Have you been feeling lethargic, overthinking or worried lately? It might be the stagnation of Late Summer season. It's time for self nourishment. Late summer offers a way to “digest," ensuring the movement from activity to rest, and from growth to reflection, occurs smoothly.

Late Summer is associated with the Earth element, representing stability, nourishment, and grounding. It is a season of transformation, nourishment, and introspection. This extra season can be seen as the pivot or center of the seasonal cycle in the Chinese Classical system.

Packing for international travel, especially to a destination as unique as Iceland, requires planning and consideration. The country’s unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and the allure of the Northern Lights make it essential to pack thoughtfully to ensure comfort, safety, and the ability to fully enjoy the adventure.

Water, associated with the Kidneys, embodies the essence of fluidity, adaptability, and resilience. Balancing water is a key to unlocking vitality and maintaining overall health.

The Wood Dragon is an extraordinary celestial being which emerges once in a 60-year cycle. The Dragon is known for its majestic and powerful energy, and Wood adds a layer of strength and flexibility.

The guiding influence of Dragon's leadership and supportive nature of Wood may bring positive changes and insight into new horizons.

5 Element of Iceland - ETHER

The Northern Lights in Iceland are an ethereal symphony of the Sun and Earth. As the sun releases particles, these charged particles travel through space, guided by the sun's magnetic fields. When they collide with Earth's magnetic field in high-latitude regions like Iceland, the magic unfolds.

5 Elements of Iceland - FIRE

Iceland's volcanic activity is an opportunity to witness the raw, transformative power of change. Volcanic fire is a potent force of destruction and creation, where landscapes are shaped and reshaped into a rich tapestry of geological diversity.

5 Elements of Iceland - EARTH

Iceland's tectonic plates meeting shows Earth's geological processes at its source. The ongoing seismic and volcanic activity adds dynamic, real-time insight into Earth's continuing transformation. These observations contribute to global scientific knowledge and helps mitigate geological hazards.

5 Elements of Iceland - AIR

Iceland’s unspoiled landscapes and untouched wilderness provide pure, fresh, crisp air. The unparalleled air quality is central to the wellness benefits of the region. Surrounded by virgin glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers, the therapeutic effects of this pure air amplifies well-being.

5 Elements of Iceland - WATER

Iceland seems like Natures ultimate expression of the element WATER, an island in the Arctic, flowing with endless waterfalls, rivers and fjords. The island's raw beauty invites you to fall into the soothing embrace of water and its healing power.

The Rabbit is a lucky sign and people born in a Year of the Rabbit are considered friendly, and good teachers, counselors and communicators. In Chinese culture, he Rabbit is also a symbol of the Moon, as the Moon Goddess Chang’e has a rabbit companion, whose gentle nature is able to match her noble beauty. 

One of my favorite sayings in Chinese Medicine is, “Wind is the carrier of 1000 diseases.” 

This does not mean an air or physical wind, but a state of dis-ease when the body is out of balance. Wind is considered the backbone of many diseases, and affects the body in the same way as sudden gust of wind affects trees, shaking leaves and branches creating havoc.

CAN YOU FEEL THE SHIFT?

It's that time when the hot summer days shorten, cold creeps in mornings and night, and the bright energy of summer is replaced by the slower, introspective, contracting energy of Autumn.

Summer are winding down and we are transitioning into the season of harvest. The expansive energy of summer lingers in the air, yet winds are picking up and the leaves are starting to fall. It’s time to take stock in the celebrating the abundance of summer and let it nourish our body and mind. 

Know that this is the energy of shifting seasons, and the effect on our mind-body can have real affects physically, emotionally and psychologically.

It is the long-awaited change of winter to spring. There is renewal and new life all around. Trees are sprouting, flowers have begun to bloom, and the sun warms us with longer days. It is a time of growth, regeneration and rebirth. Spring is time to address the health of the mind, body, and spirit. The energy of spring is abundant with the Wood element in Chinese Medicine; a time of immense, irrepressible growth. In Spring, the Wood element is considered New Yang.

It all begins with an idea.

We determine a person's Chinese Astrological Animal by birth year based on the Chinese New Year's Day. You cannot determine your Chinese Astrological Animal by birth year only. The common astrology birth chart doesn't use the Chinese New Year's day to calculate the birth chart.

Kidneys are the source of all energy (Chi) within the body, and they store the reserves of Chi we need to handle stress and change, heal, prevent illness and age in health. Much like the parasympathetic system of the body, Kidneys provide the energy to spring forward into health.In winter, make sure to nurture and nourish Kidney Chi, as it is easy to feel zapped and easily depleted of energy.

Traditional health sciences of India and China share many similiar concepts.  Ayurveda, the ancient tradition of India, is usually translated as "science of life". Chinese philosophy and social structure are integrally related to the harmony of body and spirit. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine see  these concepts as instructional, rather than scientific, and aimed at enhancing life. Both  systems  focus on balancing Energy for optimum health.

In celebrations of food around the New Year, many dishes and ingredients sound like Good Luck words and phrases, and foods become symbolic in eating and offering. Food offerings are a prayer to ancestors or the Jade Emperor and The Kitchen God.

Chinese Medicine sees Natures patterns, forms and seasons in our bodies and emotions. Each season is associated with an element, emotion, organ, and taste. Winter is the Element Water and associated with the Kidneys.