A Seasonal Message from my teacher, Master Peng
Tom Pasley, Keys for Healing
tpasley@massagetherapy.com
On Thursday, October 22nd, the eighteenth phase of the Chinese seasonal calendar begins. Frost Descent represents the sixth and final stage of autumn in the Chinese seasonal calendar. By the time we reach the sixth stage of any season we start to see dramatic shifts manifesting in nature, and by aligning our attitudes and behaviors to coincide with these changes we can resonate harmoniously with this seasonal flow.
Throughout the first five cycles of autumn the downward slide of temperature gathered momentum. As we enter Frost Descent the temperature drops quickly and mercilessly. As the final traces of autumnal warmth falls away, the way is paved for the weather to march triumphantly onward and unhindered towards winter. The morning frost encountered over the next two weeks is a preview of things to come.
The theme associated with this seasonal cycle is the penetrating power of cold. Animals have fur to protect their internal organs from the onslaught of the cold weather and the birds that can’t tolerate the sting of winter migrate south to warmer climates. Since spending the winter in Florida is not an option for most of us, we need to develop strategies to insulate our internal organs from the Cold Qi that can damage them.
One simple strategy is to realize that summer is long gone. Dress appropriately. Switch from cotton fabrics to wool ones. Don’t wear skimpy cotton T-shirts or short skirts outdoors. Minimize the exposure of your bare skin. Cold Qi likes to penetrate the body through the soles of the feet. So, protect yourself by wearing wool socks. That tactic alone is worth a dozen flu shots.
Besides warm clothes, nourish your body with warm porridges and teas. Avoid cold and icy drinks. I like to drink warm, homemade nut milk sweetened with dates before venturing out into the cold. We make it fresh at home daily using a soy milk maker. And throughout the day I drink tea or sip warm water with lemon and I avoid cold drinks of any kind.
Whenever I venture outdoors, I wear at least one layer of wool or cashmere and a wind resistant outer shell to insulate myself from the cold. That's my "fur." The combination of the warmth of the liquids inside my body and the warmth of my clothes on the outside of it keeps my internal organs protected and happy.
Meditation is another effective strategy to insulate the body from the cold. Here is a simple technique you can apply over the next six months to generate internal heat. Begin by rubbing your ears back and forth vigorously for thirty seconds. This action warms up and strengthens the kidneys, the root of vitality. Then inhale strongly (breathing through your nose) from the perineum, up the spine, and to the top of your head. Then exhale strongly (also through the nose) down the front of your body and back down to your perineum. Repeat this breathing sequence nine times.
When you are finished, visualize a fire glowing inside your belly. Feed the fire wooden logs and watch it grow into a warming blaze. Allow the warmth to radiate into your internal organs. Keep this internal fire burning over the next six months. When the fire diminishes, rub your ears and repeat the breathing sequence until the flame glows brightly once more.
Frost Descent lasts fifteen days until the Start of Winter begins. Until then, keep your toes and kidneys toasty and your belly fire warm.
