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The months of spring correspond to the Wood phase and the Liver. This is the period of commencement;
“heaven and earth are born, and all living things are flourishing. Get up early in the morning,
walk around in the courtyard, loosen your hair and relax your body. By doing so you will generate
mental strength and act in harmony with the Qi of spring, thus following the way of nourishing life.”
Take stress off of your liver by dealing with any repressed anger, avoiding unnecessary chemicals and additives.
Eat liver friendly foods like dandelion, red beets, parsnips, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale,
and mustard greens. Meditate. Practice yoga or tai chi. Get balanced for the season with acupuncture.
The months of summer correspond to the Fire phase, and the Heart. In this season all living creatures
prosper. Heavenly Qi moves down to meet the rising earth Qi. As a result, living creatures bloom and
bear fruit.
To take stress off of your heart “do not burden yourself with depressing thoughts, do not get anxious
about future events that may never happen, do not dwell on things that are well in the past.” Eat moderate
amounts of cooling foods like cucumber and watermelon. Drink plenty of water. Beware of airconditioning.
Meditation, tai chi, Qigong, and yoga are good choices for any season.
The months of autumn correspond to the Metal phase and the Lung. In this season all things ripen. The
weather cools; winds strengthen; and colors change.
Go to bed early and rise with the rooster’s crow. Moderate amounts of pungent foods like horseradish,
garlic, onions, ginger, and mustard are beneficial to the lungs. Now is the time to strengthen your Qi to
prepare for winter. Remember, meditation, tai chi, Qigong, and yoga are always good choices for any
season.
The months of winter correspond to the Water phase and the Kidney. In this season in which the life in
all things is hidden. The weather turns cold. Water freezes. It is a season of storage and quietude.
Go to bed early and sleep late (until after the sun rises.) Keep your mind peaceful and your body warm.
Avoid perspiring in the cold. Warm meals like vegetable soups with grains, beans, and root vegetables
(e.g. carrots, onions, and turnips) are appropriate. Moderate amounts of garlic, ginger, and cayenne are
beneficial when the climate is cold. Conserve your Qi now and you will be healthy in the spring. As
always, meditation, tai chi, Qigong, and yoga are beneficial.
Consider where you are at this moment in time. When you look at your calendar what season is it? If you look at
your watch is it the spring of the day or perhaps the winter? And your age... spring, summer, autumn, or winter? To
optimize your health, act in accordance with the season.
Mark Melchiorre, L.Ac. is a practitioner of Oriental Medicine Energetics with over 20 years of experience.
Mark uses acupuncture, herbs, cupping, tuina massage, Reiki, and qigong to benefit mind, body and spirit.
Mark trained in the USA and in China. He has taught graduate level classes in Oriental Medicine. He is a
professional member and certified teacher of the National Qigong Association. Mark maintains a private
practice in South Pasadena, CA, USA and provides services as part of the Integrative Medical team at the
Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank, CA, USA. He is available for private and group
lessons in Qigong and Tai Chi. Mark teaches methods that are adaptable to an individual's personal health
and fitness requirements.
12 Yang-Sheng (Nurturing Life) Volume 1, Issue No. 10