Tibetan Medicine Health Preservation Illustrated

Author: Huang Fukai / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features:
[Excerpt:]
2. Winter Living
The twelfth and thirteenth months of the Tibetan calendar correspond to winter. These two months are colder than early winter, and dietary adjustments are similar to those in early winter. To guard against wind and cold, in addition to wearing thick, warm cotton clothing, you can increase your intake of fatty and greasy foods, such as stewed meat, lamb soup, and beef soup. It is also important to note that there are fewer green vegetables available during winter. A long-term diet rich in fatty meats can lead to nutritional imbalances, so it is essential to include as much green, vegetable-rich food as possible.
3. Spring Living
The second and third months of the Tibetan calendar correspond to spring. At this time, the snow-covered plateau of Tibet begins to transition from extreme cold to warmth. Although yang energy starts to awaken, the weather remains very cold, with snow falling and fierce winds howling. Spring arrives slowly. After enduring the harsh cold of winter, the body's wind () is less likely to manifest. As spring progresses and the sun becomes gentler, body surface pores gradually open, allowing yang energy to disperse outward while stomach yang () declines (i.e., body temperature begins to dissipate, and internal heat like stomach fire starts to weaken). Wind-related illnesses become more prone to occur. To suppress the early signs of wind illness, it is advisable to consume foods rich in the three bitter, pungent, and astringent flavors. Examples include aged barley porridge, the meat of birds or wild animals that inhabit arid regions, as well as light and coarse foods like honey, hot water, and ginger tea. At the same time, engage in activities like walking in warm places to promote blood circulation and relieve stiffness in the body's veins, tendons, and bones. Use dry flour like pea flour to scrub the body to eliminate wind illness. It is best to live in a forest garden filled with flowers and trees, where the air is fragrant and shady.