Acupuncture for Every Season

One of the things I love about Traditional Chinese Medicine is that it originated in a time when people were much more in sync with nature. It has become a way to bring that knowledge forward so that we may continue to benefit from it. While modern technologies like electricity and plumbing certainly support the comfort of our lives, they also create separation for us from the rhythms and teachings of the natural world.

Water & Winter

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, water is the element associated with winter. Water flows downward to cool dark places. During this time of year everything living seems to pull its energy inward and downward, deep within the cocoon of the earth. In the writings of Rudolph Steiner the earth stores the vibrancy of the sun. When the sun withdraws a bit in winter, the depth of the earth becomes the source of accessing this vital life force.

We know that many plants appear to stop growing in this cold dark season when in reality they are growing downward. This will give them increased support and strength to be more upwardly expansive in the coming seasons.

Courage & New Promises

The wisdom keepers of the past often looked to nature as teacher and guide on how to live. Nature models for us that when it is most dark around us is the best time to dig deep inside to find vital life force, support, and strength.

We see that this is a time of building courage, wisdom, as well as new hope and promises. What we cultivate now is the foundation for our outward expansion in the coming yearly cycle. The expansive yang energy quietly simmers inside, waiting for the right moment to spring forth again.

Questions to ask yourself in this season

How can I cultivate an embodied connection with the divine? Through prayer, meditation, dance, time in nature?

We access our life force by doing things we are passionate about. Ask youself, how am I getting in touch with my vital life force on a daily basis?

Am I living in alignment with my authentic self?

When the bright lights and distractions recede, we can see parts of ourselves more clearly. What dreams or parts of yourself have been silently waiting for your attention?