This is how I energise my body to the fullest extent!

According to a traditional Chinese proverb “Where there is no movement, there is pain. Where there is movement, there is no pain”. This is a reference to the importance of the flow of energy in the human body, a tenet on which TCM is based. This ancient method, which has been passed on from generation to generation and is the product of observation and experiential knowledge, teaches us how we can use the flow of the energy of nature and, combined with specific foods and practices, bring body and spirit into balance. Personally, having studied in detail the teachings of TCM, I feel in harmony with the rhythms of nature and each season I incorporate all that nature offers to energise my organism to the fullest extent!

But let's take a closer look at what TCM tells us about the importance of the sequence of the seasons. TCM treats nature and man as a holistic system and shows us how to live in harmony with the seasons. According to TCM, there are five seasons—winter, spring, summer, late summer and autumn—and each is represented by an element of nature (water, wood, metal and fire) and affects specific organs and emotions. Therefore, living in harmony with the ever-changing tapestry of nature can enhance health and well-being.

Spring:

The time of the awakening of nature and of new beginnings. It is associated with the energy of wood, which is conducive the regeneration of plants and trees. It is the right time to remove toxins from the body, which is why it focuses on the liver and gallbladder. In spring, nature offers generously the right “means” for detoxification: grapefruit, beetroot, green leafy vegetables and green tea.

Summer:

The age of vigilance, growth and relationships. Plants grow and animals reproduce. It is associated with the energy of Fire, which is conducive to the creation of new relationships, joy, laughter and enthusiasm. Fire governs the health of the heart and circulatory system, as well as the small intestine. It is the right time to put physical activity in our daily lives and incorporate cold foods into our diet, such as fruits and salads.

Late summer:

It's the shortest season, lasting 4-6 weeks. It is a period of abundance, as plants and animals have grown and borne their fruits. It is associated with the energy of the Earth, which governs the feeling of stability, referring to Mother Earth which provides food and protection for her young, giving them space to grow. It affects the stomach, that is, the digestion process and the spleen, that is, the process of transporting the nutrients throughout the body. Most useful are organic foods and especially oats, quinoa, ginger and sweet potatoes.

Autumn: 

This is the time when nature gets rid of all that is superfluous. It holds the fruit and throws the leaves, which in turn enrich the soil, ensuring that the next cycle will have all the necessary substances to start over. It is associated with the energy of the metal, which represents purity and helps us connect with our spirit. Attention is focused on the lungs and colon, which although seemingly unrelated, actually serve the same purpose: the absorption of the substances necessary for our survival. For this reason, we limit foods which are conducive to the production of mucus, such as dairy products, and include in our diet spicy foods, such as garlic, ginger, mustard and radish.

Winter: 

A time of rest, regrouping  and… hibernation. A period of introversion and introspection, as we tend to spend more time at home, giving our body the opportunity to rest. It is associated with the energy of water, which represents feelings of fear and anxiety. It governs the kidneys and it is no coincidence that the best way to ensure that they stay in good shape is by drinking water to eliminate toxins. Foods which are conducive to this process are soups, beans, dark green vegetables, carrots and cabbage.

To learn more about what autumn and spring represent in TCM and how you can benefit in terms of health, emotional well-being and beauty, you can watch the related videos on my GoodLife by Gina YouTube channel!