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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Autumn is ruled by Metal, and  time to gather and organise for winter, return inside and reflect on life. We use metal to help us collect and harvest in the form of tools and vessels. This is a time to seek to restore balance in the world and in ourselves.

There are some reasonable comparisons of Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. The Chinese system describes excess and deficiency conditions, and the Ayurvedic system depicts excitation or disturbance (Vitiation), and sluggishness of the doshas. These imbalances correspond with Chinese excess and deficiency theory.