Holistic Health January 2008
The Five Seasons of Health
by Clarissa Vargas
Each year, we witness the changes that occur in nature with the coming of each season—even in relatively mild parts of the world like Southern California. Our own bodies go through shifts and changes with the cycles of the planet as well. The phases of chi (energy) that give birth to the universe and its transformations form the five seasons with their personalities, characteristics and influences in our lives. Living our daily existence in accordance with these seasonal traits helps us to be healthier, more efficient and happier physically, emotionally and spiritually. A listing of seasonal characteristics and recommendations of how to live in harmony with them based on the Chinese Taoist view of the human energy system is outlined below.
Winter: The season of winter relates to the water element. You may feel more emotional as it is an inward and sensitive time of year. It is the perfect environment to reflect and be more aware of your senses as you seek replenishment, warmth and rest. This season influences the kidneys and bladder. Therefore, you need to drink lots of water (one-half of your body’s weight in ounces throughout the day, in between meals). This fluid of life is important for functions like the circulation of blood, lymphatic flow, and to aid the kidneys in filtering out and eliminating unneeded substances through the urine. Avoid consuming too much salt as it may cause water retention. The winter diet should be warming and substantial with lots of steamed and baked vegetables, soups, proteins, whole grains, ocean foods, and seaweeds. To tone and rejuvenate, herbal teas, especially from roots, are helpful as well. Indoor exercises like yoga, tai chi, and breathing relaxation techniques are beneficial in winter.
Spring: Spring is nature’s birthing season. It is a time of creation and development. It is also a time to take a look at your old patterns and make new plans for the future. The parts of the body that we need to balance and keep healthy during this time of year are the liver and gallbladder. The liver stores and distributes nourishment for the entire body. It also filters toxins from the blood. The liver cells make bile, which aid in digestion and storage in the gallbladder to be used in the small intestine for the emulsification of fats. Too much of any food is not good and excess alcohol, chemicals, drugs, fried oils, and meats can be especially toxic to the liver and gallbladder. Eat whole, unprocessed foods free of pesticides and preservatives, fresh vegetables, juices, salads and sprouted grains. Spring cleaning is important in order to get rid of excess waste build up in tissues and organs. Fasting and detoxification with supervision will enhance vitality and physical rejuvenation, and will facilitate proper physiology. Spring is a good season to experience bodywork and massage therapy.
Summer: Summer begins with the longest day of the year, June 21. It is nature’s season of growth and the manifestation of ideas and plans with enthusiasm and joy! Love is the emotion of this season. Giving and receiving unconditional love is felt as the heart rules the summer. It is a time of integration of your inner and outer worlds. In summer, practice your communication skills and let your feelings speak. It is important to clean and oxygenate the blood to carry heat and nourishment throughout the body. Summer diets should be organic. Eighty percent of the foods you consume should be alkaline, such as fruits and vegetables; twenty percent should be acidic foods, proteins and carbohydrates. Avoid mucous-forming foods like sugar, dairy, yeast, gluten and processed and overcooked foods. This will clean the villi of the small intestine and help you to receive the most nourishment from the foods you eat. Eat five small meals per day every three hours. Also, brush your skin every day before taking a cool shower. This will make your skin softer, lighter and cooler. Get adequate recreation time outdoors and live outdoors during the day and night as much as possible to receive the sun’s energy. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas or herbal/fruit waters in a glass bottle.
Late Summer/Indian Summer: This is an extra energy cycle in the Chinese/Taoist view of the seasons. It is a transition period. During this time, it is important to stay centered and grounded. The emotions of sympathy and compassion are felt strongly during this time. Get ready to manifest thoughts, views, and opinions. It’s a time to go back to school or work. Nature and earth are rich as it is harvest time. Pay special attention to the stomach, spleen and pancreas. Chewing is very important; it is the first step of digestion. Avoid drinking liquids during meals to facilitate digestion. Food combining is important as well. Do not mix carbs and protein and eat more protein-rich foods—beans, whole grains and vegetables. Herbal teas to aid in better digestion include chamomile, peppermint and anise seed. Do exercises that promote sweating and build a program with weights and repetitive routines.
Autumn: Autumn days bring inspirational ideas and the completion of projects. It is a time to learn new skills. Mental clarity and well-being involve a positive self-image and caring for yourself and others. Spend time in activities that promote these things. The ability to relax is important so practice meditation and cultivate your virtues in the fall. Do what gives you inner satisfaction. Physically, this is a time to pay attention to the lungs and large intestines. Constipation is a very common problem and often comes along with colds and respiratory problems. The major cause is the wrong diet so concentrate on eating more roughage and fiber-rich foods. Also, avoid overeating as too much food intake creates poor intestinal elimination. It may also affect the skin as well as create a back up of toxicity that creates tension and exhaustion. Keep the nose and sinuses clean by occasionally rinsing them with sea salt and water. Detox baths and detox herbal programs as well as colon hydrotherapy will keep toxins down and reduce plaque in the walls of the large intestine, helping you feel energized and rejuvenated. Health begins with becoming aware of your energy and its balance. You are what you eat, absorb and eliminate.
May this information help you experience health and peace in the coming year!
Clarissa Vargas is a holistic health practitioner, nationally certified colon hydrotherapist and certified whole foods nutrition counselor at Radiance Day Spa,“The Wellness Center,” 4605 Cass St., Pacific Beach, 858.272.6337.