Seasonal Nodes : Major Cold
Today, Monday January 20th, is the start of the Major Cold Seasonal Node. Here in our area, this year is slightly warmer than last. Last week we had much more temperate weather, but this week we are getting more typical January temperatures, and there’s even a little snow on the ground reminding us that it is Winter.
The days are slowly getting longer, and in the morning the birds are singing more than they were even just a few weeks ago. The bird songs were a reminder that Major Cold is the last node of the traditional Chinese year, and we are now only days away from the Lunar New Year, and about two weeks away from the solar New Year and the Beginning of Spring seasonal node.
The three material manifestations of Major Cold are Hens Begin to Breed, Birds of Prey Act Fierce and Swift, and Rivers and Lakes are Frozen Within. The domestic animal associated with Spring is the chicken, and during Major Cold hens are getting ready to become pregnant with baby chicks that will hatch in Spring. Thus, even though the weather outside is still very cold, Yang is definitely on its way back as the gradual lengthening of the days attests to.
As the name suggests, the Major Cold Seasonal Node is the time of the year when we contend with the cold. The first thing that Chinese medicine recommends for this time is to eat clear and easily digested foods. Why is this? Eating clear and easily digested foods allows the Spleen and Stomach to move and transform appropriately, and to build Qi. If foods are too heavy, greasy sweet foods, then the ability of the Spleen and Stomach to move and transform is impaired. Easy to digest foods ensures that we continue to build Qi to get ready for the upcoming spring.
As already mentioned, during Major Cold we should emphasize consuming easily digested foods that protect internal warmth and strengthen the middle. Recommended foods are rice, glutinous rice, yams, peanuts, clear soups like chicken soup, and cooked vegetables. In general avoid raw vegetables, cooling fruits, very greasy meats, and very sweet deserts. When cooking make frequent use of fresh ginger, and other mildly warming spices like nutmeg.
In addition to protecting the Spleen with food, during Major Cold it is also important to consume foods that guard against dryness, and in particular Lung dryness. Traditional recommendations for food include consuming white wood ear mushrooms and pears, especially Asian pears. A great traditional tea for Major Cold is Goji Berry and Red Date Tea. I also add Red Dates to Broth for a tiny bit of mild sweetness. This tea supplements and moistens the Kidney and Liver, nourishes blood and supplements the Spleen.
Foot baths, extra rest and sleep plus gentle massage of the lower back are all excellent ways to bring balance and health this time of year. Major Cold is specifically associated with the 3rd lumbar vertebra. There are 24 total vertebrae corresponding one to each of the seasonal nodes, and this association is well known in esoteric Daoist circles. So in light of that and excellent practice for Major Cold is to sit quietly, starting with vigorously rubbing the palms together to get them as warm as possible. Then, place the hands on the low back in the area of L-3 feeling the warmth of the hands penetrating the back. After that rub the back to warm the area, or gently tap the low back.
So here’s to staying warm, enjoying the last weeks of hibernation and quiet - Spring will be here soon!