Seasonal Node : Small Seasonal Snow
Photo by @andy_hyd
Sunday November 22nd, Small Snow seasonal node began. The three smaller segments of Small Snow allow us the gradual unfolding of the new, Yin, Winter season –They are called: Rainbows Stay Hidden Out of Sight, Heaven Qi Ascends While Earth Qi Descends, and All is Blocked Up and Has Completed Winter. In other words we may feel literally divided, as our material body begins to register the damp and cold - sore joints, some aches and old memory injury pains may show up to say “hi”. A cleansing may occur which manifests in more mucus coming up and out-(dampness), and is the perfect opportunity for a light cleanse/detox even in the form of a minimizing of junk foods - sugar - salt baths, fire gazing, being aware of and connecting with our lungs - nurturing them with long thin slow breathing and inhalation of seasonal elixirs, herbs, aromas. Our bodies are always ready to assist us when we commit to better health.
Guidelines for Small Snow are similar to previous seasonal nodes. The thing to focus on to ensure health this segment of Winter is to nourish the kidneys and protect the Yang Qi. Go to bed early and rise late, or as old masters advise: You must wait for the shining of the sun. Enjoy the early morning sun as much as possible this time of year - you will notice the animals are all taking advantage of its warmth with early morning and even sunset sunbaths.
Since at a fundamental level kidney represents the water phase, it is just a symbol in the body for the movement of Winter – quiescence and storage. Being a little more quiet, a little more rested, and a little more inward-directed puts us in resonance with the Qi of Winter.
The main environmental Qi for the time period from Small Snow to Small Cold is cold. Cold easily harms the kidneys, and thus nourishing kidney is vital. Again visualize your kidneys and connect with them. Many cultures will wrap a scarf, blanket, or extra fabric around their waist as a kidney protector or warmer. I always do this during this time of year. It warms my waist/low back area as I walk/do movement exercises, and even serves as a little pad if I want to sit outdoors temporarily to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. Focus on staying warm. Another practice I always exercise this time of year is to wear a hat or headband- something to easily cover my ears when damp/wind/or cold appear.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the ears are considered to be the openings of the kidneys on the surface of the body and the two ears communicate with our brain. When kidney essence is transformed into the marrow, part of the marrow collects to form the “sea of marrow” which makes up the brain and spinal column, which are are responsible for neurological functions as well as intelligence. Aging is related to the depletion of kidney essence - so always good to take care of your ears. I also, several times a week, massage my ears with sesame oil thoroughly and visualize increasing my kidney energy.
As the weather gets colder another pitfall is stagnation of Qi and Blood. As a result many will complain of an increase in pain and stiffness. One of the best formulas for moving Qi and Blood is to increase movement. I encourage you to engage in some regular movement activity or exercise, especially something rotational, rounding, flowing. If the weather allows, walking outside is great, or if the weather is bad then doing some easy exercise inside is a good substitute.
Diet should also be modified to match the Small Snow node. A very simple recommendation is to take a small amount of fresh ginger every morning just before breakfast, or alternately start the morning with a light ginger tea. Ginger warms and protects the Yang, and circulates Qi and Blood internally, thus satisfying the basic recommendations previously mentioned. Mild Ginger footbaths are excellent as well - footbaths harmonize the Heart and the Kidneys:)
The other basic idea to follow for diet is to avoid foods that create internal heat rising, and incorporate foods that are gently heat clearing and Qi descending. This may sounds a bit contradictory, but the ancient Chinese realized this time of year people are prone to eating more meat. Before refrigeration this time of year there would be less access to fresh fruits and vegetables. If people consume more meat than usual over the next few weeks - think Thanksgiving with lots of turkey and heavy desserts - they may be prone to internal heat from diet. The way to counteract this is consuming just a little heat clearing and Qi descending foods. One traditional food for Small Snow that does this is daikon, while small amounts of bitter greens, or more salty foods are also appropriate.
Recipes that include daikon radish, onion, ginger and cilantro (detoxer) will warm the stomach, supplement your Qi and restore vigor to a weak body. I wish everyone a peaceful and introspective holiday, hoping you are able to connect with those you love in whatever way is best for you and your health!