Greater Snow (Daxue) Solstice Health Guide: Storing Yang Qi, Heat, and Body Fluids Three Key Points for a Comfortable Winter

Greater Snow (Daxue) Solstice Health Guide: Storing Yang Qi, Heat, and Body Fluids Three Key Points for a Comfortable WinterDecember 6th marks the Greater Snow (Daxue) solstice, one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. The saying goes, "Neglect health during the Greater Snow, and you'll fall ill next year

Greater Snow (Daxue) Solstice Health Guide: Storing Yang Qi, Heat, and Body Fluids Three Key Points for a Comfortable Winter

December 6th marks the Greater Snow (Daxue) solstice, one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. The saying goes, "Neglect health during the Greater Snow, and you'll fall ill next year." As the weather turns bitterly cold, the body's Yang Qi (positive energy) becomes dormant, Yin Qi (negative energy) dominates, and metabolic rate slows down. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes "Nourishing and Storing" (Yang Zang) during this period, focusing on preserving internal Yang Qi and vital essence to withstand the approaching harsh winter. Han Dongyan, chief physician of the Nephrology Department at Guang'anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, points out that adapting to the season and following natural laws are crucial for healthy living during the Greater Snow solstice. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (Huangdi Neijing) also states, "In the three months of winter, this is called closure and storage going against this will harm the kidneys." This implies that overexerting Yang Qi and defying winter's natural closure will damage the kidneys. Therefore, during the Greater Snow solstice, health preservation should prioritize "storing Yang Qi," "storing heat," and "storing body fluids."

I. Storing Yang Qi: Early to Bed, Late to Rise, and Keep Warm

Maintaining a healthy routine begins with adjusting sleep patterns: go to bed early and wake up late (following the rhythm of sunrise and sunset). Early sleep effectively preserves Yang Qi and maintains body warmth, while waking up later helps nurture Yin Qi, ensuring balance.

In addition to adjusted sleep schedules, keeping warm is paramount. The head, neck, back, and feet are areas where Yang Qi is most easily lost and require extra protection against cold invasion. Wear warm clothing such as wool sweaters and down jackets, and don't forget hats, scarves, and gloves to protect the head, neck, and extremities. Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, avoiding extremes of heat and cold, ensure good ventilation, and get sufficient sleep for complete rest and recovery. Adequate sleep is essential for nurturing Yang Qi.

II. Storing Heat: Warm Foods and Energy Replenishment

Dietary choices during the Greater Snow solstice should focus on warm foods to replenish energy and combat the cold. Select warming foods like beef, mutton, chicken, and duck, rich in protein and fat, providing ample energy to resist the cold. Mutton stew with radish is a classic winter tonic. Mutton is warm, nourishing, and invigorates the spleen and stomach; radish clears heat and phlegm. This combination provides nourishment without excessive heat.

Increase your intake of black foods. TCM believes that black foods nourish the kidneys and protect against cold. Black sesame, black beans, and black rice are excellent choices, rich in nutrients beneficial for health.

Maintain adequate hydration even in winter, drinking at least 1500-2000ml of warm water or warm teas like black tea or goji berry tea daily to maintain normal metabolism and eliminate toxins. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods, and ensure balanced nutrition for optimal energy replenishment.

III. Storing Body Fluids: Gentle Exercise, Avoid Excessive Sweating

While it's cold, moderate exercise remains important for improving blood circulation and strengthening the body. Avoid strenuous exercise that leads to excessive sweating, as this depletes Yang Qi and body fluids. Opt for gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Baduanjin (Eight Brocades), or yoga. These activities promote blood flow and flexibility without excessive energy expenditure.

Detailed Explanation of Baduanjin (Eight Brocades) Qigong:

Baduanjin, an ancient health-preserving Qigong, is beloved for its simple movements and significant benefits. Here's a detailed description of the eight movements:

1. Two Hands Raise to Heaven to Regulate the Three Jiao: This movement, by "raising hands to heaven," regulates the Qi and blood and Yin and Yang of the Three Jiao (energy centers), improving endocrine function.

2. Drawing a Bow Like a Shooting Eagle (Left and Right): The "drawing a bow" movement coordinates the liver and lungs, promoting smooth Qi flow and relieving liver and lung Qi stagnation.

3. Adjusting the Spleen and Stomach with Single Arm Raising: This movement, with upward and downward arm movements, stretches the chest and shoulders, lengthens the spine, and regulates the Qi and blood of the spleen and stomach, improving digestion.

4. Looking Back to Alleviate the Five Strains and Seven Injuries: This "looking back" movement regulates internal organs, clears the Ren and Du meridians, relieving eye strain and improving cervical spine issues.

5. Shaking the Head and Tail to Eliminate Heart Fire: Shaking the head and tail balances Yin and Yang and regulates internal organ function, relieving headaches and dizziness.

6. Two Hands Clasp Feet to Strengthen Kidneys and Waist: This large-range bending movement strengthens the kidneys and waist, clearing meridians and regulating Qi and blood, promoting growth and development. It is beneficial for lumbar health.

7. Clenching Fists and Glaring to Increase Strength: This movement increases strength. Its gentle, flowing movements combine relaxation and exertion to improve mental and physical strength.

8. Seven Bounces on the Back to Eliminate Hundred Diseases: The "seven bounces on the back" regulate internal organ Qi and blood function and eliminate illness. Gentle bouncing relaxes the mind and promotes circulation.

Other Health Recommendations:

In addition to the three key points above, massaging the Yongquan (Bubbling Spring) acupoint can aid health preservation. Located at the bottom of the foot, massaging this point stimulates the Kidney meridian, promoting sufficient Kidney Yang Qi to resist cold, prevent colds and joint pain, and improve sleep.

During the Greater Snow solstice, prioritize warmth, avoid overexertion, and maintain a positive mood for a comfortable winter. Scientific health preservation methods can help you navigate the winter healthily and build up energy for the coming year. Remember, consistency is key; only through perseverance can you achieve lasting health and longevity.

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