Advice for Living & Eating Seasonally

Valerie Schwankl
July-August 2017 • Vol 3, No 93

To have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese medicine, I often encourage my patients to explore the art of seasonal living. The relationship between yin and yang, and the theory of the five elements are two of the foundations upon which all of Chinese medicine is built. The five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) are cyclical and represent a continuous natural movement that can be felt and observed throughout the changing seasons.

The Fire element is most strongly felt during the summer season, a time of full expression. The seeds of spring are coming to fruition and there is an upward and outward movement of yang energy, which can be seen and felt all around us.

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