The 4 seasons of the body
In nature, the seasons follow each other in an unchanging order: in Chinese medicine, it is the same with the seasons of the body, each starting an energy cycle that links the organs together.
The cycle starts with the liver, the element of spring. The liver then transmits its energy to the heart, associated with summer. Then the heart transmits its energy to the spleen (during the Indian summer) which transmits it to the lung in autumn, which finally transmits it to the kidney when winter arrives …
When this cycle goes smoothly, energy circulates and recharges our body. But it suffices for an organ to weaken for the flow of energy to be blocked. The relationship between the flow of energy and the seasons is therefore one of the keys to Chinese medicine.
The changing energy of spring
In plants, the sap rises to feed the young shoots: in our body energy comes alive in the liver and gallbladder.
In Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for “managing” energy and ensuring its proper distribution in our body. But it is also the liver which is responsible for nourishing the tendons, muscles and nails. The gallbladder supports it in all of these functions.
When there is imbalance
An imbalance in the circulation of energy in the spring organs can cause digestive disorders, headaches, period pain … and since the energy of the liver nourishes the muscles and tendons, our muscles are tense and our tendons are hardened when the liver is disturbed. Finally, the liver being linked to the functioning of the eyes, the lack of energy can cause eye fatigue, conjunctivitis …
The burning energy of summer
Summer is the time of maturity, when the fruits are ready to be picked. In our body, the energy that circulates is powerful and comes alive in the heart. The energy of the heart depends on the quality of all the vessels through which the blood circulates, from the arteries to the small capillaries. The small intestine supports it in this function.
When there is imbalance
Disorders related to summer organs are manifested either by excess heat (palpitations, rashes, circulatory disorders) or, conversely, by a slowing down of functions (general fatigue, hypotension, anemia).
The cool energy of autumn
Nature prepares the winter period of sleep that will follow: the body is preparing to fight against the aggressions of winter. It is the energy of the lung that embodies the fall inside the body and which will circulate all the body fluids in the body. For Chinese medicine, breathing is not only a physiological function but also an energy function: its flow and reflux give rhythm to the diffusion of energy in all the meridians. The lung is supported in its task by the large intestine.
When there is imbalance
It is all the vital energy that is slowed down: disorders linked to the lung are manifested by respiratory or nasopharyngeal problems, of course, but also skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, acne) or a decrease in defenses. immune.
The cold energy of winter
In nature, it is a period of waiting, of rest but not of inactivity; in our body, energy manages what is bound to water through the kidneys and bladder. The kidney is also responsible for bone strength and bone marrow regeneration, as well as the energy of sexuality, the Jing.
When there is imbalance
The emptiness of the energy of the kidney manifests itself by physical, psychic or sexual weakness. Kidney stones, chronic cystitis or nephritis may appear. But since the relationship between the kidney and the lung is close, this drop in energy can also result in coughing, shortness of breath, asthma, angina …
