[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]January 25 marks the start of a new Year, and the Rat is the first animal in a 12-year calendar cycle. Remember 2008? We were wrapping up a very difficult time, and Hope and Change were the new operative words, our mantra. Well, here we are again! If you’ve been feeling the weight of current events, rest assured that the times, they are a-changing, and the 2020 element of Metal assures us that rejuvenation has begun! We have just finished a year that was governed by Earth element, where like a mountain, the energetics were weighty and dense; now we enter the Metal Element, where like air, movement is quick, and actions are
decisive.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine we consider Winter to be the time of Yin, the nutritive, cooling, fluid, dark, moist matrix of our bodies. Think cerebrospinal fluid, blood and plasma, and the synovial fluid in joints. Just as the nature is holding its blossoms internally whilst roots replenish with Earth’s nourishment, our nature asks that we be quiet, inward, reflective in these Winter months. We are then fortified to later greet Spring and to create and express when the days grow warmer and longer.
During this Yin period, I recommend that instead of adding another diet or self-help program, we simply nourish ourselves with organic cooked foods, which are easily digestible such as soups, stews and casseroles. Increase water intake to three liters each day; enjoy moderate movement such as stretching and walking for improved circulation; and restorative sleep of at least 8 hours each night. This is also a good time to consider intermittent fasting so that our bodies can repair themselves between digesting, detoxing and rebuilding. Because this is a time of reflection, adding meditation or journaling, either in guided settings or alone is also helpful in nourishing your soil to plant the seeds of creativity for Spring.
This year of Metal governs the Lung and Large Intestine systems, our first line of immune defense. Because Winter is the season of viruses in the northern hemisphere, supplement with vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Zinc, as well as with herbs such as mushroom formulae to fortify defenses. As a convenience for you, I offer my favorite defense supplements, which can be found through the Full-Script Dispensary on my website: drsusanfox.com/shop. You’ll set up an account using your email address for order and direct ship to your home.
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