A Change in the Seasons…

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

As I went into town yesterday, my usual route to my favorite coffee shop was interrupted by a completely flooded street.  The rain was blustering from just about every direction and coming down in sheets & there’s sure to be snow coming down in the mountains.  Typical Portland weather you say?  Or just the commencement of Li Dong; the Winter season.  Not surprisingly, yesterday did in fact mark the first day of the Winter Season according to the Chinese Calendar; known as Li Dong in Pinyin.  Pretty soon the snow will start accumulating and we will be in the full swing of Winter.

The Winter months, according to the Chinese Five Element system, Wu Xing, correlate to the Water element.  The energy of Water relates to darkness, cold, stillness and conservation.  It is said to govern the Kidneys, the ears and the bones &  is representative of intelligence, wisdom, flexibility, softness and pliancy.  If one were to imagine the stillness of the ocean or the pliancy of a river or stream, one can comprehend the natural tendencies of the Water element in a healthy state.   Following the nature of the seasons, implies we conserve our energy during the Winter months for the coming of the Yang seasons; Spring and Summer.

“Water ascends to fullness in the frost of winter as plants  submerge their energy into their roots, animals thicken their hides, and ponds harden into ice.  Movement slackens as matter and energy concentrate.  This is a time of apparent quiescence and stasis, yet beneath the surface is the hidden activity of gestation and germination that will bring forth renewal in spring… During this period of hibernation the essence of life persists in its most primitive state… [water] is the source of our inherited intelligence”.

So take advantage of these shorter days, get some much needed rest and enjoy the changing of the seasons as the snow begins to accumulate and the temperatures fall.  I always get excited when the weather starts to change as it’s an excuse to cozy up in my warm clothes, cuddle up next to a fire (or a space heater) with a cup of hot tea & it always reminds me that the holidays are right around the corner complete with home-baked pies and good times with family and friends.

Source: Beinfeld, Harriet Lac., Korngold, Efrem Lac., Between Heaven & Earth, Random House, New York, NY, 1991., Wu Xing, www.wikipedia.com; Chinese Calendar, www.wikipedia.com

 

About eresko

I am a licensed Acupuncturist and NCCAOM Board certified Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. I live in Hailey, Idaho, where I have an Acupuncture practice, Erin Hill Acupuncture as well as a type of Integrative Wellness Care practice, Tune Up. I am also a Level I & II certified Kettlebell Instructor and teach private classes in the Wood River Valley, Idaho. I have been very active in sports and athletics since I can remember. I received my BS in Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado @ Boulder. In my practice I utilize all modalities to help get you where you want to be, whether with Acupuncture, Nutrition, or Kettlebell training. I am well versed in treating Sports specific conditions; pain, injuries, strains & sprains and use my knowledge of the body both from a Chinese Medical standpoint and a traditional Western one; a concept that most of my patients are familiar with. In addition, I incorporate my knowledge of the physical body & how we move, where restrictions, pain, or tightness may reside and how that, in turn, affects the internal organs or vice versa. For each individual that walks through my door, I am able to assess what each person needs as far as therapy to achieve their goals. Each person is different, inside and out and treatments should reflect that. Among my modalities, I use Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Tuina (a type of Chinese bodywork), Japanese style Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Nutrition, and Lifestyle coaching as well as my Kettlebell training for rehab and for improving one's fitness level.
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1 Response to A Change in the Seasons…

  1. Did you say home-baked pies? Like an apple one? xo

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