattern diagnosis aims to identify these imbalances and understand how they manifest in an individual’s signs and symptoms.

Key elements in pattern diagnosis

pulst takingThere are several key elements involved in pattern diagnosis:

Gathering information: The TCM practitioner collects detailed information through questioning, observation, palpation, and listening. This includes the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and their overall constitution.

Analysis: The collected information is carefully analyzed to identify patterns of disharmony. Patterns may involve imbalances in Qi, Yin and Yang, organ systems, body substances, or the overall flow of energy.

Pattern identification: Based on the analysis, the practitioner identifies specific patterns of disharmony. These patterns are often named according to their characteristics, such as “Liver Qi Stagnation” or “Kidney Yang Deficiency.”

Treatment principles: Once the patterns are identified, treatment principles are determined. These principles guide the selection of acupuncture points, herbal medicine formulas, dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, and other TCM modalities to address the root causes of the disharmony and restore balance.

Pattern diagnosis in TCM is a dynamic and individualised process. It takes into account not only the symptoms but also the underlying imbalances and the unique constitution of each person. By addressing the specific patterns of disharmony, TCM aims to restore harmony and promote the body’s self-healing mechanisms. It is important to consult a qualified TCM practitioner who can provide an accurate pattern diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan based on individual needs.

Almond Wellness Centre

Almond Wellness Centre located in Victoria’s Coburg and Ringwood areas, is a multidisciplinary clinic devoted to fostering wellness. Our clinics place great importance on comprehensive healthcare that encompasses the whole person. We approach each individual as a unique entity, considering their lifestyle, diet, environment, emotions, and attitude.

Whether you are in search of treatment for a particular health issue or aiming to enhance your overall well-being, Almond Wellness Centre is dedicated to delivering personalised care tailored to your needs. Our goal is to assist you in achieving your health objectives and supporting your journey towards optimal wellness.

As each person is different, if you or someone you care about is experiencing health issues and would like to explore the potential benefits of Chinese medicine acupuncture, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our fully qualified registered acupuncture Chinese medicine practitioners in both Coburg clinic and Ringwood clinic are here to provide information and assistance.

Five Elements

five elements in TCM

Five Elements in TCM

The theory of Five Elements, also known as Wu Xing (五行) in Chinese medicine, is a fundamental concept that seeks to understand the dynamic interplay and relationships between various aspects of the natural world. It suggests that wood, fire, earth, metal, and water are not just physical substances, but also represent energetic qualities and principles that shape the material world.

Wood (木 Mu)

Wood represents the energy of growth, expansion, and vitality. It is associated with the season of spring, the colour green, and the direction of east. Wood is also linked to the liver and gallbladder organs in the body.

Fire (火 Huo)

Fire represents the energy of warmth, transformation, and enthusiasm. It is associated with the season of summer, the colour red, and the direction of south. Fire is linked to the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and triple burner organs.

Earth (土 Tu)

Earth represents the energy of stability, nourishment, and grounding. It is associated with the season of late summer or transition periods, the colour yellow, and the central direction. Earth is linked to the spleen and stomach organs.

Metal (金 Jin)

Metal represents the energy of clarity, precision, and contraction. It is associated with the season of autumn, the colour white, and the direction of west. Metal is linked to the lungs and large intestine organs.

Water (水 Shui)

Water represents the energy of fluidity, adaptability, and conservation. It is associated with the season of winter, the colour blue or black, and the direction of north. Water is linked to the kidneys and urinary bladder organs.

In the theory of Five Elements, these elements are not viewed as static entities, but rather as dynamic forces that interact with and influence each other. The relationships between the elements are categorised into two main cycles: the generating cycle and the restraining cycle.

Generating Cycle

Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, and Water generates Wood. This cycle describes how each element supports and nourishes the next in a continuous flow of energy.

Restraining Cycle

Wood restrains Earth, Earth restrains Water, Water restrains Fire, Fire restrains Metal, and Metal restrains Wood. This cycle illustrates how each element has the ability to control or restrain another element to maintain balance and prevent excessive energy.

The theory of Five Elements is utilised in traditional Chinese medicine for diagnosis, treatment, and understanding the interconnections between various aspects of health and well-being. It provides a framework to analyse and address imbalances in the body’s energy system and guide the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations to restore harmony and promote optimal health.

Yin Yang – The Principle of Opposites Part 3

In diagnosis

“The skilled practitioner examines the countenance and feels the pulse. First dividing them into Yin and Yang, he judges the pure (Yang ) and the impure (Yin) and thus knows the diseased part of the body… He feels the pulse to ascertain whether it is floating (Yang), deep (Yin), slippery (Yang) or rough (Yin) and knows where the disease orginated. Thus, no mistake would be made both in diagnosis and in treatment.” – Su Wen (Plain Questions)

In treatment

In the treatment of disease:

  • If Yang is hot and over-abundant, thus injuring the Yin fluid (Yang excess causing a Yin disease), the surplus Yang can be decreased by a method called “cooling what is hot“;
  • If Yin is cold and over-abundant, thus injuring the Yang Qi (Yin excess causing Yang disease), the surplus Yin can be decreased by the method called “heating what is cold“.

Conversely:

  • If Yin fluid is deficient and so, unable to control the Yang, causes it to become violent; Or
  • If Yang Qi is deficient and unable to control Yin, causes it to become over-abundant, then the deficiency must be tonified.

The Neijing (Internal Classic) describes the method:

Thus: “In Yang diseases treat the Yin; in Yin diseases treat the Yang.”

Yin Yang – The Principle of Opposites Part1

Yin Yang – The Principle of Opposites Part2