Seasonal living is an ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine. It is the idea of living according to nature’s patterns by observing its motions.
Living in tune with nature is one of the major subjects of the Nei jing (Yellow emperor). The Chinese ancestors developed the theory of the five elements by watching the sun’s and moon’s movement during the seasons of the year.
Regardless of what have happened during the Corona virus in the last spring, the seasons march on and since May we were already shifted into summer.
Summer solstice in ancient times
From a western point of view, summer solstice that occurred on June 21, represents the beginning of summer. But in fact, throughout the centuries our ancestors marked the long day of the year as the middle of summer season- The extreme yang day of the year.
According to Chapter 2 of the Nei jing Su wen, each of the three months seasons has a characteristic related to how yin or yang interrelated with each other. Summer is called “the season of flourishing” and has the vibrant characteristics of fire. It represent joy, happiness, love and passion.
How is summer represented in women’s body?
In terms of women’s menstrual cycle, summer is ovulation time. At this phase libido and desire rises and the egg ovulates referring to a yang action of expansion. from a prescriptive of our life journey, spring is the phase from childhood into puberty, the place of wood element wild growth and maturation. Summer, is the time of puberty, we become active, sensual with frequently emotional changes.
We must remember to breathe according to the seasons of nature and in life. To change our activities, our diet and mind according to the seasons.
As written in the Yellow emperor – Su wen Chapter 2:
The four seasons together with yin and yang are the roots of everything. The sages rejuvenate yang in spring and summer, and rejuvenate yin in autumn and winter, in order to act upon the roots.
To live against the roots means to deprive oneself of the source of life and to destroy one’s true energy.
To live in harmony with yin and yang means life; to live against yin and yang means death. To live in harmony with yin and yang will bring about peace; to live against yin and yang will bring about chaos.
The last phrase can be applied in many fields for example:
- A micro-cosmos view, the body itself and the relationship of the organ’s qi /blood.
- A macro-cosmos view, government- citizens or universal relations.
Breathing is a dance of yin and yang. Breathing is the basic need for movement, for flexibility, for living with the changes.
Enjoy your summer time!
