Xiǎo Xuě : Minor Snow

Xiǎo Xuě : Minor Snow

小雪 Xiǎo Xuě : Minor Snow

November 22nd through December 6th marks the time of 小雪 Xiǎo Xuě, or Minor Snow, the 20th term in the Ancient Chinese solar calendar and 2nd portion of Winter.

The snow begins to fall and the weather becomes cold in many places in Northern China.

Temperatures are dropping in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere. According to the Ancient Chinese, Winter is a time to slow down and turn inwards. Consider self-reflection, quiet time, meditating, and nourishing yourself both physically and spiritually. We always suggest internal martial arts such as Dao Yin exercises.

 

 

Winter According to The Ancients

During Minor Snow the Ancients believed that:

  • 虹藏不見, “Rainbows are concealed from view” – Rainbows are said to be the result of Yin and Yang energies mixing. Winter is dominated by Yin, and therefore rainbows are not present.
  • 天氣上騰地氣下降, “The Qi of the sky ascends, the Qi of the earth descends”
  • 閉塞而成冬, “Closure and stasis create winter” – The Qi retreats into the sky and earth, Yin and Yang, leads to the dormancy of winter. Dormancy and hibernation of animals begin in the natural world.

 

The Rainbow Has Hidden

A Famous Poem from the Tang Dynasty:

The Rainbow has Hidden
by Xu Chang

Minor Snow comes with the winter,
The rainbow hides itself at this season.
The white and pure clouds are formed,
The stars in the sky shine as in summer.
The rainbow is incomparable When birds fly around it, what an auspicious sign.
Now the gully has no more sunshine,
The river in heaven loses its colorful bridge.
The morning rain falls thick and fast
In the evening, the sun is barely seen in the mist.
The weather changes as the solar terms goes,
For the latter has been through a long history.

May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition into 小雪 Xiǎo Xuě. Stay warm!

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check out the newest videos on our YouTube Channel!

fall-jammin-with-jiao-shi-winter.001

And join us for Jammin’ with Jiao Shi, every Saturday at 4:00pm ET for ALL, 4:45pm ET for TypeMe Community Members, and 5:30pm ET on Clubhouse @ohoseminars. See you there!

Lì Dōng: The Ancient Chinese Season of Winter

Lì Dōng: The Ancient Chinese Season of Winter

立冬 Lì Dōng: The Ancient Chinese Season of Winter

Nourishing life according to the seasons as they unfold is one of the oldest forms of prevention. Aligning with the seasons leads to balance and harmony, the primary sources of well-being.

“The wise nourish life by flowing with the four seasons and adapting to cold or heat, by harmonizing joy and anger in a tranquil dwelling, by balancing Yin and Yang, and what is hard and soft. So it is that dissolute evil cannot reach the man of wisdom, and he will be witness to a long life.”

– 黃帝內經 Haungdi Neijing Su Wen (≈ 200 B.C.)

Sunday, November 7, 2021 marks the 19th term on the Ancient Chinese Solar Calendar of Li Dong立冬, and the start of the Ancient Chinese Winter.  It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 225° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 240°.

Li means “the beginning,” and Dong is “the end or the collection of everything.” Crops have been harvested and in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere animals have begun to hibernate.

According to the Chinese calendar, winter spans across 6 terms and completes the 24 term cycle:

Lì Dōng 立冬 – Start of Winter: The Earth begins to harden.
Xiǎo Xuě 小雪 – Minor Snow: Snow begins to fall, the weather becomes cold.
Dà Xuě 大雪 – Major Snow: It snows heavily for the first time in the year in certain parts of the planet.
Dōng Zhì 冬至 – Winter Solstice: The daytime is the shortest and the nighttime is the longest of the year.
Xiǎo Hán 小寒 – Minor Cold: The weather rapidly reaches its coldest.
Dà Hán 大寒 – Major Cold: This is the coldest time of the year.

 

Winter According to The Ancients

“The three months of winter are the period in which everything is closed and stored. Water freezes and the earth cracks, so that Yang remains dormant not to be disturbed. It is desirable to sleep early and get up late, to await the arrival of sunlight, so that the will remains dormant as if hiding or pretending, not unlike someone with private intentions, not unlike someone with all his desires already fulfilled. In, winter, one should avoid cold and remain warm and refrain from perspiring so that Yang energy will not be frequently attacked by cold energy.

This is the way of nourishing life in response to the energy of winter. To act to the contrary will cause injuries to the kidneys and one will suffer weakened limbs in spring, because he is bound to be short of energy to cope with the spring. To live against the trends of winter energy will lead to an inability of little Yin to store which brings about a descending of kidneys energy.”

~ 黃帝內經Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

Winter Indications

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter continues the phase of Yin energy as it builds to its climax. It corresponds with the Water element which represents the kidneys, the bladder, and adrenal glands.

It is also a time for introspection. Reduce physical activities to preserve the Qi (energy) required to repair and rejuvenate during this hibernation period of securing and storing.

This is the time to stay still, calm, be at peace and at rest.

The Water element is associated with the ear and bones, the emotion fear, the color blue, and the sound of crying. Likewise, the climate is cold and the taste is salty.

 

Kidney Qi Deficiency

One of the common symptoms associated with this season is Kidney Qi deficiency which is usually expressed by lack of energy, fatigue, pale face, impotence and infertility.

The 黃帝內經Huangdi Neijing Su Wen, Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic connects the natural progression of human life (growth, development, reproduction and aging) and changes in bone conditions, controlled by the Kidney Essence. Therefore, it is important to nurture your kidney energy so that the bones are nourished during this time of year.

Focusing on storing pure energy and making sure the cold does not enter and reside in your body will help prevent disease in spring.  Avoid excessive fear and resistance to change.

“This is the way of nourishing life in response to the energy
of winter. To act to the contrary will cause injuries to the kidneys and one will suffer weakened limbs in spring, because he is bound to be short of energy to cope with the spring.”

~黃帝內經Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

The following tips will assist you with maintaining your well-being during winter months and preparing for spring:

  1. Expose your body to the right type of sunlight at the appropriate time of day for just 10-15 minutes a day. (see our article on Your Body’s Dance with the Sun)
  2. Spend 10-15 minutes per day outside absorbing fresh oxygen.
  3. Drink Water!
  4. Daoyin and the Way of Softness & Harmonizing Your Training – Such breathing methods require a minimal amount of movement to achieve maximum results leading to internal peace and a calm emotional state.

 

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – Ancient Chinese Winter

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to eat warming foods and cooked foods during the Winter months.  Avoid raw and cold foods as well as foods and spices that generate extensive heat.

ALL Body Types may try fruits such as Chia, Flax, Hemp, and Sesame Seeds.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Almonds
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Cacao
  • Cashews
  • Chestnuts
  • Pecans
  • Macadamia Nut
  • Pili Nut
  • Pine Nuts
  • Pistacios
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Walnuts

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Hazelnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Soy Nuts
  • Squash Seeds
  • Tiger Nuts
  • Watermelon Seeds

 

A Note From Jiao Shi

As we transition into the 6 terms of Winter, it is important to protect yourself from the wind and to keep your body warm.  It is also a time for introspection, meditation, writing, and inward practices that connect us to our true selves.

Be calm, peaceful, and be sure to take some quiet time to yourself.

May you enjoy the Winter Season and stay warm!

Jiao Shi

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check out the newest videos on our YouTube Channel!

fall-jammin-with-jiao-shi-winter.001

And join us for Jammin’ with Jiao Shi, every Saturday at 4:00pm ET for ALL, 4:45pm ET for TypeMe Community Members, and 5:30pm ET on Clubhouse @ohoseminars. See you there!

Qiū Fēn: The Golden Autumn Equinox

Qiū Fēn: Autumnal Equinox

秋分 Qiū Fēn

皓月闪烁,星光闪耀,中秋佳节,美满快乐!

A bright moon and stars twinkle and shine. Wishing you a merry Mid-Autumn Festival, bliss, and happiness.

September 22nd of this year marks the 16th solar term of 秋分 Qiū Fēn on the Ancient Chinese Calendar, known as the Autumn Equinox in the West.  It arrives when the celestial longitude is 180 degrees.  Qiu Fen is a time for all living things to prepare their shelters for the chilly winter nights to come.  Have you noticed a change in the temperature ? The weather turns towards cool and dry in this portion of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.  “Thunders begin to soften, insects start making nests and water begins to dry up,” according to Ancient Chinese wisdom.

It is the time when the night and day are equal in length, and the Yin Qi and Yang Qi are in balance.   This means that the heat and cold are also balanced.

“阵秋雨一阵寒 Yízhèn qiūyǔ yízhèn hán Each autumn rain makes it colder”
-Ancient Chinese Proverb

祭月节Jìyuè Jiéven is the ancient moon festival which happens at the time of Autumn Equinox.  During this time 20-30 Tang Yuan (rice dumplings) were offered at the edge of fields to protect the crops from sparrows.  Today people spend time with their families and loved ones and enjoy eating infamous mooncakes🥮!

 

“The three months of Autumn are the season for harvest.
It is getting cooler and the wind is blowing stronger.
The Qi of earth is clear and everything is changing color.
Go to sleep when it is dark and get up at dawn, just like the rooster.
Keep calm and relaxed and keep your vital energy in good balance.
It will help you resist the adverse influence of the cold autumn air.
That is the way to adapt to autumn and nurture the harvesting Qi.
Violating it will result in injury to the lungs.”

黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

 

Autumn Indications

Harmonize with the autumn season so that you do not suffer dis-ease during the winter. As we discussed in our previous blog Lì Qiū: The Ancient Chinese Autumn, Autumn begins the phase of Yin energy coming off of the Yang energy of Summer. It corresponds with the Metal element which represents the lungs, the large intestine and the skin organs.

The Metal element is also associated with the nose, the emotions of courage and sadness, the color white, the sound of weeping, and the white tiger. It correlates with the direction of West, which is the direction of dreams and visions. Likewise, the climate is dry, the season is ripening and ready for harvest, and the taste is pungent.

Focus on your breathing, fresh air, and meditation.  Be open to new ideas while protecting your boundaries and limits.  Embrace yourself and let go of the things that no longer serve you.  秋分 Qiu Fen is a time for clarity, productivity, and discipline.

The wind begins to blow more freely during 秋分 Qiū Fēn which can bring pestilence through the skin to the lungs.  Be sure to cover your neck and skin during this time to protect your Zheng Qi.

It is also important to stay hydrated as autumn is a time of dryness.  In Chinese Medicine we often see people with dry and itchy skin, dry cough, sore throats, and constipation during 秋分 Qiū Fēn.  You can  avoid all of this by drinking enough water daily and doing your Dao Yin exercises to harmonize with each day!

 

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – 秋分 Qiu Fen: Ancient Chinese Autumn

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to transition from cold and uncooked foods to more warm and cooked foods during the autumn months.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Pomelo
  • Loquat
  • Kumquat
  • Star Fruit
  • Apples
  • Plums
  • Olives
  • Grapefruit

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Pumpkin
  • Red Kidney Beans
  • Grapes
  • Bell Pepper
  • Butternut Squash
  • Acorn Squash
  • Pineapple

 

A Note From Jiao Shi


As we transition from the time of bái lù 白露 (White Dew) into qiū fēn 秋分 (Autumn Equinox), the days and nights are cooler. It is important to protect yourself from the wind and make sure that you hydrate with the fruits that were covered in the last few episodes of Jammin’ with Jiao Shi.

Focus on embracing yourself and staying centered, calm, and peaceful.  May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition into the autumn equinox.

Jiao Shi

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check out the newest videos on our YouTube Channel!

And join us for Jammin’ with Jiao Shi, every Saturday at 4:00pm ET for ALL, 4:45pm ET for TypeMe Community Members, and 5:30pm ET on Clubhouse @ohoseminars. See you there!

Lì Qiū: The Ancient Chinese Autumn

Lì Qiū

Preparing for each season is one of the oldest forms of preventative medicine, and once they have arrived, well-being and inner peace come from harmonizing with them.  The 13th term in the Ancient Chinese Solar Calendar begins on Saturday, August 7, 2021. Lì Qiū 立秋, marks the end of the solar term Major Heat and the beginning of autumn.

It does not however mean that the hot weather is finished with us. In fact, the next 30 day period of hot days are referred to as the “Autumn Tiger” and are typically more sweltering than those in Major Heat.

While according to Chinese records this time is said to have extreme heat, it also means that the harvest season approaches, and for this we can be grateful. Let us look at the meaning of Lì Qiū:

立 Lì : Begins or Commences
秋 qiu: autumn; consists of two parts, he (禾, rice) and huo (火, fire) – the ripening of rice.

 

Lì Qiū (Autumn) According to the Ancients

“Go to bed early and get up with the chickens. This will cause all mental faculties to become calm and peaceful, and moderate the downward blow of autumn. Reel in your mental energy to be in harmony with the condensing quality of autumn Qi. Do not disperse your energies, and the lung Qi will be clear. This is the way of nourishing life in accordance with the nourishing and constricting Qi of the autumnal harvest season. Going against these principles will harm the lung network, eventually causing diarrhea in winter, when things should really be in a state of storage rather than leakage. The Qi of Autumn is dry, and so it is advisable to consume some moistening sesame to counteract the dryness. Avoid cold drinks, and do not wear damp and cold clothing close to your skin.”

黃帝內經 Haungdi Neijing Su Wen

“This is the changing or pivoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase. Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, refraining from depression so that one can make the transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy free, full, clean, and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung Qi. Also, one should refrain from smoking and grief, the emotion of lung. This will prevent the kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in the winter. This compromises the body’s ability to store in winter.”

黃帝內經 Haungdi Neijing Su Wen

Lì Qiū (Autumn) Indications

In Ancient Chinese Medicine, autumn starts the phase of Yin energy.  It corresponds with the Metal element which represents the lungs, the large intestine and the skin organs.

During this time, slowing down, focusing on what we have accomplished and unburdening ourselves by letting go of that which no longer serves us is recommended. Just like processes are happening in nature, we should also begin our gradual transition from the expansive growth of spring and summer to the introspective expression of fall and winter.

The Metal element is associated with the nose, the emotions of courage and sadness, the color white, and the sound of weeping. Likewise, the climate is dry, the season is ripening and ready for harvest, and the taste is pungent.

According to Ancient Chinese Medicine, autumn and winter are for the nourishment of the Yin Qi. Focus on self-nurturing and maintain your inner peace.

Common symptoms associated with lung and large intestine imbalances are respiratory issues, sinus infections, as well as, constipation, and dry skin problems. Now is the prime time to put prevention in high gear and focus on boosting your Zheng Qi as well as safe guarding your emotional wellness!

Make sure you step outside and breathe in the fresh air as well as get your daily sunlight during the SAFE hours of the day. Remember that the moment your body feels thirst, it has already entered into a dehydration stage. Prevent that from happening by drinking water.

“Remember, you are basically a houseplant with complicated emotions.”

Strengthen and enhance your overall endurance with coordinated breathing and Dao Yin principle based exercises from ancient times. Breathe!

And remember, sleep allows your body time to repair and heal.

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – The Ancient Chinese Autumn

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to transition from cold and uncooked foods to more warm and cooked foods during the autumn months.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

 

  • Pomelo
  • Loquat
  • Kumquat
  • Star Fruit
  • Apples
  • Plums
  • Olives
  • Grapefruit

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

 

  • Pumpkin
  • Red Kidney Beans
  • Grapes
  • Bell Pepper
  • Butternut Squash
  • Acorn Squash
  • Pineapple

A Note From Jiao Shi

As we transition from the time of dà shǔ 大暑 (Major Heat) into the qiū fēn 秋分 (Autumn Equinox), the days will still get hotter and hotter. It is very important to protect yourself from the increasing heat and make sure that you hydrate with the fruits that were covered in the last few episodes of Jammin’ with Jiao Shi.

These cycles have been ebbing and flowing for the last 6,000 years, so this being the hottest point of the year is nothing new. May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition from late summer to autumn.

Jiao Shi

 

Don’t forget to check out the newest
videos on our YouTube Channel!

Xià Zhì: The Ancient Chinese Summer Solstice

Xia Zhi, the ancient chinese summer solstice

夏至 Xià Zhì

Have you noticed the temperature rising? It’s sticky and humid outside, and about to get worse. We are heading into the hottest days of summer, and that can mean discomfort in more ways than one.  Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 11:32 PM ET (Monday June 21, 2021 at 3:32 AM UTC) marked Xià Zhì, the Ancient Chinese summer solstice. It is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the year, and according to Chinese Medicine it is also considered the culmination of Yang energy.

Just like all things in the Universe, this is balanced with the rebirth and transition into Yin energy.

Even before the Qing Dynasty, the summer solstice was celebrated with friends and family in China as a national holiday. It bears fruit and marks the interaction of heaven and Earth.

 

“The three months of summer, they denote opulence and blossoming. The qi of heaven and earth interact and the myriad beings bloom and bear fruit.“

黃帝內經 Haungdi Neijing Su Wen

 

夏至 Xià Zhì (Summer) Indications

It is common to see skin problems arise during this time as well as irritability, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and exhaustion. Stay hydrated by drinking 50-70% of your body’s weight in ounces. Go outside during the SAFE times for your body to absorb sunlight and oxygen. Over-exhaustion and energy depletion can occur with too much sweating and prolonged exposure to heat.

 

“Let the mind have no anger, and things will blossom beautifully.”

黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

Harmonize with the summer season so that you do not suffer dis-ease during the fall and winter. As we discussed in our previous blog Ancient Chinese Summer is Here, the heart organ connects to the tongue and therefore speech. Be aware of the words you choose to speak to invigorate the Heart. Avoid mental hyperactivity and overthinking.

 

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – Ancient Chinese Summer

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to eat hydrating foods during the Summer months. Try refreshing foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pear, and mung bean soup.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

 

  • Lemons
  • Mangoes
  • Coconuts
  • Bananas
  • Longan
  • Pears
  • Mandarins
  • Cherries

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

 

  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cucumber
  • Mung Beans
  • Blueberries
  • Tomatoes
  • String Beans
  • Tofu (Soy Beans, Edamame)

 

A Note From Jiao Shi

As we transition into the hottest and most humid days of Summer, remember to hydrate and get your daily sunlight during the safe hours.  It is also vital that you breathe fresh oxygen and take time to play.

Be creative, joyful, and inspired during this time.

May you enjoy the remaining days of Summer and stay cool!

Jiao Shi

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check out the newest videos on our YouTube Channel!

And join us for Jammin’ with Jiao Shi,
every Saturday at 4:00pm ET for ALL,
4:45pm ET for TypeMe Community Members,
and 5:30pm ET on Clubhouse @ohoseminars.
See you there!

Ancient Chinese Summer is Here, Are You READY?

Summer According to the Ancients

According to the Chinese Calendar, May 5, 2021 began the Ancient Chinese Summer. Are you ready for the season?

Over 2300 years ago in the 3rd century B.C., one of the most important ancient texts in Chinese medicine was written, which also included information on Daoist theory and lifestyle. Drafted as a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) and Qíbó (岐伯), his physician and minister, this classic is still in use today.

The 黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing, translated as The Yellow Emperorʼs Internal Classic Simple Questions, covers the summer season and reads:

“In the three months of summer there is an abundance of sunshine and rain. The heavenly energy descends, and the earthly energy rises. When these energies merge, there is intercourse between heaven and earth. As a result, plants mature and animals, flowers, and fruit appear abundantly. One may retire somewhat later at this time of year, while still arising early. One should refrain from anger and stay physically active, to prevent the pores from closing and the qi from stagnating.”

The Ancient Chinese lived and worked in harmony with nature.  During the colder months it was time for hibernation, and during the Spring it was time to be more active.  As we approach Summer, remember to make time for the people who bring you joy, nurture creative projects, exercise outside, go on adventures, stay out a little later, drink water, and relax! Take long deep breaths and enjoy nature. Accordingly, make time for a nap in the middle of the day if you need it!

 

The Energy of Ancient Chinese Summer

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer is the most Yang time of the year.  It corresponds with the Fire element which represents the heart, small intestine, and pericardium organs.  During this time you will find growth both in nature as well as in your own life.  The Fire element is associated with the tongue, the emotion joy, the color red, and the sound of laughter. Likewise, the climate is hot, and the taste is bitter.

The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout our entire bodies.  In TCM it also houses the 神Shen or spirit. When the element of fire is balanced and in harmony with your body, it is strong and healthy, the spirit is calm and you sleep well.  Disharmony within the Fire element may display itself as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, mania, or depression.

Dao Yin exercises and specified breathing techniques such as laughing Qi Gong are great to help calm the spirit.  Drink enough water and most importantly, be joyful and laugh!!!

 

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – Ancient Chinese Summer

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to eat hydrating foods during the Summer months. Try refreshing foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pear, and mung bean soup.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Lemons
  • Mangoes
  • Coconuts
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Oranges

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cucumber
  • Mung Beans
  • Tomatoes
  • String Beans
  • Tofu (Soy Beans, Edamame)

 

A Note From Jiao Shi

Summer is a time to play. Release your inner child like the first day out of school. Allow your energy to flourish and expand like the ripe fruit on a tree.  Be sure to get the correct type of sunlight daily, as well as oxygen and water. Exercise and allow yourself time to rest and reset when needed.

May you enjoy your Summer, and fill your days with fun and your home with laughter!